Some fall ideas

A little inspiration, like a well-worn catalog from 2009.

Aug 19, 2025

I love fall. I can’t help it. I was born in autumn, so perhaps it is infused into my bloo, with all of its spices, metals, wool, tea, and smoke. As soon as September 1st arrives, for me it is autumn.

Since we are nearing September, allow me to share some images and ideas with you to give us a head-start. Think of it like a blog or catalog from 2009. Relaxing. Enjoyable. Soothing.

Firstly, go purchase The Autumn House by Alison May on Amazon. It’s all of $2.99 (Kindle version only, use the app if you don’t own a Kindle). Her writing is evocative, soothing, and inspiring. I use her seasonal guides to daydream and prepare my home for each new season. While I don’t follow every single recommendation, she gives me a lovely framework to use for each season.

Moreish Treats

I have an entire list of treats and ideas for fall on my Pinterest board here.

So take a gander if you like. Otherwise, I usually like to start autumn off with something pumpkin. Baked pumpkin anything is wonderful: donuts, breads, bars, custard. You get the idea. (If you hate pumpkin, I’m sorry.)

I also love anything apple and pear. Those fruits tend to come into the height of their glory later in September into October. So that’s when I tend to get into apple and pear baking mode.

Tea, what else

Autumn is the time for tea.

Simpson & Vail offers the most moreish rooibos tea blends. Rooibos is one of my favorite teas to drink in the autumn. I’m partial to their orange cranberry and French vanilla blends. There is also a new pear flavored blend that I’m hoping to try. And their Apple Cinnamon Coffecake flavored black tea is equally delightful!

For the black tea lovers amongst us, their Russian Caravan is also wonderful! It is not smoky like other caravan teas. Instead, this is considered a traditional samovar tea blend. It’s a bit of a cross between Ceylon and Earl Grey. I’ve been drinking it for 20-25 years.

Harry & Sons is an old favorite that I’ve rediscovered again. They have a new flavored black tea: Salted Caramel. Also, they have an entire collection of teas based on books, including Agatha Christie. Their Murder on the Orient Express blend sounds delightful for a cozy afternoon, as does their Kangra Kahwa blend, a unique Himalayan chai blend. For unflavored tea, their robust Scottish Morn, lighter Scottish Afternoon, and smoky Russian Country teas are all on my list to try.

Of course there is flannel and knitting

What better signals the arrival of autumn than such delightful, cozy clothing?

I still tend to knit during the summer, which I did even this summer. (I will admit, some days and weeks I honestly didn’t care for it and took lengthy breaks.) And yet… now that autumn is just around the corner, I find myself enjoying my knitting more.

Scarves can be just the thing. Make them as bulky and big as you like.