As the crisp air and colourful foliage of autumn settle in, it's time to embrace the cozy spirit of the season within the confines of your apartment. From Halloween-themed delights to fall-inspired décor, there are plenty of activities to enjoy as a resident without ever leaving the comfort of your home. 
 

In this blog, we'll explore 10 fall activities that encompass Halloween fun, fall delights and home décor. Along the way, we'll provide tips to make your autumn experience even more enjoyable. 
 

1. Pumpkin Decorating: 

 

In order to get into the Halloween spirit, try transforming your apartment into a spooky oasis with pumpkins! This activity is fun and can be easily done with minimal effort, and at the end, you’ll have lasting memories from spooking up your apartment! First, select pumpkins of various sizes and shapes, and if you're planning to carve them, make sure to cut off the top, scoop out the insides and meticulously carve your chosen design using a pumpkin carving kit. Alternatively, you can paint the pumpkins using acrylic paints and brushes for a less messy but equally creative approach to decorating your space. 
 

  • Tip: Be cautious when carving pumpkins to avoid injuries, and if using candles inside, opt for safer battery-operated LED candles. 
     

2. Autumn Baking: 
 

Autumn baking is a great way to indulge the cozy and heartwarming spirit of autumn! Try whipping up some delectable pumpkin spice or apple cinnamon treats so you can fill your apartment (and hallways) with the irresistible scents of the season. By partaking in this activity, you not only get to savour the mouthwatering tastes of fall but create a warm and inviting ambiance in your home. The comforting aroma of these seasonal delights will transport you to a world of rustling leaves, crackling fires and the joyous moments that autumn brings. It's a perfect way to celebrate the season and treat yourself to the scrumptious delights of fall. 
 

  • Tip: Don't forget to use seasonal spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, and consider sharing your baked goods with neighbours for a sense of community. 
     

3. Movie Nights: 

 

A great idea to embrace the spirit of the season and create unforgettable memories with friends, is to host themed movie nights featuring classic Halloween films or cozy fall favourites. This activity offers a fantastic way to celebrate fall. To get started, create a list of movies you want to watch. Next, schedule specific movie nights, invite your friends and family and set up cozy seating areas complete with blankets and pillows to ensure everyone's comfort. As the films roll and the ambiance is set, you'll find yourself immersed in the world of cinematic magic where laughter, scares and the joy of autumn blend together seamlessly. Hosting these themed movie nights is the perfect way to bond with loved ones and indulge in some fall nostalgia. 

  

  • Tip: Create a themed movie schedule, such as "Monster Monday" for Halloween classics and "Fall Friday" for cozy autumn films, and set up a mini concession stand with popcorn, candy and hot cider. Your guests will forever refer to you as the movie champion!  
     

4. DIY Fall Decorations: 
 

Another fun fall activity that you can do in your apartment is to infuse your home with the beauty of autumn by getting crafty and fashioning your very own fall-themed decorations. This activity presents a wonderful opportunity to add a personal touch to your living space. To embark on this creative journey, select DIY décor projects such as hand-painted wooden signs, crafting decorative fall garlands or crafting personalized autumn-themed picture frames. Gather the essential materials required to follow online tutorials or use your own imaginative inspiration. By participating in this crafty endeavour, you not only get to embellish your apartment with unique and homemade décor but also relish the fulfilling experience of creating something beautiful and meaningful for your space. 
 

  • Tip: Try finding DIYs that use nature in your crafting, like fallen leaves or sticks. This way, you can save some money and bring Mother Nature in with you!  
     

5. Halloween Costume Contest: 

 

If you haven't already planned a Halloween get-together, here's a fantastic idea to consider: Elevate your Halloween gathering with family and friends by incorporating a costume contest into the festivities! This creative twist adds a fun and competitive element to your celebration and can be a highlight of your Halloween event. Start by picking a date and time that suits everyone, send out invitations to your loved ones and encourage them to get imaginative with their Halloween costumes. Consider appointing a panel of judges or setting up a voting system to determine the most inventive and deserving winners. Hosting a costume contest is a wonderful way to infuse your gathering with a spooky and playful spirit, creating lasting memories for all to cherish.  
 

  • Tip: Create categories like ‘Scariest Costume’, ‘Most Creative Costume’ and ‘Best Group Costume’ and offer small prizes or awards for the winners. 
     

6. Scary Story Time: 
 

Another great activity you can do this fall is gathering your family or roommates for a spooky storytelling session around a faux campfire. This unique idea adds an element of eerie excitement to the season and provides a wonderful opportunity to bond with your loved ones. To get started, choose a cozy spot in your home, light some candles or set up a faux campfire and seat everyone in a circle. Take turns sharing your favourite scary stories or urban legends. As the tales unfold, you'll create a captivating atmosphere filled with suspense and shivers, making your fall get-together an unforgettable experience. 
 

  • Tip: Dim the lights for added ambiance and encourage storytellers to set the mood with sound effects or props. 
     

7. Fall Candle Making: 

 

Another way to get into the fall spirit is to create your very own fall-scented candles to infuse your space with warm, comforting aromas. This DIY project not only fills your surroundings with delightful fragrances, but also allows you to add a personal touch to your autumn décor. Gather the necessary supplies such as wax, wicks and fragrance oils (think pumpkin spice or apple pie scents) as well as jars. Melt the wax, blend in your chosen fragrance and pour the fragrant wax into the jars with wicks. As the candles cool and solidify, you'll have a wonderful collection of homemade candles that provide a cozy atmosphere and bring the scents of fall indoors.  
 

  • Tip: Try thrifting innovative containers for your candles! This will not only make your candles unique, but also save some cash.  
     

8. Harvest Table: 
 

If you want your place to feel like literal fall, then consider setting up a harvest-themed dining table with autumn-inspired décor. This creative idea transforms your dining space into a cozy haven that embodies the essence of the season. Begin by choosing a colour scheme or theme for your table décor and then incorporate elements such as autumn leaves, pumpkins and rustic tableware. Arrange your selected décor items on the table to create an inviting atmosphere which evokes the warmth and beauty of autumn. This activity allows you to enjoy your meals in a charming, seasonal setting and brings the splendour of fall right to your dining room, elevating every gathering with family and friends into something truly special. 
 

  • Tip: Try to match your napkins, flowers, décor and plates for a beautiful harvest setting.  
     

9. Puzzle and Board Game Nights: 

 

Looking for a wonderful way to spend quality time with others and enjoy the cozy comforts of fall? We suggest hosting cozy game nights with your favourite board games and puzzles. This idea fosters a sense of community and creates the perfect ambiance for autumn evenings. You can either host one with friends in your apartment or make it bigger by inviting your neighbours, especially if you have access to a community room at an Avenue Living Communities property. Ensure there is adequate seating, a well-lit table and all of the necessary games and puzzles for everyone to enjoy. As you play, you'll find that these game nights offer laughter, camaraderie and a sense of togetherness to perfectly complement the spirit of the season. It's an ideal way to celebrate the beauty of fall and make cherished memories with your friends. 
 

  • Tip: Provide warm beverages and seasonal snacks to keep everyone comfortable and rotate the variety of games to cater to different preferences. 
     

10. Create a Simmer Pot: 
 

Another easy, fun activity in your apartment is introducing a simmer pot infused with the inviting scents of fall to elevate the ambiance in your home. This simple suggestion is perfect for families and involves simmering a combination of water and aromatic ingredients in a pot or slow cooker. To make your simmer pot, gather seasonal elements including apple slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange peel and a touch of nutmeg or vanilla extract. Combine these ingredients in your pot or slow cooker, add water and let it simmer on low heat. As the mixture gently releases the fragrance, you'll find that your space is transformed into a comforting, fall-scented haven. Simmer pots enhance the ambiance of your home and also offer a delightful, natural way to introduce the cozy vibes of the season. This will surely bring everyone together in the spirit of autumn! 
 

  • Tip: Try different ingredients in your simmer pot each week and take turns with who gets to build the scent! 
     

By initiating these 10 fall activities, you can infuse all the wonders of autumn into your apartment. Happy fall! 
 

by Avenue Living Communities