“It was one of those perfect English autumnal days
which occur more frequently in memory than in life…”
Author P.D. James
Oh, may it not be so!
Autumn gives us every opportunity to live an authentic life. Yet how easy it is to miss the little things in the pursuit of a “perfect” life! An authentic life is made up of recognizing beautiful moments in an imperfect world. We must discipline ourselves to linger even for a moment on those things so they will become emblazoned in our memory like a snapshot in a tattered scrapbook.
20 Little Things To Treasure in Autumn
- Quiet dinners by the fire
- Reading mystery novels in darkened rooms
- Flannel sheets at the end of a long day
- Candles Flickering
- Smelling cinnamon, oranges & cloves
- Pumpkins
- Roasts, Potatoes & Carrots
- Fluffy feather beds on a cold night
- Watching movies snuggled in soft blankets
- Cozy socks
- Pie in the oven
- Warm crackling wood stoves
- Squash with buttered brown sugar
- Chili and corn bread smothered in honey
- Wind blowing through leaves
- Glow of lamps through windows
- Laughter filling a room
- Scrabble and popcorn
- Caramel apples
- Family
Photos: Ralph Lauren, last photo Ralph Lauren via House Beautiful
Related Posts: Fall Nesting Week (hundreds of Fall ideas!!)
Creative Ways to Decorate Naturally
love this!
such a cozy post!
brandis last blog post..You wanted to know…
loove the warm autumn colours. Smells like caramel apples. Hope you are well! =))
laissezfaires last blog post..Bang-bags sale
I can’t even begin to tell you how much your blog is inspiring me. I went out today and bought four huge pots of Autumn colured mums. I loved this. Especially the scrabble and popcorn. The best things in life really are the simple things. Thanks for the reminder.
Mavens last blog post..The Lemon Blog
Morning Melissa,
What a gorgeous snuggly post – I love Autumn!! Okay I have tagged you for ’7 Obscure things about me’ meme – hope that’s ok?
Liz@VioletPosys last blog post..Tagged – 7 Obscure things about me
Oh yes! yes! yes! I love them all. Add to the list Mums and bonfires and roasting marshmallows:>)
Kathys last blog post..What’s New?
i am dying over those plates!
i knew that all had to be RL, it just had that look!
but those plates….dear Lord!
cynthias last blog post..pumpkin spice latte…
terrific textures!
teaorwines last blog post..Tampa Treats
What a wonderful list! I just might have to make my own today. The pictures look so cozy…I love the table at the end. Beautiful.
Kristens last blog post..A Calling Crisis
Wonderful list of some of my most favorite things of fall. And I so want those plates!
Ceekays last blog post..Show and Tell – My Annies
Mmmm, watching a movie under cozy blankets and hot chili.
Janets last blog post..Fall Fun for the Weekend!
I love your post…I read about it at Nesting Place! I love carmel apples and fire crackling! What a great reminder to what is coming!
Have a great weekend!
-Sandy Toes
Debbies last blog post..The neighbors are watching…
Such a beautiful bedroom, who wouldn’t love to be in that room? I love the list, now all I need is a cup of tea and some time to relax in that gorgeous bedroom. Karen
Karens last blog post..Hopeful Friday
Just had to know those were Ralph’s. Love ‘em and him! Wonderful post, Melissa!
Pats last blog post..~Back Porch Autumn~
Ahhh….I just want to snuggle in that big bed of yours, eating off those plates… never to appear again…at least for a few days.
Jen@Balancing Beauty and Bedlams last blog post..4 Meals in 4 Minutes Homemade Gourmet give away
I LOVE the dishes!
This was a truly inspiring blog today! I drooled over the photos and then immediately added artichokes to my grocery list so I can do the cool artichoke as a place card holder idea for a dinner party this weekend! Greta photos, Merci!
The Antiques Diva
why does this make me hungry? Now I wish there really WAS a pie in my oven. hmmm…must…bake…this…weekend…
Courtney @ Nesting Instinctss last blog post..my craftiness (in more ways than one!)
I recently found your website and can’t tell you what a lifesaver it has been for me. Not only have you put a name to what I’ve been searching for this past year (Authentic Living) but I found you at a time when I most need you !
I’m moving into a new home next week and find my movers bringing my mid-century furniture which was chosen for my last home (an “Eichler) to my one-year old new California “Tuscan” or “New Traditional” flavored home. Help!
BTW, I couldn’t help but blog and link to you on my own website: Go-Go Mommy. I heart “The Inspired Room”!
Go-Go Mommys last blog post..First Day of School! – Part 2
I came by from Nesting Place and I LOVE all your treasured Autumn things!! The pictures are FABULOUS and I am just drooling over them!! So comfy, cozy and Fall-ish!
Oh, Melissa, this just makes me want to curl up with a steaming cup of apple cider! I LOVE autumn!!
PS-Glad to have found you on twitter …
Melissa, I love your blog and I think this is one of your best posts ever! I’ve been struggling with perfection vs authenticity. Every time I do, I read your blog and remember what it’s all about. Autumn is almost perfection here in Central Vermont. I’m celebrating it with a few of your cosy ideas!
Kathy at Shocking Pink Threads last blog post..Seeing Red
I love all of those Melissa
Makes me very melancholy for hubby-he is out of town working 
Must keep busy to make the time fly by faster!
Bella
UNA MERAVIGLIA!!
BUON FINE SETTIMANA
MARY
marys last blog post..una valigia in soffitta………..
That’s a lovely list! Much nicer than the cold we all have here. I’ll have to start enjoying some of them when I’m feeling better.
jens last blog post..Chutney and Pickles
“Living an authentic life rather than the perfect life.” What an amazing quote…..I’m adding that one to my quote journal.
Love, love, love it! Words to live by…..
Melissa Woman ~ I love this post and these beauty pauses. Great job woman!
I love to visit your blog. You always have the most inspiring pictures. I love fall too but living in Phoenix, it still seems like summer. I guess I can daydream.
Debbies last blog post..Another Thankful Thursday
Autumn colors are my favorite and treasure all the same things you posted. The RL style is top notch and always has been. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a room full of all those pretties. Blessings, karen
I personally would be very happy to summer all year round… but you sure make fall appealing and give me a few things to look forward to! Thanks!
Gidgets last blog post..And the winner is…
I love this time of year too! You’ve brought out the very finest for the year and I loved looking at your blog!
Thanks for the Happy Birthday wishes
YES! I loooove that book. My goodness, I’ve read it so many times, and I’ve actually read it in one whole day. Francis Rivers is amazing, she brings the story to live and shows God’s amazing heart. Love it.!
Lauren @ Team Giless last blog post..In Honor of Birthday Weekend…
My favorite time of year for the very reasons you listed. Autumn is so cozy.
Its_Lilys last blog post..Grosgrain: Make Believe Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!
Okay, so you made me cry….I must be hormonal :} {the post just brought back sweet memories}
Beautiful, beautiful.
I think I need you to move next door, so you could give me advise on how to decorate “Autumn Minimalist style” I have a very little bungalow I’m attempting to make feel like home- with out bringing a whole truck load of stuff to it.
Sorry for the rambling- Loved your post today
Ok, you made me like fall. I am still loyal to summer though!
darlenes last blog post..British Colonial
Ralph is such a genius at creating the perfect mood, isn’t he?
And I loved your word descriptions of fall. Just the most sublime season, for all the reasons you list!
Delightful post, Melissa! Happy weekend to you!
Pamelas last blog post..
I have had corn bread smothered in honey…
I have had loads of chili (and lived to tell about it)…
I have never had the 2 together—especially with honey! I might just have to try this. I think this would count for “sweet and savory!”
BTW, I have been leaving you comments on Twitter. I just got started thanks to Mel at Mel’s World. I’m not sure that you are seeing my posts. I’m still finding my way. But, I did tell you that I voted for your site and for the site of your friend. I hope you WIN!
Tootles, KJ
Oh yay! I’m so glad you let us join in on the fun with Mr. Linky! And I am honored to be first. I can’t wait to read others lists. Thanks for putting that up, Melissa!
Kristens last blog post..My Cozy Little List
“These are a few of my favorite things” lovely photos, great post !!
Kathy
ps one more I would add: I love to make a beef stew once the weather turns cooler…oopps one more lol apple picking
I love this idea! And I really want two armchairs pulled up close to the fireplace with a small table between for romantic fireside dinners!
Lorrie
Lorries last blog post..September Delights
Great idea, thank you. And it just makes me lust for fall even more
kriss last blog post..20 Things that Inspire Autumn
Hi Melissa,
I always love to play along. Thanks for reminding me to stop and think about what I really treasure!
Corinne
Corinnes last blog post..20 Little Things To Treasure In Autumn
Love the post. Made me think too of what I like and to take notice of.
Wonderful Post!!!!! Fabulous!
Tammy Winsteads last blog post..Self Breast Exam Reminder
I love this time of year! Thanks for the idea to stop and think about WHY I love it so much!
Kirstens last blog post..Fall Treasures
You are killing me with those photos! I love them all! Houndstooth is my new favorite…I just ordered fabric for two of my wingback chairs in that pattern…can’t wait until it gets here!
Carrie
Buzzings of a Queen Bee!s last blog post..Do I Have a Problem?
Wow!! It’s like you were inside my head today!
Beautiful photos and what a snuggly, warm fuzzy list you’ve compiled. I defy anyone to find anything on that list that won’t put a smile on their face… Well done!!
Happy Autumn!
Joys last blog post..{a notable nursery}
Oh I can’t agree more – I love those fall nights.
please sirs last blog post..Dear Diary
Just off on a Spring holiday….. but to the snow…… so I love this post. It’s never really cold enough here for all those lovely things in your list so I will think of you when I grab my book and snuggle into a warm bed after a cold day. A-M xx
A-Ms last blog post..Spring Holiday Giveaway
Tartans, and checks, and herringbone, OH MY! All those pictures are absolutely divine! Ralph Lauren has truly mastered the quintessential fall look. I love your list!
Mrs. Bs last blog post..Privacy Please!