Cooler mornings, colorful leaves and pumpkin-flavored everything can only mean one thing: autumn has arrived. This year may not look like the ones before it, but that's no reason to skip the best parts of the season. A great film, something warm out of the oven, chilly evenings and an early sunset are all the ingredients you need for a memorable night in. Here's how to put it together.
What to Watch
Whether your crew prefers spooky, nostalgic or heartfelt, there's a pick for everyone on this list:
- Hocus Pocus
- It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
- The Addams Family
- Dead Poets Society
- Casper
- Harry Potter
- Stranger Things
- Friday Night Lights
- Gilmore Girls
- American Horror Story
- Monsters Inc.
- Beetlejuice
Grab a blanket, pour a mug of something chocolatey and settle in with the people you love.
Seasonal Bites to Go With the Show
Half the fun of a fall movie night is the food. These dishes bring the flavors of the season right to your coffee table:
- Pumpkin crisp. Skip the pie this time and try a pumpkin crisp instead. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and you're set.
- Apple butter pancakes. Breakfast for dinner is always a hit, and it's even better if your family picked the apples yourselves.
- Buffalo chicken meatballs. A crowd-pleasing appetizer you can shape to look like tiny pumpkins for a festive touch.
- Pumpkin Alfredo. If it's pasta night, this creamy dish is a cozy twist on a classic.
- Maple oatmeal cookies. Fair warning: the plate might be empty before the opening credits finish.
- One-pan autumn chicken dinner. Perfect for a busy day when you want a hearty meal without a sink full of dishes.
Create a Cozy Atmosphere
When it comes to setting the mood, more comfort is always better. A few ideas to try:
Build a Blanket Fort
Pull together a few dining chairs, couch cushions and your softest blankets, then string some lights overhead. Kids and grown-ups alike will love watching from inside their own hideaway.
Bring the Fireplace Back to Life
Your fireplace probably hasn't been used since last winter. Give it a good cleaning, stack up some firewood and enjoy the glow. If the room starts to feel too warm, just nudge the thermostat down for the night.
Carve Pumpkins Before the Movie
Make an evening of it by carving pumpkins before you press play. Set a candle in each one, and have that pumpkin crisp baking in the oven so the whole house smells like fall.
Go Fruit Picking
A trip to a local farm is a great way to spend the afternoon. Use your apples in those apple butter pancakes, or look up a recipe that puts whatever else you picked to good use.
Ready for a Home That Fits Your Fall Traditions?
If you're dreaming of a cozier space for movie nights, a fireplace to gather around or a bigger family room, this could be a great season to make a move. Reach out and I'll help you find a home that's made for evenings like these.