With its rich colors, cooler temperatures, and comforting scents, autumn is an entirely distinct experience of its own, inviting us to slow down and savor the season. Whether you’re looking to welcome the beginning of fall with rustic, homemade decor or enjoy something spiced and warm by the window, this time of the year is the perfect backdrop to get creative. In this guide, we’ll explore easy and fun DIY ideas to help you celebrate and reconnect with yourself for the upcoming transition into autumn.
Decor
Start by kicking off the season with DIY crafts that can add a personal touch to the season and some autumn charm to your space.
Harvest Wreath
Begin with a grapevine or foam base. Using hot glue, layer in faux leaves, mini pinecones, and acorns. To complete the look, you can weave in some berries and add a burlap bow or plaid ribbon. Once finished, hang it on your front door, a window, or even the top of a shelf for a unique accent.
Floral Pumpkin Centerpiece
Hollow out a medium-sized pumpkin, and put a small vase inside. You can add any flower of your choice, but fall-themed blooms would be ideal, like marigolds, dahlias, and sunflowers. Place it in the center of a table to draw attention and enhance the display.
Fall Banner
Cut shapes like leaves, pumpkins, and acorns out of fabric or cardstock. You can decorate them with glitter, borders, or anything you’d like. After they’re embellished, hot glue them onto a string, or punch holes in the edges and thread them through. When they’re completed, you can put them up on a wall or anywhere else you’d prefer.
Drinks
Autumn isn’t complete without a classic, perfectly spiced drink in hand. From lattes to other seasonal sips, these beverages are excellent for experiencing the traditional rituals of autumn.
This nostalgic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and other comforting mixtures easily captures the essence of the season. Popularized in the early 2010s for this time of the year, they’re usually enjoyed with pastries such as pumpkin bread, muffins, or scones. For some extra flair, the whipped cream at the end would be an excellent bonus.
Freshman Ashley Ye said, “These lattes aren’t just exclusive seasonal benefits; they’ve transformed into a tradition representing the coziness and warmth of autumn.”
This drink is also a beloved fall favorite, with its fruity and tangy flavor flawlessly complementing the transition into cooler weather. A long-established beverage with roots in colonial America, it’s often paired with donuts, pies, and even dishes like caramel flan or apple strudel.
Desserts
As the weather cools down, it’s the perfect opportunity to turn on the oven and indulge in the sweet side of the season. These desserts are the ultimate comfort food for crisp autumn days, whether they’re spiced treats or pumpkin-packed pastries.
“I think that when people hear the word fall, they automatically think about all the different types of desserts that are usually eaten,” said freshman Emily Lin.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Though not nearly as traditional as other dishes like pumpkin pie, these cookies offer a tasty twist on traditional autumn desserts. They combine the rich flavors of pumpkin spice with the indulgent sweetness of chocolate, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or as little treats for casual afternoons.
This dessert also captures the spicy taste of pumpkin in a simple, handheld treat. Often topped with cream cheese frosting, its balance of moist, sweet tenderness and spicy autumn warmth enables it to easily fit in with the rest of fall’s staple dishes.
As freshman Shresta Andem stated, “Fall is the time to refresh and restart.”
Transforming your space and mood or creating delicious treats with inspiration can be both fulfilling and enjoyable. These cozy DIYs not only bring the magic of fall indoors but also build long-lasting memories throughout the process. Whether you’re focusing on brightening up your home or baking something tasty, it’s these moments of innovation and expressing yourself that make the season of autumn truly special.
