The ABCs of Autumn
There are so many pleasures to be had in fall. From crisp morning walks with pumpkin-spiced coffee in hand to nights keeping cozy around a bonfire, this is a season of simple delights. But with a cornucopia of autumnal activities, where do you start? We’ve compiled an A–Z list of some of our fall favorites to help you enjoy every spellbinding moment.
A - Apples
Anne of Green Gables once famously said, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” Did you know October is also National Apple Month? Visit our Produce Department for the juiciest, crunchiest varieties, from sweet galas to tart granny smiths.
B - Backyard Camping
When you pitch a tent in your own backyard, you get to enjoy the great outdoors and the comforts of home. Circle around the firepit — a lantern or flashlight works too — and get ready to tell your best ghost stories.
C - Comfort Food
Combine two comfort food classics — chili and macaroni and cheese — in one decadent dish.
D - Dress up pets.
E - Elevate your soups.
Fall is the start of soup season. Here are some easy ways to fancy up a humble bowl:
1. Add a dollop of pesto or chimichurri.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley, basil or cilantro.
3. Drizzle with olive oil or chili oil.
4. Stir in sour cream or yogurt.
5. Squeeze bright citrus overtop.
F - Feta + Pumpkin = One Delicious Dip
Whipped Feta and Pumpkin Dip
This dip is perfect for fall potlucks and gatherings. It comes together fast but boasts rich, seasonal flavors.
G - Give your pumpkin a name and personality.
(Patsy? Peter?) Dress it up or even take it around town to pose in funny pictures.
H - Host a scary movie marathon with spiderweb brownies.
Just be sure to pick flicks that won’t have anyone hiding behind the sofa! Need something sweet to serve? Prepare a package of boxed brownies. Once cooled, spread melted marshmallow overtop to create a spiderweb effect. Extra “brownie” points for adding a plastic spider ring to each square.
I - International Podcast Day is September 30.
Pop in your earbuds while at the gym, listen during your daily commute or tune in from the sofa with a warm cup of tea.
J - Journal by candlelight and romanticize fall.
K - Kick off a new tradition by BOOing a neighbor.
Fill a Halloween bucket or bag with candy, fun little trinkets or really any sort of festive treat. For a healthier twist, mix in packages of dried fruit, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate and popcorn, or consider including fun Halloween decor from our Seasonal Aisle. Then, print out our “You’ve been BOOed!” sign with instructions for your neighbor to hang the sign in a front window and encouragement to BOO someone else next. Leave the surprise on their front porch, then wait and watch the signs spread around the neighborhood.
L - Leaf Prints
You’ll want to use fresh leaves for this craft, since older ones tend to be too brittle. Line a steady, hard surface like a cutting board with wax paper or plastic wrap. Then, place a piece of paper or fabric in the center. Set leaves on one side of the paper or fabric, then fold the other side overtop. Use a hammer or mallet to pound the leaves. When you unfold the paper or fabric, you’ll find a beautiful print! For a fun, kid-friendly option, try brushing leaves with vibrant, washable paints and stamping them onto paper to create beautiful fall artwork.
M - Monster Cookies
Wondering how these iconic cookies got their name? Click below to learn their backstory, then get baking with three yummy monster cookie recipes.
N - Nighttime Stargazing
Stargazing is easier when the air turns cooler, so as the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, turn your head upward and take in the beauty.
O - Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is a German-heritage festival that is actually celebrated in September with America’s largest Oktoberfest being held in Cincinnati, Ohio. To celebrate at home, create a DIY pretzel bar with premade twists from our Frozen Food Aisles. Set out a variety of dipping sauces like mustard, cheese and honey for a tasty Oktoberfest treat.
Oktoberfest Recipes
P - Plant your spring bulbs now.
Fall is the best time to plant flowers like tulips, hyacinths and daffodils.
Q - Quit the Halloween night dinner scramble by trying one of these three frightfully fun pizzas:
3 Wicked Good Pizzas
Serve up Halloween spirit with these magical, easy-to-make pizzas.
R - Relax in a eucalyptus shower.
You can find fresh eucalyptus in our Floral Department. Tie a bunch together with twine, and hang it from a shower head. Then, delight in the calming botanical fragrance.
S - Shortcut Canned Biscuit Donuts
These donuts are as easy as they are delicious. Rolled in cinnamon and sugar, every bite is an autumnal delight.
Canned Biscuit Donuts
Discover the secret to making delicious donuts in no time with a clever shortcut.
T - Teal Pumpkin
When you set out a teal pumpkin on Halloween night, it’s a signal that you’re handing out allergy-friendly trinkets or toys. It’s a simple way to give kids with food allergies or intolerances a safe night of fun. Check out our Seasonal Aisle for all kinds of festive delights.
U - Urban Hiking
Urban hiking is just what it sounds like: hiking a city rather than a more traditional wooded trail. This is a wonderful way to slow down and soak in that crisp autumn air.
V - Vermont
Vermont is thought to be where the term “leaf peeping” began, which feels appropriate considering the state’s spectacular fall colors. Take a stroll through nearby parks or treelined streets to enjoy the changes in your own neighborhood.
W - Why do we call autumn “fall”?
It’s likely a reference to the falling of leaves, but only Americans and Canadians refer to the season by this name. Brits, for example, prefer to stick with “autumn.”
X - XOXO
Sweetest Day is Saturday, October 19. We have all kinds of candy, cards and beautiful blooms for that special someone.
Y - Yard Cleanup
Fall is a convenient time to tidy up your yard before winter sets in, especially if you like to decorate with outdoor holiday decorations. No yard? Fall is also a great time to volunteer in neighborhood cleanups.
Z - ZzZzZ
Cuddle under your favorite blanket and take a sweet snooze. ZzZzZ.