My fall bucket list to welcome the spooky season

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.

This article was written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SJSU chapter.

It’s the perfect fall morning; the air is misty, you’ve lit an autumn scented candle and you’re tucked into bed with a bowl of popcorn, about to put on your favorite scary movie. There’s a cup of hot chocolate on your bedside table and you just bought a few new books that you’d like to read later in the day. Everything is calm and quiet, and a little spooky.

If this is the vibe you’re looking for during the ‘ber months’ (September, October, November and December), then I have the perfect guide to landing the cutest girls and romanticizing the increasingly cold seasons. From shows to viewing tips and book recommendations, here you’ll find everything on my fall bucket list. Sit down with a cup of tea or hot chocolate and grab a pen, because you don’t want to miss this.

Decorate for fall

Once the leaves start to fall and there is a light freshness in the air, I love making my space as cozy as possible to unwind at the end of the day. From autumn blankets to scented candles, there are endless ways to integrate autumn into your interior. One of my favorite things to do is go to Bath and Body Works to browse their selection of fall hand soaps and smell the candles. Stores like Marshalls and Target have a large selection of fall blankets and home decor, such as pillows, Halloween decorations and more. You can also decorate your space with string lights or change your bedding to welcome the new season.

Go to Barnes and Noble or used bookstores

My favorite part of fall is hands down browsing the bookstore with a nice drink in my hands and my noise canceling headphones while I play a Gilmore Girls inspired playlist. If you’re a bookworm like me, stop by your local Barnes and Noble or a used bookstore and open a new book for the fall.

I’m currently reading Holly Jackson’s ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ trilogy, and it’s the perfect murder mystery to keep you on your toes. Complete with unexpected plot twists and a dash of romance, this series will have you hooked. The story follows Pippa Fitz-Amobi, who is doing her capstone project on the murder of beloved Andie Bell and trying to prove the innocence of Sal Singh, Andie’s friend and alleged murderer.

Host a murder mystery-themed dinner party

Since scary movies and murder mysteries are an integral part of fall and Halloween, hosting a murder mystery-themed dinner party is the best way to get into the fall spirit. Enjoy a potluck with your friends and play a game of Mafia, a murder mystery card game. There are also mobile versions of Mafia if you don’t have playing cards.

In the game there are two phases that the players go through: the night phase and the day phase. There are four different roles in the game: the doctor, the detective, the citizen and the mafia. Throughout the game, the citizens try to find out who the real mafia is by talking to each other and accusing who they think is the real culprit. The detective can point out who the mafia is during each phase of the night, and the narrator can nod yes or no to confirm whether that person is the real mafia. The doctor can heal another player who he thinks the mafia killed during the night phase, and if they choose the right person, that person will be brought back. However, they cannot heal themselves. Finally, the mafia can consist of one person or up to three people, and they can kill whoever they want, but they must lie throughout the game to protect their identity.

This game will make you question your suspicions and may even ruin a few friendships, but it’s the perfect spooky game to play with a group of friends while enjoying good food and even better company.

Save your fall wardrobe

A new season is an opportunity for a fresh start and a fresh wardrobe, but instead of hitting the department stores, browse your local thrift stores and thrift stores for new pieces to add to your collection. I love shopping for cozy knit sweaters at the thrift store, and I love exploring more of a dark academic look in the fall. With pleated skirts, patent Mary Janes, sweaters and oversized cardigans, fall is a time to experiment with your style and discover edgier takes on classic wardrobe staples. Simply layering or switching up your everyday jewelry can take your look to the next level, so put on your headphones, play a podcast and have a browse around the local thrift stores. You might find some hidden gems.

Bake a fall-inspired recipe

Whether it’s an autumn-inspired drink or a treat, this new season is the time to discover new hobbies, and baking is one of the hobbies that reminds me most of autumn. I started baking last year and it is so therapeutic and soothing. Some recipes I want to try this fall are Taylor Swift’s Chai Sugar Cookies, pumpkin slice and bake cookies, and cinnamon rolls. Enjoying this by the fireplace with a cup of tea and watching a movie is the best way to unwind at the end of the day. Bonus points are that it’s a great hangout idea with your besties or a fun date idea with your partner.

What activities are on your fall bucket list? Let us know @HerCampusSJSU!