Fall Time Favorites
October 1st, 2025
Writer: Nicolette Peremen
Editor: Sophia Wohl
While it might not appear as such right now, slowly but surely the air around us is becoming crisper and the leaves are beginning their fiery transition. After the long–and seemingly still going summerfall–autumn appears like an old friend. This season–my personal favorite–feels like the perfect happy medium, both for temperature and adventures. Regardless if you are a pumpkin spice lover or a foliage enthusiast, autumn has a way of sealing us in nostalgia and delight. Here’s a list of fall favorites that make the season what it is and more:
Pumpkins Galore!
We should be honest with ourselves: fall would not be what it is without its pumpkins. From lattes to pies, soups to candles, the humble gourd reigns supreme. Pumpkin spice lattes are the unofficial beverage of the season, and for good reason; however, the pumpkin infatuation extends far beyond coffee shops. Home cooks and chefs alike enjoy pumpkin in savory dishes. This is your opportunity to try something new: creamy pumpkin risotto, roasted pumpkin with sage and garlic, and even pumpkin chili, all meals that do not get the recognition they so desperately deserve. There seems to be a guilty pleaser for popular bakery items, such as pumpkin bread, muffins, and cheesecakes. On top of it all, pumpkins make for excellent decor. Pumpkins of all sizes and hues cover porches, mantels, and dining tables, lending a rustic touch to any place. Truthfully, whether you are carving, boiling, or simply enjoying them, pumpkins are the golden thread that connects fall.
The Unbeatable Sweater Weather
Fall fashion celebrates texture, warmth, and simple layering. As temperatures begin their descent, prepare to trade out your breezy summer dresses for thick knits, flannel shirts, and toasty cardigans. Ankle boots–perfectly paired with thick, warm socks–consistently make a triumphant return. You can add to the fall style by also including denim or corduroy jeans. But do not forget your scarves, either! Apart from acting as defense against the cold, scarves live on as the perfect statement piece.
Speaking of statements: the autumn color schemes make their transition to earthy tones like rust, mustard, forest green, and deep burgundy. These colors not only mirror the shifting landscape, but also provide a sense of anchored comfort. Promise me that you will never take for granted the delight of finding your favorite fall wardrobe pieces that have been packed away since last year. It truly is deeply wonderful to put on a favorite sweater that still smells faintly of last season’s bonfires and cinnamon.
Fall Flicks & Fireside Nights
As the days shorten and the nights lengthen, fall beckons us to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of home. Movie marathons will become a weekend tradition, especially as the stress of school progresses throughout the semester. With fall comes the revival of great classics: When Harry Met Sally, Hocus Pocus, Dead Poets Society, and Good Will Hunting. All of these truly unforgettable films perfectly compliment cozy settings and seasonal backdrops. Board games, riddles, and storytelling sessions also always make a resurgence. This stagnant fun transforms living rooms into hubs of friendship and laughter. Just because the weather makes it harder to go outside does not mean you have lost your community; you have simply relocated it into the comfort of your home.
Stop and Smell the Candles
As I write this article, aside me is a cafe latte scented candle. The aroma was enough to calm my nerves of the day and allow me to re-immerse myself with my surroundings. I believe the best way to describe fall is as a sensory feast. Scented candles have become essential decor, filling homes with cinnamon, clove, vanilla, amber, and wood smoke. Lighting one quickly transforms your home into a comfortable hideaway. Aside from candles, simmering pots packed with orange peels, cinnamon sticks, and cloves bubble slowly on stovetops. These ingredients emit a warm, longing aroma. Diffusers and wax melts are also–admittably safer–options, allowing for limitless combinations that can mimic virtually any fragrance you desire. This is true from a ramble in the woods to a freshly baked pie. Truthfully, the scents of the season are all around, you just have to look for them. The proper candle is enough to get the fall feeling going, even if it is still 80 degrees in Columbus.
Autumn is more than just one of four seasons; it is a sense of being. This season encapsulates the thrill of slowing down, enjoying the present moment, and discovering beauty in transition. With that, I urge you to grab your favorite sweater, prepare your favorite warm beverage, fall into your favorite blanket, and let this season work its much missed magic. Take the time to ask yourself, what does my ideal fall evening look like, and what can I do to bring it into fruition?
