As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, I’m drawn to starting something new or brainstorming activity ideas to create an exciting autumn bucket list.
But the more I add to my list, the more overwhelming it gets. I’m learning that joy doesn’t come from doing a lot or from grand things only. Sometimes just a single simple activity gives the week a little spark of delight.
So instead of planning elaborate outings or compiling a massive list of activity ideas, I created an Autumn Merriment Menu and a free printable. A little collection of seasonal delights I can choose from each week. Think of it like a café menu: you don’t have to try everything at once, just pick the one that feels right today.
The autumn activity list might just be what you need for entertaning overnight guests or showing hospitality to your local friends.
Weekly Autumn Merriment Menu
Seasonal Treats
- Apple Tasting – sample a few varieties with cheese + tea.
- Soup Sampler – try a new fall soup recipe.
- Pumpkin Glow – bake pumpkin muffins or make a pumpkin smoothie.
Creative Charms
- Bookmark Studio – watercolor, press flowers, or collage little autumn bookmarks.
- Seasonal Nook Makeover – refresh a small corner (mantel, sideboard, windowsill).
- Photo Story – take a walk and snap 5 photos that capture the week’s mood. Print or make a mini digital collage.
Social Delights
- Café Crawl – try a new café, journal while sipping or converse with a friend.
- Tea Exchange – swap teas with a friend and share a cozy chat.
- Game Hour – invite someone over for a simple board or card game with snacks. Here are some entertaining 2-player games for you to choose from.
Whimsical Wonders
- Lantern Stroll – dusk walk with fairy lights, candle lantern, or twinkle-lit umbrella.
- Story Night – pair a seasonal movie, such as You’ve Got Mail, with themed snacks.
- Mini Costume Moment – wear something playful (beret, velvet scarf, vintage brooch) just because.
Reflective Joys
- Poetry Pause – choose one seasonal poem and read it aloud with tea.
- Library Adventure – pick a book outside your usual comfort zone.
- Letter Writing Hour – send one handwritten note.
Closing Thoughts
You could roll dice or simply cycle through the categories each week. However you choose, it doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be yours.
And if you end up doing a Story Night three weeks in a row, it’s all good, we all have our favorites on the menu.
Because sometimes joy isn’t about doing more, its about making one small moment feel special.
Free Printable
I turned the Autumn Merriment Menu into a pdf and would love to share that with you.
Other Delightful Autumn Things for You
