Autumn Activities

Candle Making

            For those who enjoy the smell of such cozy spices rather than flavor, candle making is a great way to bring the warm scents of autumn into one’s home. There are tons of different combinations of spices for different candle scents on the web, but here is a tutorial of a classic favorite. 

Vanilla and Cinnamon Candle

Materials

• Beeswax
• Candle Wicks
• Mason jars
• Microwave-safe container
• One tbsp pure vanilla extract
• One tbsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tbsp ground clove

Instructions

1. Melt beeswax for 30 second intervals in the microwave-safe container until all of it is melted (two cups of melted beeswax fills a standard pint mason jar).
2. Stir the vanilla extract and spices into the melted beeswax for one minute until it’s fully incorporated.
3. Place the wick into the center of the empty mason jar and have someone hold it in place while you pour the mixture into the mason jar. 
4. Let candles dry for about two to three hours. 

Decorations

            Different colored pumpkins of all shapes and sizes pave the way to the front steps. A smiling scarecrow leads the way to the door where the hanging fall wreath welcomes one’s arrival. Once the door opens, visitors get a whiff of the delicious aroma coming from the oven where an apple cobbler remains baking. Orange, red and yellow pillows all spread out on the couch. On each stand and counter there are small lit up leaves in a jar flickering all the excitement within. Such intricate emotions are brought together once the floral and pinecone centerpieces on the dining table catch one’s attention. All these colors, smells and sensations present the arrival of autumn and the reasons to love this time of year.

            With orders given to stay at home, making decorations by hand will let the time pass by while preparing the household for this season. Of course, people can always buy their decorations, but a lot of the materials laying around in one’s home can be useful in creating such delightful accessories. Pinterest has tons of great ideas for fall decorations and people can customize them to make them as bright, beautiful and festive as they want. 

Potluck Friendsgiving

            This time of year is full of holidays that call for celebration with loved ones. However, not only does that call for family, but friends as well. While still remaining cautious by keeping the group of friends small, using masks and socially distancing, a picnic potluck is a great way to celebrate with friends. 

            Planning a picnic with friends at a local park provides a chance to put one’s baking and decorative skills to the test, while leaning towards the safer side by hanging out in the open air. Rather than going to a restaurant, have each friend bring one dish (savory or sweet) along with utensils. Spark up the moment by creating a playlist composed of five songs from each person and play it on a portable speaker. 

            If one wants to take it up a notch,  create a DIY table arrangement and backdrop for friends to take pictures with. Even though it will be lots of fun already, one can have certain games and activities planned out to keep the energy alive. One can go all out and do apple bobbing or keep it simple with classic charades or even a board game like guess who. Whether people go all out or keep it simple, a picnic potluck is the safest and an exciting way to hold an annual Friendsgiving.