50+ Cozy Autumn Favorites and Recommendations From Readers and Friends

Happy Friday! Yesterday was a classic parenting mix-up: I spent the morning getting my daughter perfectly ready for Picture Day: nice outfit, styled hair, “cheeeese” practice and all—only to find out it’s actually today. Facepalm. A humbling reminder that we’re all just doing our best. If your brain’s felt scrambled this week, you’re in good company. :)

Today’s issue is a cozy one, filled with fall favorites from Downtime readers and some of my favorite Substack newsletter writers: snacks, lots of recipes, tea and beverage picks, Trader Joe’s shoutouts, and one universal truth: everyone seems to love this one particular pumpkin chai candle…

Giveaway alert: At the bottom of today’s letter, you’ll find a little treat: a giveaway for Hetty Lui McKinnon’s beautiful new cookbook, just for a Downtime subscriber.

Autumn Favorites from Friends and Newsletter Writers We Love

“In the Fall, I resume the knitting projects that I should have pursued during the Summer so that they are ready by the start of Fall. Nevertheless, it’s my favorite cozy downtime activity when the weather cools down. I just finished a (Linger-inspired) red Sophie Scarf (pattern by Petite Knit), and I have resumed my Novice Cardigan (pattern also by Petite Knit), which I started in the Spring.”

— Hetty Lui McKinnon, author of the new cookbook LINGER: Salads, Sweets and Stories to Savor: A Cookbook [Ed note: That scarf is so, so chic.]

“Fall to me is all things cozy. I love the cool morning air and get so excited to wear my knits. My favorite knit from last year is out again in new colors, and I am really feeling the navy to add to my collection.

I am also an obsessive candle burner for fall and winter (prefer incense for spring/summer), and this one is my favorite to burn when I am home reading. This one is great when we are hosting for dinner as it doesn’t compete with the food, but smells incredible to set the vibe.”

— Charu Subramanian of Brands and Bobs

“Fall is my favorite time to take a walk because it’s shorts and sweatshirt season, my favorite combination! On the weekends, I love a long stroll with a hot drink in hand—it’s not too hot that it makes you sweat, but not too cold that you need mittens to hold it. Coming home to some homemade cinnamon loaf cake makes it a 10/10 morning!”

— Meighan Grady of i think it's brave: [Ed note: I’m always on the hunt for a good hot drink tumbler so I asked Meighan which she uses. It’s this one from Owala!]

“I’m not a pumpkin spice lover, but I do gravitate toward anything apple cider adjacent this time of year. This Snif Half Baked Cider Smash candle has been burning in my house most evenings, and it has the coziest, slightly sweet apple-cider-meets-baked-good scent. Bonus: the fluted vessel it comes in is really pretty, too.”

— Becca Freeman of Book Enthusiast

“Apple cider donuts are a yes every single time. Even better if procured from a roadside stand! I can’t think of a more autumnal experience.

A fresh batch of pencils puts me right in the mood for fall. Blackwing is best, of course, but really spending a half hour in any stationery store soothes the soul.”

—Erika Veurink of Long Live

“I’m not a big pumpkin spice person, but every October I look forward to making a batch of these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. I found the recipe years ago and have made it every year since! They’re soft, cakey, and just sweet enough. I always use dark chocolate chips and freeze scoops of the dough so I can bake off a few at a time (which also keeps them from being devoured in two days!).”

—Michelle Martin of