We’re now fully into cosy jumper and pumpkin spice season! The nights are drawing in, and let’s face it, you probably don’t want to brave the outside, so it’s the perfect time to pick up some new indoor hobbies.
I’m not talking just scrolling mindlessly on your phone, although sometimes that might be exactly what you need. So, whether you’re crafty enough to make Christmas cards or you’re a bookworm, I’ll cover plenty of ideas to make the most of the weekends and the evenings. So, grab the knitting needles, heat up the oven and snuggle down for some wholesome autumn hobbies!
Whenever we find the Great British Bake Off back on our screens, it’s hard not to feel inspired. You don’t have to get as technical as the, well, technical, but why not give baking a go this autumn and winter season? It’s a great hobby to get involved in, whether you’re a complete novice or a cupcake whizz, and you can get friends and family involved too. The best part is you get to have fun while making a little treat to enjoy after!
Ideas for Your First Foray Into the Baking World
To get inspired, why not look for cosy recipes that make the most of all our favourite flavours and spices of the season? You could try baking a pumpkin pie or whipping up cinnamon-spiced cookies. Don’t forget the decoration as well; things like ghost cookies or spider cupcakes are actually much easier to make than you think. Just stick a few edible googly eyes and chocolate sticks on a muffin, and you’re pretty much good to go!
There’s no need to buy all the fancy equipment right off the bat; instead, you could start with box mixes to determine whether or not you’ve got the baking bug. I’d also recommend starting out with something simple and, most importantly, quick. You don’t want to be stuck making a black forest gateau on your first try (that does sound good, though!). Some simple recipes include cookies, brownies, and things like banana bread. And when you’re ready to, why not mix it up with some seasonal flavours!
The cosy season is the ideal time to get those crafting juices flowing, with Halloween and Christmas approaching fast. It’s a great time to try creating some of your own decorations to add a little homemade flair to your holiday setup. There are plenty of crafts to give a go at, from air-drying clay pumpkins to making your own Christmas cards. Even if you wouldn’t consider yourself an artist, there are ways to get involved.
Making candles is one of my favourite cosy crafting hobbies! You can get all the materials online or from your local craft store and begin mixing it up with comforting scents. They also make great presents, and there’s no fiddly artistic talent involved. When it gets closer to Christmas, try out something new, like wreath making. You can find classes in your local area online or make your own with foraged materials and wiring. I love using what’s around me or upcycling when crafting; you can do this by collecting acorns to make bunting or using cardboard from leftover boxes to make gift tags for presents. It will also save you a little money on holiday decorations.
Turn to Nature for Inspiration
If you’re struggling to decide what to create, look no further than the nature around you for inspiration. Bring the beauty of the outside indoors with fallen leaf garlands made from the pressed version of the real thing, or replicated with autumnal tone fabric scraps. I also think needle felting is a really underrated craft, and you can pick up a kit for only a few pounds. It’s pretty easy to get into (it’s poking felt with a needle in the end), but making it look good is a fine art, which you can perfect over the cosy season. Making robins can be a pretty easy starting point, and they make great Christmas decorations!
Air-drying clay is another great material for easy at-home makes. Try starting off with something like a trinket dish, which basically just requires rolling the clay flat and leaving it to dry on something curved, like the bottom of a glass or the base of a mug, to dry. After that, you can get creative with the paint. Something like a pumpkin or ghost is pretty easy, or you can try a fly agaric toadstool. It’s also fun and simple to make clay Christmas ornaments, like little gingerbread houses or stars! If you want to string them from your tree or make a garland, remember to poke a hole through for the thread.
There are some days when you just want to plop down on the sofa in the evening, rather than having to use any additional brain power. On those days, cosy gaming is the ideal option to unwind. There are all the popular game options, like Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing, which can make you feel fuzzy and warm during those cold autumn and winter evenings.
Escaping to a world where your purpose is to manage a farm or chat to entertaining locals is an excellent way to kick back and relax. You can even live the seasons vicariously through games like Story of the Seasons.
Another popular way to kick back and relax is through playing at online casinos. You can spin away any seasonal stress on slots, and there are plenty of options for everyone. Whether you’re after the classics, like poker or blackjack, or you want to try something more cutting-edge, like virtual reality or live games, there’s an option for you. There are ways to get involved even on the tightest budgets, with slot spins starting from as little as 10p and no deposit and low deposit bonuses allowing you to stretch your money even further.
When you’re searching for the best slot or casino options, there’s a lot to consider, from game options and bonuses to security and payment methods. Many players turn to the leading comparison site, Online-Slot.co.uk, to help them find the best options without the hassle of research. Their team has over 40 years of combined industry experience and boasts top voices like Chris Taylor, who has reviewed over 10,000 slots! They consider everything you could want them to, such as RTP, themes, security, customer support, bonuses, and jackpots, when selecting slots and casinos. Their thorough approach means you get to choose from the very top options out there and can kick back and relax.
4. The Classics, Books and Films
There’s a reason why the classics are the classics, and reading and watching films is just better during the cosy season. To make things a little more interesting, try theming your reading or watch list around the season. There are some gripping horror and thriller books on the market that are perfect to sink your fangs into this time of year. If you’re struggling for your next read, reach for the classics, like Dracula, Frankenstein, and gothic tales like Wuthering Heights, which are heightened when read in the season of falling leaves. If frights aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other options, like the Pumpkin Spice Café, to get you in the spirit of the season.
What to Watch This Cosy Season
There’s so much to watch during this season, as we move from spooky films into Christmas ones! You don’t have to go scary, with classics like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Hocus Pocus being great picks to snuggle down with this season. Of course, you could go for a more frightening horror, like The Ring or Psycho, as well as epic modern takes, like Sinners or Get Out.
There’s also a way you can make things more interesting throughout the Christmas or Halloween period. You can pick a range of spooky or festive films and select them randomly (you can do this online or put names in a hat). Set yourself a challenge to watch one a day, or a week, and you’ll soon get to watch some great films you wouldn’t have otherwise considered. Try to add some films you’re less familiar with, so you can watch a variety and uncover some underrated gems.
What can You Do During the Cosy Season?
Although we might be all out of beach days, there’s still plenty to do during the cosy season. Why not give a new hobby, such as baking or gaming, a go? Really get into the spirit with some cosy Halloween or Christmas crafts, where you can make some decorations or even presents. Kick back with a spooky read or a festive film and relax your way through the season. Whatever helps you unwind, autumn is the perfect time to give something new a whirl!
