How to Create a Cozy Fall Activity Shelf for Book Lovers
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Time to read 5 min
Okay, so I have a thing for keeping whimsy in my life. If I didn’t, Tapestry & Tomes definitely would not exist. There is something about creating magic, setting up little moments of joy, and intentionally planning to love my life that drives me.
I always tell my husband, who is the best sport, that he is so lucky to have married the most fun life planner in the entire world. What a lucky man.
But seriously, my phone notes are completely full of lists, ideas, and creative sparks for keeping the magic alive. Life is hard, and this is how I cope, keep going, and find joy in everyday life. It’s also what we want to share with you: simple ways to find beauty, whimsy, and pretty things amidst the crazy and difficult moments that happen to us all!
So, let’s talk about my cozy fall plans.
I have a bookshelf in my living room that I decorate for each season. But I don’t fill it with only cute, aesthetic fall décor from TJ Maxx even though I def have some of that and thoroughly enjoy a good TJ Maxx run with the girls. Instead, I turn it into a seasonal activity shelf filled with my To Be Read, To Be Watched, To Be Played, and To Be Crafted items!
Haha, that way everything is always sitting there, staring me right in the face and reminding me of all the cozy fall activities I want to enjoy.
Here is a quick look at my fall shelf!
What's on the shelf? + Ideas for you!
Set 1: Clue + Clue Movie + And Then There Were None
Clue is my all-time favorite board game in the entire world. Sometimes, I beg my husband to play when it’s just the two of us. He always comes through, even though he thinks it’s ridiculous and it takes about two minutes to play when there are only two people.
I also found the old Clue movie from 1985, and it is one of my TOP FAVORITE movies ever. Dry humor, a mystery to solve, and DIFFERENT ENDINGS!!! What more could you possibly want? If you haven’t watched it, you have to add it to your cozy fall movie list!
Of course, we can’t forget the mother of all mystery novels, Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. It has major Clue-esque vibes, so it is def on my fall bookshelf and remains an all-time favorite of mine. This little combination would be perfect for a fall mystery night or a cozy evening at home.
Set 2: Frankenstein + Frankenstein Movie + Operation
Frankenstein brings out the melancholy feeling of being misunderstood. It gives me space to reflect on where I am, how I communicate, and what I can do to connect better with the people closest to me.
Of course, you can’t have a Frankenstein-themed night without watching a classic Frankenstein movie! Add a game of Operation, and you have the cherry on top of the perfect gothic literature night.
I def am not as talented as Dr. Frankenstein, but I can embroider my Frankenstein-inspired patches while I watch the movie or listen to the audiobook! A classic book, a themed movie, a nostalgic board game, and a cozy embroidery project? That is basically my ideal fall evening.
Set 3: The Lord of the Rings + Extended Edition Movies + LOTR Trivia
If you haven’t guessed yet, The Lord of the Rings is one of my favorite series in the world, the universe even and it gives me the coziest fall vibes.
Secretly, I just wish I were a hobbit…
But seriously, the audiobooks, the extended-edition movies, and a Lord of the Rings trivia night bring out the very best in me and make life better. The story is also one of the best reminders that an adventure or life itself can be incredibly hard while still being deeply rewarding.
If you’re looking for cozy fantasy activities for fall, you really can’t beat spending the day in Middle-earth with good food, a warm blanket, and a craft to work on.
Set 4: Hannah Swensen Mysteries + Hallmark Movies + Baking
I’m a Hallmark girl through and through, and some of the Hallmark mysteries just SPEAK TO ME!
I absolutely love the Hannah Swensen series. The books are so fun and make perfect quick, easy mystery reads for a cozy fall afternoon. Plus, they include recipes, so I can make something sweet to enjoy while reading the book or watching the movie adaptation!
A cozy mystery, a Hallmark movie, and freshly baked cookies? Yes, please.
My Cozy Fall Reading List
Here are a few of the gothic classics, cozy mysteries, fantasy novels, and spooky books I’m adding to my fall TBR:
- Dracula
- The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
- The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
- The Lord of the Rings
- Agatha Christie novels
- The Hannah Swensen Mystery series
- Stalking Jack the Ripper
- Grimm’s Fairy Tales
My Cozy Fall Watch List
My fall movie and TV watch list includes a combination of gothic horror, nostalgic Halloween movies, cozy mysteries, fantasy favorites, and plenty of comedy:
- Psych: The Musical—one of my top movies ever!
- Dracula
- Frankenstein
- The Lord of the Rings Extended Editions
- Clue
- Hallmark Mysteries
- The Harry Potter movies
- Knives Out
- It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
- Scooby-Doo and the Witch’s Ghost
- Practical Magic
- The Addams Family
- Hotel Transylvania
- Bones
- Castle
- Bob’s Burgers Halloween episodes
- Psych Halloween episodes
Cozy Fall Hobbies and Activities
My fall shelf also includes plenty of screen-free hobbies and cozy activities to keep me entertained throughout the season:
- Playing Clue, Scrabble, and Operation
- Hosting a trivia night
- Embroidery
- Completing literary activity books
- Working on fall puzzles
- Hosting a themed book club
- Baking cozy fall treats
- Gratitude journaling
Now, every time I have a free second and wonder, “What should I do?” I have a shelf full of intentional, creative choices waiting for me. Instead of immediately doomscrolling, which I def still do sometimes, I can be more intentional about how I spend my time away from work.
Creating a cozy fall activity shelf is such a simple way to romanticize the season, make time for your favorite hobbies, and add a little everyday whimsy to your life. Fill it with books you want to read, movies you want to watch, games you want to play, and crafts you want to create. Then, whenever you need a little joy, inspiration is already waiting for you!