This fall, for the first time in years, felt like fall. Well…here in Toronto it did. The air cooled down, the leaves have changed into strikingly gorgeous colors and you can feel, winter is coming.

While we’re continuing to entertain outdoors and stay safe to avoid Corona virus outbreaks I’m finding so many new trends that came into play this fall. Many of these trends will carry on throughout the winter so if you’re planning to maintain a social life but want to stay warm and safe here’s what I suggest…

GETTIN’ COZY

There are so many heated items out there right now and I’m all over them. I’d say my favorite item for staying cozy is a heated blanket. However Adam just tagged me in a post on Instagram for a heated vest and that sounds pretty nice right about now.

I’m sure you’ve now been to or seen several restaurants who have patio heaters to keep you warm. Put one of these bad boys in your backyard and you’ll stay toasty for hours!

Personally, I love a good fire pit. The smell, the s’mores (!!) and the warmth are simply the best. There are so many different types out there now. I love making a fire with real wood but the gas fireplaces are a much easier, amazing alternative.

Seasonal Eats

My favorite way to cook is by the season. I LOVE farmers markets and buying fresh, seasonal produce especially in the fall! Apples, squash, potatoes and dark leafy greens all make for amazing roasts, soups and so much more. When entertaining outdoors this fall I’ve been serving HOT drinks to my guests right from the stove. My favorite? Hot apple cider. My favorite (spiked) recipe is our Apple Cider Hot Toddy. YUMMMMM. To go alongside that? Well pie of course! Bake one yourself or order yourself a few from Gold Belly my favorite online food shop. If you have a friend who has a birthday or something to celebrate and you can be with them - brighten their day with a pie delivery!

Fall Crafts

While we’re warming up outside and eating some seasonal treats, we might as well have a little fun getting crafty as well! There’s no time like the present to pick up a new hobby, especially something to calm your nerves. I still send Maggie’s watercolor painting class to friends when they want to try something calming and therapeutic. Maggie sent over her favorite suggestions for fall activities to get your creativity flowing, and honestly I can’t wait to try them.

First, of course, is a pumpkin carving kit! I mean, come on. This one is classic but ALWAYS fun because not only does this activity pass the time and challenge you to get creative, it doubles as decor for your front porch. This little kit is far better than the cheapo ones you find at the store, and we highly recommend it so you can keep it for seasons to come.

Another hobby to pick up might as well be knitting because we’re going to be staying indoors and cozy with our blankets all winter long. This little kit comes with beautiful yarn and a how-to book teaching us beginners how it’s done!

This next one is a personal fav, as I’ve been skipping out on the nail salon these days… an at-home gel manicure kit! I can’t wait to have my sister over so we can paint our nails in the backyard while sipping wine, and leave feeling like we had our own little day at the salon.

Finally, these stunning markers are made for drawing on glass. Pick up a cheap set of wine glasses, decorate as you wish, and give them as a little gift! Or even buy some plan water bottles for the kids and have them decorate their own with their names, and fill with a fall drink like apple cider.