Simple September Rituals: A Gentle Transition from Summer to Fall

I’ve always been a Summer girl, feeling like it was the most ‘me.’ But, all the coziness of Fall caused it to quickly climb the ranks as a very close second, if not tied with Summer, as my favorite time of year. 

While Fall hasn’t quite arrived here, and won’t for a couple of months, September, with its cool mornings and crisp air, certainly hints at the end of one season and the beginning of another. 

In recent years, I’ve welcomed September as a soft landing between the long, hot days of Summer and the shorter, cozier days of Fall, creating simple rituals that help me prepare for FalI. The gentleness of easing in has become as much of a tradition as the eventual pumpkins and pinecones. 

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A Subtle Decor Shift

By the time September arrived, I’d grown tired of the seashells and other summer accessories I’d set out in June. But, with the temperature still being in the nineties, I wasn’t quite ready for pumpkins and pinecones. Just something to suggest Fall is on the way.

So, I made some subtle shifts in my decor, setting out light weight throw blankets in deeper colors, and layering in touches of leather with the throw pillows.

I traded the aqua blue decorative bowl for a leaf shaped one, and scheduled my flameless candles to come on at dusk every evening. I also replaced Summer themed coffee table books with Fall ones. The final touch was filling vases with Fall leaf stems. Now my house feels warm and inviting. 

As you shift your own decor keep in mind:

• Deep or muted colors
• Natural elements
• light weight throws
• Candles

Transitioning Your Closet for Fall

I have a personal rule, born purely out of practicality, that I don’t wear jeans or pants unless it’s less than ninety degrees outside. So, my shorts will stay in my closet a while longer. However, the time for white linen bottoms or super summery tops has passed. 

While I wait for cooler temperatures, I will put those pieces away and bring in Fall colored tops and switch from open toe sandals to closed toe slides and loafers. 

I’ll also take this time to donate, tailor, and upgrade or add pieces of my wardrobe. 

Depending on what the temperatures are where you live, you can:

• Put away sundresses and sandals
• Add in cardigans, quarter sleeve and long sleeve tops, and lightweight scarves for cooler mornings and evenings. 
• Edit and curate your wardrobe depending on what you need.

Warm, Inviting Scents

Switching from citrus and beachy scents to more grounding ones is a simple, but noticeable shift from Summer to Fall. 

I’m sensitive to scents, even if they’re non toxic. So, my one and only burning candle is unscented beeswax. Although it does give off a slightly sweet honey scent. One night while it was burning, I added a drop or two of vanilla essential oil to the melted wax to give it a warm note.

You, on the other hand, can bring in:

• Fall candles with the grounding scents of vanilla, vetiver, or cinnamon
• Essential oil blends
• Simmer pots or Potpourri  

Comfort in the Kitchen

September is a good time to take our cue from nature, setting aside light summer salads for warm, comforting meals. 

Every year, I make a big pot of chili at the first sign of cool air. Other family recipes bring seasonal comfort to my kitchen this time of year, too, like chicken and dumplings and pasta e fagioli.

As you warm up your kitchen, think:

• Homemade bread and other baked goods. We just made these Cinnamon Apple Muffins. The scent of cinnamon wafting through the house felt like Fall. 
• Warm spices and extracts like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. 
• Cozy soups
• Roasted vegetables

Curate a List of Cozy Books to Read

There’s nothing cozier, or more Fall, than cuddling up under a soft blanket, lighting a candles, and sipping hot tea while reading. 

I haven’t started researching Fall books quite yet, but I did just start a book I was saving for this time of year. 

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet is such a sweet story. I can feel the heartache of loss and missed opportunities as the main character shares tales from the past and present. Sadness is tempered by the sweetness of his childhood memories and love for his wife and family. I was hooked from the very beginning and cannot wait to uncover the full story. 

As you curate your list, consider:

1. Mystery Novels 
2. Fall Romance
3. Memoirs or personal essays
4. Seasonal Cookbooks

I’ve really come to appreciate September’s invitation to subtly shift and slowly ease into a new season. No rushing around. No anxiety-inducing transitions. Just simple swaps of decor, simmering soups, and stacks of books to help me lean into the in-between.

It’s the perfect opportunity for simple, intentional living.

As you get ready for Fall, I encourage you to pIck one or two of these ideas, or adopt your own, and experience the softness and simplicity September has to offer.