What is it about fall that so many people love to love? There’s something about fall scents that evokes a sense of warmth, comfort, and nostalgia in us all. From homemade pumpkin pie and fresh fall bouquets to autumn-scented candles and beyond, here are some inventive ways to put you in the autumnal spirit.
1. Bake a Pie
Few things are as iconically autumn as freshly baked pie. This seasonal staple doesn’t just satisfy taste buds, though—it will also fill your home with the incredible aroma of spices, sugar, and whatever filling you prefer. Apple, pumpkin, and pecan pies are all fall classics, so start there. And if you’re not into sweets, consider making herbed bread with rosemary, sage, or thyme instead.
2. Light a Crackling Candle
A candle with a wide throw can make your house smell amazing, but add one with a crackling wooden wick, and you’ll get a pinch of cozy fireplace vibes, too. Try WoodWick’s Fireside Candle, which smells like an authentic campfire and delivers over 100 hours of burn time.
3. Try a Fall Boil
“If company is on the way, a quick trick for a warm and cozy home is to make a fall boil,” says Jen McDonald, certified organic garden specialist and co-founder of Garden Girls. “Combine 2 cups of water, a few slices of fresh oranges, 2 sprigs of rosemary, 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 whole cloves, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla.” Simply combine everything in a crock and set it to low heat.
4. Mull Some Hot Apple Cider
With its perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy, apple cider is a fall season must-sip. To really make your home smell like autumn, pour a gallon of cider into a crockpot and add 3 to 4 tablespoons of mulling spices. (Pro Tip: You can find pre-blended mixes, like Penzeys Mulling Spices, versus making your own.) It’s ready to drink once it’s hot.
5. DIY Some Fall Potpourri
For a fragrant fall option that lasts into winter, whip up a batch of your own DIY fall potpourri. “Gather up some pine cones, cinnamon sticks, dried apples, orange slices, and acorns,” McDonald says. “Add a few drops of clove, cinnamon, orange, and cedarwood essential oils and lightly stir.” Display your potpourri in beautiful shallow dishes around the house and package leftovers into cellophane bags for host gifts.
6. Swap in Autumnal Hand Soap
A super simple way to bring a little autumn spirit to your home is to swap out your usual hand wash for one that’s rich in autumn-inspired fragrance.
7. Infuse Your Cleaning Supplies
Infuse your cleaning supplies with fall aromas. For example, add a few drops of fall-scented essential oils to your mop water for your tile floors (just be careful of using oil where it might strip paint or ruin hardwood surfaces). Or sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg on your vacuum filter or bag to release fall scents while you clean your carpets.
8. Make Fall-scented Sachets
Place fall-scented sachets filled with spices or cedar shavings around the house to subtly infuse your space with warm, autumnal fragrances. Unlike the potpourri bowls that you can use as decor, these sachets sit in hidden corners of your closets, inside drawers, and under cushions.
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