How to Create a Cosy Reading Afternoon for Autumn

Autumn is one of my favourite seasons! I love crisp walks, beautiful brown leaves and, of course, cosy reading afternoons. There’s just something about snuggling under a blanket or curling up in the corner of a dark café that puts me in the Autumn spirit.

So, how can you create the perfect cosy reading afternoon for Autumn? What are the best Fall reads? Let’s take a closer look.

How to create a cosy reading afternoon

Get out your pumpkin spice and pull on your jumpers – it’s time for a cosy Autumn reading afternoon! Let’s take a look at a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect Autumn vibes.

Step 1 – Choose your cosy space

First things first, you need to choose your cosy Autumn reading space. Is there a particular space in your home that makes you feel safe? Or maybe you want to find a dark, cosy corner in your local café?

Your space needs to evoke Autumn for you. Bring plenty of blankets, cushions and candles to make an ordinary space as comfortable and snug as possible.

Step 2 – Pick the perfect date

Next, you need to pick the right date for your cosy book afternoon. You might want to wait until the weekend, or you might prefer a day off during the week.

It’s officially Autumn, so the world’s your oyster. Do you want to snuggle up warm while it rains buckets outside? Or would you rather visit your local library on a sunny, crisp day? It’s up to you!

If you’re looking for inspiration, Halloween is the perfect day for a cosy reading afternoon. You can pick out a few spooky reads, light some candles and make yourself a selection of delicious Halloween treats.

Step 3 – Get snacks

A cosy reading afternoon wouldn’t be complete without snacks. You could create literary themed recipes for your book afternoon, such as Alice in Wonderland cookies, or you could cook up some classic Autumn comfort foods.

For me, cinnamon buns symbolise Autumn comfort food, but you might prefer a hot chocolate, a pumpkin spiced latte or freshly baked cookies.

Step 4 – Sort out your wardrobe

I love to romanticise my Autumn in small, fun ways, such as by wearing the perfect outfit for my reading afternoons. Create a fully immersive experience to bring joy to the new season.

If you’re heading out, a coat, scarf and gloves are a must. If you’re staying in the house, pull on your thick socks and wrap up in jumpers or blankets for the day.

You could even take your cosy reading afternoon to the next level by getting a book-themed jumper or by dressing up as your favourite literary character. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Looking for more Autumn recommendations? Check out my list of cosy Autumn activities to start the new season.

Step 5 – Don’t forget the most important thing… books!

Lastly, your cosy Autumn reading afternoon needs books. Choose an atmospheric read to make the most of your Fall reading time.

Here are some cosy books to read in Autumn:

• ‘Weyward’ by Emilia Hart
• ‘Rebecca’ by Daphne du Maurier – it’s dark and Gothic!
• ‘The Secret History’ by Donna Tartt
• ‘Madame Bovary’ by Gustave Flaubert – hunker down with a classic for Autumn
• ‘The Graces’ by Laure Eve

If you can’t decide what to read, why not check out some short stories or poems? I find short bursts of writing can help me appreciate an author’s writing style without having to commit to a full novel.

Do you have a comfortable reading space in your home? How do you create the perfect Autumn reading afternoon for yourself? What is your favourite book for Autumn?

Let me know all your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

Happy reading x