How to Celebrate Fall While It’s Still Summer
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Well, it’s finally here! The first fall post of 2025. I still can’t believe it’s that time. Yes, I completely understand we have at least another six or so weeks of summer left. However, with school beginning this week in Colorado and the morning and evenings getting cooler, I’m starting to feel the fall vibes. Some of the leaves on the trees are already turning just a little! If you’re getting the fall bug like I am, consider this your gateway between seasons. No one says you have to wait until September 22 this year to celebrate fall. If you love it, you can celebrate it as early as you like. However, if you’d prefer to have a slower transition, then you’ll enjoy the ideas in this post. It’s never been easier to celebrate fall while it’s still summer.
If you love this post, consider checking out some of my other content:
HOW TO THROW THE ULTIMATE GILMORE GIRLS FALL PARTY
19 REASONS TO GET EXCITED ABOUT FALL
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HOW TO DEINFLUENCE YOUR LIVE AND LIVE MORE SIMPLY
10 REASONS TO LOVE LIVING IN A SMALL TOWN
14 Ways to Celebrate Fall While It’s Still Summer
Use an adorable fall coffee mug.
If you want to sneakily celebrate fall while it’s still summer, this is a good way to do it. You can easily hide coffee mugs inside cabinets where no one can see them. But, if you want just a little glimpse of fall aesthetic, you can use a fall coffee mug to give you some cozy fall vibes. Changing out my coffee mugs is one of the first things I do to indicate my transition from summer to fall. If you don’t want to go full “pumpkin spice” and “sweater weather” just yet, consider using a sunflower mug, as they are the perfect end-of-summer flower. Here are some adorable coffee mugs you can add to your fall mug collection.
Indulge in some homemade pumpkin spice creamer.
If you’re ready to dive into fall a little more, it’s time to add some pumpkin spice creamer to your coffee. When you decide to celebrate fall while it’s still summer, you’ll probably notice that the stores don’t yet have fall-flavored coffee creamers. This is actually great, because most of them are filled with junk anyway. Instead, you can make your own pumpkin spice coffee cream. It’s better for you and it tastes so delicious. Here is the recipe I’ve been obsessed with lately.
Bake a fall(ish) treat.
It might be a little too hot yet for heavier treats like pumpkin pie and cinnamon rolls. Then again, maybe not? If you want to celebrate fall while it’s still summer but aren’t ready for full-on fall baking, there are still so many delicious treats you can make. Here are some ideas to get you started that have a lighter, almost summery feel to them.
Plan your fall wardrobe.
In the heat of the summer, you probably aren’t ready to switch out shorts for sweaters just yet. However, if you want to celebrate fall while it’s still summer, you can at least plan your fall wardrobe. I tend to wear a lot of florals and bright colors in the spring and summer seasons, so I have a pretty clear distinction between my seasonal styles. I do, however, try to keep some pieces to wear throughout the year. By doing this, you can create a capsule wardrobe which allows you to mix and match just a few items to wear many times throughout the season. I love these ideas and these as well to help you transition your wardrobe.
Go shopping or thrifting for a new clothing item.
Once you get some inspiration for your fall wardrobe, there is nothing stopping you from taking a shopping trip to purchase some of those items. I love the cozy warm feel of fall clothing, from sweaters to scarves and even fun dresses. Many stores will begin to transition their summer clothes out as early as the beginning of July, so it’s a great time to begin looking. Another fun idea is to go thrifting. Thrift stores don’t discriminate due to the seasons, so you’re more likely to find a cold-weather item. You’ll probably also save some money in the process by not buying from a big box store.
Browse the aisles of Hobby Lobby.
At this point, I’m shocked Hobby Lobby waits as late as June to begin putting out fall items. It’s almost too early if you ask me, but here we are, talking about how to celebrate fall while it’s still summer! If you want some fall inspiration, head to your nearest Hobby Lobby around the end of July and browse the aisles. By this time, you are bound to find a store filled with fall décor and other seasonal items.
Watch a cozy movie or TV show.
If you are dying to celebrate fall while it’s still summer and need some cozy fall vibes, there’s nothing better than watching an autumnal movie. You can still get the atmosphere while comfortably watching from your air conditioned home. To make it even more fun, make some hot tea or a fall coffee beverage and a fall treat to munch on while you watch. Here are some fun suggestions of shows and movies to get you inspired for the autumn season.
Movies
- You’ve Got Mail
- When Harry Met Sally
- Dead Poets Society
- Twilight
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
- Good Will Hunting
- Matilda
- October Kiss
TV Shows
- Gilmore Girls
- Gossip Girl
- Friday Night Lights
- The Vampire Diaries
- Wednesday
- The Fall of the House of Usher
Decorate with transitional décor.
If you want to celebrate fall while it’s still summer without putting out pumpkins, leaves, and gourds just yet, you may want to consider transitional décor. This can make it feel like you are blissfully in between seasons without going too crazy on either end of the seasonal spectrum. Yvonne from Stone Gable Blog always has great decorating ideas. Check out her late summer and early fall decorating ideas for some inspiration.
Try out a new fall recipe.
Before moving headfirst into the fall season, the end of summer is a great time to try out some new fall recipes. The evenings are beginning to cool down, giving off those chilly fall vibes, at least here in Colorado. If you live in Texas, I may be exaggerating just a little. As the weather turns, it’s natural to want cozy recipes that feel like fall. Between seasons, I keep it light and rely on my favorite autumn salad. Taste of Home has some of my favorite fall recipes that are so cozy. You can also check out my personal Pinterest board and the New York Times roundup for tons of great fall food ideas.
Curate the perfect fall bucket list.
As you celebrate fall while it’s still summer, now is the perfect time to begin working on your fall bucket list. Classic ideas include bonfires, apple picking, pumpkin carving, and baking fall treats. There are SO many fun ideas you can include in your fall bucket list. If you want to take the guesswork out of creating a bucket list, you can easily purchase one that I created!
Listen to some fall-inspired music.
We don’t often associate fall with music, but I believe there is definitely music that gives off fall vibes. Namely, this includes soft acoustic guitar music or slower bluegrass. There’s just something about hearing an acoustic guitar that makes you feel like you’re at a bonfire in the evening with leaves falling all around you. Spotify does a great job of curating songs based on your personal tastes, but you can also check out this playlist I made. It really does have such great fall vibes.
Burn a fall-scented candle
One of my favorite ways to celebrate fall while it’s still summer is to burn a fall-scented or inspired candle. There’s something about burning a fall candle that just makes your house feel so much more cozy. I always try to opt for low- or non-toxic candles. Here are some suggestions for you.
Attend a festival or fair.
Festivals and fairs typically begin happening in July, so it’s a great way to celebrate fall while it’s still summer. While they may not exactly give off vibes, fairs have always reminded me that summer is soon ending. My hometown fair always feels like the last big event before school starts, which means fall isn’t far off. Attending fairs and festivals is also a great way to build community with others and support local businesses. Consider finding your nearest local festival or fair and have fun!
Plan a fun fall weekend trip.
If you live in a city, fall is the perfect time to get away to a small town, specifically on the United States East Coast. The East is known for some of the most stunning views in October when the leaves are at peak foliage, from Maine all the way down to North Carolina. You can celebrate fall while it’s still summer by planning the perfect fall road trip now. For some inspiration, check out some of these fall road trip ideas.
My Pennsylvania Fall Road Trip post
Helene In Between’s Perfect Road Trip Itinerary
Nicole the Nomad’s Fall Road Trip Ideas
Samantha Brown’s 13 Best Fall Destinations
Detail Oriented Traveler’s 50 Best Places to Visit in the Fall
If you love this post, consider checking out some of my other content:
HOW TO THROW THE ULTIMATE GILMORE GIRLS FALL PARTY
19 REASONS TO GET EXCITED ABOUT FALL
14 WAYS TO CELEBRATE FALL IN A SMALL TOWN
HOW TO DEINFLUENCE YOUR LIVE AND LIVE MORE SIMPLY
10 REASONS TO LOVE LIVING IN A SMALL TOWN
If you’re anything like me, I’m sure you’re stoked for the impending arrival of fall! I’d love to know what gets you into the fall season while it’s still summer. And stay tuned for plenty more fall content during this upcoming season. Until next time, Kayla.
