As the evenings grow darker and the air turns crisp here in New England, there’s something lovely about slowing down at home. Fall invites us to tuck into quiet routines that feel both comforting and meaningful, whether you’re enjoying the evening solo or sharing it with someone special.
When I’m not enjoying spending some time alone in quiet contemplation, I just love spending quiet nights together with my love.
It’s so cozy, curling up on the couch, flipping through the cards, not finding anything to watch on any streaming service, finally settling on something to just sink into the cushions, under a soft blanket.
As I was considering this along with wanting to practice being present and returning to a more analog lifestyle, I thought about other ways to settle into the quiet warmth and coziness inherent during the longer evening hours.
Here are three simple, cozy autumnal activities you can try, whether it’s an evening on your own, or with a roommate, friend or significant other (no leaving the house required!):
1. Candlelit Reading Hour
There’s nothing quite like the glow of a candle on a fall evening. Gather a few beeswax or battery-powered tea lights, add some clove, orange and cinnamon to your diffuser and create a little reading nook.
- On your own: curl up under a blanket with your current novel or flip through a stack of magazines.
- With a partner: sit side by side with your books, or take turns reading a story aloud. It’s a simple ritual that slows the evening and makes it feel intentional.
2. Autumn-Inspired Puzzle or Game Night
A quiet puzzle or low-key board game can be the perfect background to conversation, or simply a calming way to wind down after a busy day. Put on some soft music, pour something warm to drink, and spread out at the dining table.
- On your own: puzzles are wonderfully meditative, especially if you choose a fall-themed one.
- With a partner: team up on the puzzle or pick a slower-paced game like Clue or Monopoly that lets you chat while you play.
3. Seasonal Sip & Bake
Nothing makes a home smell more welcoming than something baking in the oven. Choose a simple recipe, like pumpkin bread or apple muffins, and pair it with a cozy drink.
- On your own: enjoy the peaceful rhythm of baking, then treat yourself to a slice warm from the oven with tea or hot cider.
- With a partner: make it a shared activity. Stir, taste-test, laugh at the flour on your sleeves, then settle in with your mugs and your fresh-baked treat.
Creating Your Own Fall Rituals
These quiet moments might seem small, but they’re the ones that make your home feel like a haven as the seasons shift. Light the candles, pour the cider, or pull out that puzzle you’ve been meaning to start. However you spend it, a cozy fall evening is just waiting to be enjoyed.
