Happy Tuesday, friends!
It’s another edition of Shay’s Ways 😉 .
If you missed my previous posts, you can catch them below…
21 Keys to Savoring Summer
21 Keys for Working at Home {Summer Edition}
25 Keys to Outdoor Summer Entertaining
25 Keys to Maintaining our Yard
25 Keys to a Peaceful Morning
18 Keys to Prepping for a Trip
14 KEYS TO SIMPLIFY BACK TO SCHOOL
Today, it’s all about two of my VERY favorite words…COZY and FALL 🙂 .
I’m sharing my 22 KEYS TO MAKING FALL COZY!
I am all about being COZY all year long, but during the fall and winter, I especially crank it up a notch. No matter what the weather is at your house right now, even if it’s still super hot outside, you can create a cozy little space to enjoy each day.
In no particular order, here are some of the ways I make our home cozy in the fall. Almost all of these ideas are easy, affordable and doable whether you live somewhere warm or somewhere cold.
My 22 KEYS TO MAKING FALL COZY…
1: BURN CANDLES. Burn them. From morning to night, there is just never a bad time to light a fall scented candle. Whether you enjoy apple, cinnamon or pumpkin scented candles like me or something else, the flicker of a wick and the scent of something lovely just makes a home cozier.
2: ADD SEASONAL PILLOWS. I love to swap out my pillows in the family room with seasonal ones this time of year. You don’t have to have an actual pumpkin on the fall pillow (but really, is there anything lovelier?!), you can just swap it out with a pillow cover that has warmer colors and/or textures…either way, just do it.
3: FILL A BASKET WITH BLANKETS. My family loves a blanket. Whether we’re watching the morning news or sitting down to an evening movie, we all must cover up with a a blanket. This time of year, fill a basket with cozy blankets to make cuddling that much easier.
4: LIGHT A FIRE. I don’t care what the temp is outside, if you have a fireplace (real or gas), light it.
5: SPRINKLE CINNAMON ON MOST THINGS. From oatmeal to cookies to everything in between, add a dash of the season’s favorite spice.
6: WELCOME PUMPKINS. Put them on your table, on your porch on your mantle…just put them everywhere this time of year.
7: CHANGE YOUR PANDORA STATION. I love listening to music seasonally. This time of year, I keep my Pandora station on Steve Tyrell Radio. It just makes me feel like I’m living in a Nora Ephron movie.
8: USE SEASONAL NAPKINS. I love to add seasonal napkins to my coffee bar drawer and dinner table. It instantly makes every little thing a bit cozier.
9: CHANGE OUT YOUR HAND SOAPS. I swap out the hand soaps by the kitchen sink and in the bathrooms from lavender and lemon to warm scents like chestnut and pumpkin this time of year.
10: BUY MUMS. They’re the flowers of the season. Add ’em to your porch and patio.
11: ADD A FESTIVE MAT. Welcome friends and family into your cozy space with a seasonal mat at the door.
12: SWAP YOUR SCENT. I go from beachy scents to warm ones this time of year. I’m currently loving Coffee Break as my perfume of choice.
13: USE LITTLE LAMPS. I never turn on my overhead lighting…instead, I rely on small lamps to give my spaces a warm and cozy vibe.
14: BUY THAT PUMPKIN SPICE COFFEE CREAMER. Every cup feels festive.
15: ADD LEAVES TO YOUR MANTLE. I love going to Hobby Lobby and buying a strand of fall garland to top my mantle. It adds instant coziness.
16: READ SEASONAL MAGAZINES. From Paula Deen to Southern Living, seasonal magazines will instantly inspire your fall girl mood.
17: PUT CINNAMON BROOMS IN YOUR CAR. I buy mine at Trader Joe’s. My car smells amazing in the fall.
18: PLACE GOURDS OUTDOORS. Welcome coziness before you even get out of the car. Put those gourds outside.
19: MAKE SEASONAL RECIPES. Make the soup. Make the chili. Make all the savory pumpkin recipes (I have so many you can see HERE!). Make all the fall food. It’s just cozier when you’re cooking in season right now. Speaking of which…
20: BAKE SOMETHING. Get out your cinnamon, your pumpkin pie spice and turn on the oven. It’s the perfect time to BAKE!!! I love it when my house smells like delicious fall baked goods. Today, I’m sharing a fall recipe that bakes in the oven that is guaranteed to make your entire house smell delicious. Every time I pop this in the oven, my family comments on how great the house smells. Bake something, friends!
21: DRINK CIDER. When we lived in Michigan, Andrew and I were obsessed with going to cider mills. There is just something so quintessentially fall about getting hot cider (and a donut!) from a cider mill. Now, I get almost as giddy when I walk into my grocery store or Trader Joe’s and see cider on display during the fall. Grab it, heat it up and enjoy! For grown ups, you can even add a splash of Fireball for an extra special treat.
22: USE FLANNEL SHEETS. Andrew and I first put flannel sheets on our bed in the winter and loved them so much that we now sleep in flannel sheets year around. We bought THIS SET and have loved them. We actually love our flannel sheets so much that this year, we’re going to take them with us to our VBRO when we ski! They’re not super hot, they’re cozy. Andrew Shull runs hot 24/7 and would say that they’re so soft and cozy (not hot and sweaty). Try them! They are perfect for fall!
Those are my 22 Keys for Making Fall Cozy! Now, it’s your turn!! What are little things you do to make fall cozy at your house? I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW!!!! Please comment and share!
I’ll see you all back here tomorrow, friends! Have the best day! xx
Elspeth says
I love to create seasonal budget lists of activities to do for fun in the seasons, especially fairs and festivals!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Erika Slaughter says
Wahooo!!! These sound divine! And I can’t wait to try those candles once my house is back to order!
Jennifer Goodwin says
I love this! Every year, I put out our fall décor at the beginning of September, regardless of the temperature outside. I can justify doing that because September is the month that ushers in the most wonderful time of year. I do all that you do, and have for years- blankets in a basket, candles, hand soaps at the sink, I also use Mrs. Meyer’s “acorn spice” scent to clean with- it smells like fall is great to use right before people come over. I have cozy jazz music going 24/7 almost and I rely on cozy lighting to warm up the spaces in our little home. I don’t switch out the bedding, but the minute the temperature drops, I add a cozy flannel blanket to our bed. I also change up with the books I read and add in a lot more suspense/mystery to my reading list. I love, love, LOVE this time of year.
Sheaffer says
I’m going to need to come over to take a nap in your bed. I CANNOT IMAGINE a flannel sheet not making me combust into flames. I need to try.
Mix and Match Mama says
You’re welcome in my bed any time. 😉
Stacy says
Hilarious, Shaeffer, I am way too hot to sleep on flannel sheets!
Em says
I will not even try. It sounds awful! Lol
Jess says
I love adding a seasonal fall tea into the end of my day! My favorite I believe you had recommended years ago, Harvey & Sons “Hot Cinnamon Spice”. Just a classic fall tea!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love that one!!! I have tried many of their teas and that one is by far my fave!
Sarah Wright says
I just picked up Celestial Seasonings tea from my local grocery store in the “Caramel Apple Dream” flavor and it is AMAZING! It’s decaf ( I don’t drink caffeine) and I’m going to stock up because I’m certain it’s seasonal. Be on the look out, highly recommend!
Laura says
Yes! Love that tea!!
SKeeter says
Have you tried the Hot Cinnamon Sunset?? It’s like the Hot Cinnamon Spice, but with some orange added. MMM!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I haven’t!!!
Beth Valenta says
Fall candles, Bath and Body has some great ones out, and pumpkins are my favorites, but I just decorated with a branch and put fall leaves on it. It hangs above a wooden mirror in my dining room. Sooo fun!
Heather says
Where in your car do you place the cinnamon broom?? Love this idea.
Mix and Match Mama says
Typically under my seat, in a back pocket or you know on the side of the door by my umbrella.
Cris says
Oooooo…I bet that makes your umbrella a delight to open!
Kristin Lyngaas says
Thank you thank you thank you 🧡
Paula R. says
Good Morning, Shay! Thanks for all the fall inspiration. One of my favorite fall things is that a group of girlfriends and I who are equally passionate about fall-created a “Fallelujah “ text thread where we could over-share ALL the fall memes, treats and fun favorite things related to fall. This morphed into a year-round text thread where we share festive things throughout the year in addition to life happenings. Also, we try to get together for a girlfriends night or mom’s night in to celebrate “Fall Fest or Fallelujah” and each person brings a favorite fall treat.
I also LOVE putting out my collection of fall-themed hand towels. They make me smile each time I see them. I also place fall leaf garlands with amber colored lights on my mantels. The warm, amber lights cast such a cozy glow in the evenings. Each year I buy straw bales and cornstalks and put them on my front porch. Decorating my porch with pumpkins and fall decor pieces brings me such joy. Also, simmering fall potpourri on the stove makes the house smell divine. I try to buy a few fall-themed Starbucks gift cards to use for teachers gifts or birthdays. They have adorable fall motifs on the cards this time of year. I had Covid pretty badly last fall and was in bed for almost 3 weeks. I felt like the character in the movie “While you were sleeping.” I woke up and fall was bursting forth. The first time I drove after 3 weeks I felt like everything was in technicolor. Covid definitely hijacked my autumn season last year so I’m going to Carpe Diem the life out of fall this year to make up for it. #fallelujah!
Paula R. says
Also, I love listening to the soundtrack from “Autumn in New York.” It is so moody and melancholy and sets the perfect mood for fall.
I also enjoy watching fall-inspired organization, cleaning and fall decorating youtube videos for inspiration
Mix and Match Mama says
I just LOVE that idea!!!! Paula, that’s fabulous!
Cris says
Bring out the fall mugs!
amy says
Thanks for the tips! I love to go for walks to watch the leaves turn, open my windows as the weather cools off, change out my wardrobe from bright summer colors to earthy fall colors, and try to go to a few fall festivals.
Laura says
Love the list! And 100% agree -cinnamon broom in the car FTW! A bit strong at first but then becomes perfect. Been doing that for a while and it’s so great! And a life saver from smelling van smells…lol I also started putting them in the bathroom, bc every time someone showers, it really brings out the cinnamon smell!
Lois Stansel says
I love fall colors so I have made several quilts that get hung on my walls, drapped, over furniture, and table runners. I have a fall village that gets displayed. Lots of leaf garlands
Also change out my pictures to paintings of fall scenes. I have five bins of fall decor.
Darcy says
I love everything about this post…this spring/summer person needs a lift towards embracing (versus dreading) the Fall/Winter season! I was just thinking yesterday that I need to switch out my Orange Blossom perfume for something more seasonal. I look forward to trying Coffee Break! Thank you for the inspiration….especially on this greyer/darker morning!
Mix and Match Mama says
You will love it! It’s such a lovely scent and not too heavy.
Paula R. says
I’m definitely going to incorporate these ideas and create a “Fall checklist” so I won’t rely solely on my mind remembering what I like to do each year, ha!
I pull out my fall tablecloths, with fall colored placemats or chargers to enjoy all season long.
I also like to put candy corn in apothecary jars on the counter.
Each season, I decorate my walk-in pantry. In fall, I pepper the shelves with copper canisters and brown nesting bowls and amber colored stacking pedestals and display all my canning jars with bounty from the garden. I love that rustic vibe. I love seeing what other gals love to do to enhance the fall season at home.
This could be another podcast episode, Shay! Hint, hint… and you could incorporate all the great crowdsourced ideas!
Heather says
Great tips! I do most of these. I’m adding the cinnamon broom to the car. Great idea!
Kacey says
YES to the pumpkins, yes to the baking, yes to the fall scents and cozy pillows, yes to it all!! The weather may not be cooperating just yet, but my house is in full Fall mode!
Jayme B says
I love all things Fall! Thank you for sharing your cozy vibes 🍁 May I ask how do you use regular sheets with the sleep number? Do you guys not have the split at the top? I’m hating our sleep number sheets & would like something cozier.
Mix and Match Mama says
We do not have the split mattress for our Sleep Number.
Patty says
I combust in Boll & Branch sheets, so I can’t imagine not combusting in flannel. Seriously, Andrew doesn’t get too hot?
Mix and Match Mama says
Seriously. He doesn’t want to sleep on anything else!
Alison says
Love these cozy fall ideas! What are your favorite candle scents for autumn? I’m in the market for some new ones 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Anything pumpkin or apple. Circle E, Life in Lilac and Magic Candle Co are my favorite brands!
Alison says
Thanks! I just bought several Magic Candle Co candles and can’t wait to try them! 🙂
Brandie says
Hi Shay! I’m looking at your flannel sheets. Have you had a problem with them pilling? Also do they take forever to dry? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
No and no!! They look just as good today as when I bought them and dry just as quickly as my other sheets.
MelanieL says
I bought the Lands End flannel sheets last fall and they have changed our lives, LOL! We love them so much and have kept them on all year, they are magical!
Mix and Match Mama says
YES, YES, YES!!!!!!! I need you to go tell Sheaffer this 😉 !
Laura C says
I want to try the flannel sheets now!!!! What color(s) do you have?
And I am a fall girl too!! (September birthday!)
Love your blog and your sweet family.
Mix and Match Mama says
I have both the white and the taupe. They’re really amazing!
Karen in Virginia says
Hi Shay,
Are you nervous about leaving all those candles burning all day and when you are out? I would be afraid a fire would start. Love the post!
Mix and Match Mama says
If everyone leaves the house, I will blow them out and then just relight them as soon as we’re back. I wouldn’t leave them going while I run errands, etc.
Nicole says
Hey Shay!! Do you take any supplements or anything extra? People are promoting everything now and I’m just curious what your routine is. Greens powder? Vitamins? Collagen? Thanks!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I do not take anything. Andrew takes some supplements, but one year (maybe 2015???) it was my New Year’s Resolution and I spent the whole year doing it and made myself sick (taking too many/wrong kind). I probably should…I’m just being too lazy right now to figure it out.
Natalie says
I am so bummed this year! Years ago you had recommended pumpkin spice almonds from target and I have been hooked ever since and they aren’t selling them this year .. boohoo I need something else amazing to try 😆
Mix and Match Mama says
What?! They are so delicious! I thought they just weren’t out yet, but they’re not coming back?! Boo.
Sharon says
I love this post and all the great comments. I’m dying to try a cinnamon broom, flannel sheets and Caramel Apple Dream tea. My fall suggestion is to watch football.
Tin-Tin says
Thank you for this post! I live in Sweden; beautiful and warm in the summer, but dreadful dark and cold when fall comes… Your tips really helped me! I’ve not been a fan of scented candles, but this will change now!
Mix and Match Mama says
Enjoy beautiful Sweden! Thank you for stopping by 🙂 .
MelanieL says
I wanted to come back to this post to let you know how you’ve inspired me to make our home and life more cozy..
1. I bought the pumpkin spice creamer; it truly puts me in the fall mood!
2. I added a small lamp to my newly remodeled kitchen (we went from 90’s oak to white), my hubby is turning it on every morning for me and I am just so happy about it!
3. I discovered YouTube fireplaces, LOL, and have been “lighting our fireplace” on the TV every morning while drinking my coffee and reading.
Making my fall cozy and my mornings happy have been a real treat! Thank you for all your awesome Ways!
Mix and Match Mama says
OH MY WORD! This makes me so happy!!!!! I’m going to YouTube that myself!! Thank you, thank YOU!