When the air outside is crisp and tinged with the faint fragrance of apples, and the leaves have begun to burst with orange and red, that’s when you know it’s the perfect time to spend a cozy night in with your best friends. So light up your favorite pumpkin-scented candles and whip out the fluffy throw blankets — here’s how to celebrate the season with all things fall.

Music & Decor

First things first, you’ll need the perfectly-curated playlist to set the mood for the night. Here are some song suggestions:

  • Sweater Weather by The Neighbourhood
  • Somewhere Only We Know by Keane
  • We Fell in Love in October by girl in red
  • Swing Lynn by Harmless
  • bonfire by wave to earth
  • airplane thoughts by Dhruv
  • Like a Tattoo by Sade
  • Roslyn by St. Vincent & Bon Iver
  • Let the Light In by Lana Del Rey
  • cardigan by Taylor Swift
  • Just the Two of Us by Grover Washington, Jr. (feat. Bill Withers)
  • ceilings by Lizzy McAlpine
  • September by Earth, Wind & Fire
  • Talking to the Moon by Bruno Mars
  • Lovefool by The Cardigans

In addition to music, the night would be incomplete without the right decor. Mini pumpkins and candles are simple and cute ways to elevate your coffee table or countertop. And if you’re really feeling like it, you can even put up some string lights or get synthetic orange leaves to hang on the walls or scatter around your place. Whatever you decide to go with, make sure to fill the room with lots of warm hues and a cozy scent.

Food

Nothing says autumn like an oozy grilled cheese sandwich with warm tomato soup. Another fun meal would be to make personal mini pizzas and customize the toppings, from black olives to mozzarella to fresh basil. Penne alla vodka also makes for a simple but delicious dinner option.

Baking is a must. Pumpkin spice cookies with cream cheese frosting are a yummy seasonal dessert, but if this famous fall flavor isn’t your thing, you can try warm and gooey cinnamon rolls, a golden apple crumble or soft snickerdoodle cookies.

Arts & Crafts

‘Tis the season for pumpkin-painting. All you’ll need are some mini pumpkins, acrylic paint and brushes. For those that don’t want the mess of paint, markers are a simple alternative.

Friendship bracelets are another fun craft, which will require string, beads and charms.

Although the new year is far away, it’s never too early to start a 2025 vision board with dreams, goals and manifestations for the next 12 months. To make the cutest collage, grab some markers, stickers and old magazines that you don’t mind cutting up. Find images and words that stick out to you and glue them down into a photo frame.

Movies

Next, snuggle up with lots of blankets and pillows to enjoy a movie or two. Autumn is the perfect season to rewatch classic ‘90s rom-coms like “10 Things I Hate About You,” “She’s All That” or “Runaway Bride.” But if rom-coms aren’t your thing, some other great options include “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” or “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” Or if you’re in the mood to binge a show, you can’t go wrong with “Gilmore Girls.”

Of course, you’ll need snacks — buttery popcorn, peanut M&Ms, apple cider and don’t forget the baked goods you just made. Enjoy!