There’s something undeniably nostalgic about fall scents. Whether it’s the warm notes of cinnamon, the earthy aroma of bonfires, or the sweet tang of apple cider, these fragrances evoke comfort, coziness, and the spirit of autumn. As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to fall, it’s the perfect time to fill your home with the essence of the season. So, what does the ‘scent of fall’ evoke for you? To help you fully embrace autumn at home, here are a few simple yet effective ways to infuse your space with those delicious fall scents:
1. Essential Oils - One of the easiest ways to invite fall into your home is by using an essential oil diffuser. Add water and a few drops of your favorite autumnal essential oils, then sit back and enjoy the comforting aromas. Some of the best fall-inspired essential oils include:
- Cinnamon: warm and spicy, instantly evokes a cozy atmosphere.
- Clove: deep, rich, and perfect for those chilly evenings.
- Orange: brings a bright, citrusy sweetness to balance heavier spices.
- Eucalyptus: adds a refreshing, cool note, mimicking brisk autumn air.
- Basil: earthy and herbal, ideal for grounding your space in the season.
- Maple: a sweet earthy scent described as a pleasant mix of nutty, woody and caramel tones, making it a unique and inviting aroma
2. Stove-Top Simmer Pot - For a completely natural way to fill your home with the scent of fall, try a stove-top simmer pot. Customize it with your favorite fall fruits and spices! Here’s how to do it:
Add your chosen ingredients to a saucepan with about 2 quarts of water, bring it to a simmer, and let the fragrance waft through your home. Don’t forget to top off the water every 30 minutes to keep the scent going strong.
Some incredible fall simmer pot recipes:
- Apple peels, orange rinds, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves: sweet and spicy, perfect for an autumn afternoon.
- Bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon sticks: earthy and grounding, like a walk in the woods.
- Cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg: a holiday blend that brings warmth and nostalgia.
- Ginger root, cinnamon sticks, orange slices: invigorating yet cozy, ideal for chilly mornings.
Tip: You can reuse your simmer pot mix! Just store it in a mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Bake a Fall Dessert - There’s no better way to warm up your kitchen and fill your home with amazing fall scents than baking a seasonal dessert. The added bonus? You get to enjoy a delicious treat when you’re done! Here are a few of our favorite autumn desserts:
- Iced pumpkin cookies
- Pumpkin roll cake
- Apple pie or apple crisp
- Cinnamon apple cider monkey bread
- Maple oatmeal pie
Any of these will leave your home smelling heavenly, and nothing says “fall” quite like the aroma of baked apples or cinnamon.
4. Make Apple Butter - Slow-cooking apple butter in your crockpot will fill your entire home with the scent of autumn. Even though there’s no actual butter in apple butter, the name speaks to its smooth, creamy texture. As apples cook down, they break into a sweet, thick spread that’s perfect on toast, biscuits, or just by the spoonful.
5. Use Fall-Scented Cleaning Products - Why not make your cleaning routine feel more festive? Fall-scented cleaning products will leave your home sparkling and smelling like the season. JAWS Kitchen Cleaner, for instance, offers a light orange cinnamon scent that complements any post-cooking cleanup. You’ll enjoy the light fragrance while you clean. And it's orange - the perfect fall color.
6. Spray a Fall Room Spray - For an instant burst of fall fragrance, a room spray is a quick and effective way to set the mood. Choose from a variety of fall scents—cinnamon, clove, and apple cider—and use it to freshen up any room at any time.
7. Craft an Autumn Bouquet - A beautiful autumn bouquet not only enhances your décor but also brings the natural scents of fall inside. Create your own fall arrangement with flowers in your yard such as roses, gerbera daisies, sunflowers, dahlias, hydrangea or leafy branches, pine. or other fall-colored flowers and place them in a mason jar. For an extra layer of fragrance, add a few drops of cinnamon or anise essential oil to the flowers. This touch brings a subtle yet luxurious fall aroma to your home.
8. Open the Windows to Let the Autumn Air In
After the heat of summer, crisp autumn air feels refreshing and revitalizing. Give your air conditioning a rest and crack open a few windows to let fresh air circulate, ridding your home of any stuffiness while inviting in that invigorating fall breeze. Bonus: The cooler air can also improve your sleep if you leave the windows open at night!
9. Have a Fire - Few things are more iconic to fall than the aroma of a fire. Whether it’s in your fireplace on on you patio, having a fire is a great way to make your neighbors jealous with it's wonderful smell.
10. Mull Some Hot Apple Cider - There’s nothing like the warm, sweet, and spicy aroma of mulling apple cider to make your home smell like fall. Simply pour a gallon of cider into a crockpot, add 3 to 4 tablespoons of mulling spices, and let it simmer. Not only does this fill the house with a fantastic scent, but it’s also ready to serve whenever you want a cozy, warm drink.
11. Swap in Autumnal Hand Soap - A simple way to bring autumn vibes to your home is by swapping out your regular hand soap for one with fall-inspired fragrances. From pumpkin spice to apple cider, the options are endless, and they provide a quick hit of fall every time you wash your hands.
12. Hang a Cinnamon Broom - Cinnamon brooms are more than just decorative—they’re believed to bring good fortune and prosperity! Made of pine straw and scented with cinnamon oil, these brooms are said to ward off evil spirits, making them a fun addition to your Halloween décor. Hang one by your front door or sweep your porch to cleanse your space’s energy and fill the air with cinnamon’s spicy, sweet aroma.
Choose any of these suggestions to transform your home into a cozy, inviting space where the warm and nostalgic scents of fall linger in the air. So go ahead, embrace the season, and surround yourself with the delightful aromas that make autumn truly special!