Spooky Season Essentials
Our favorite season is here, ladies and gents: Spooky Season. Yes, I know, Spooky Season technically only lasts until the clock strikes midnight following All Hallows Eve, but I say Spooky Season is here to stay. As the leaves fall to the ground, and the weather gets colder, there are essentials that I gravitate towards to keep me in the spooky spirit. So, get cozy. Light your apple cinnamon cider candle, sip on that pumpkin spiced latte, and let’s get into my must-haves for the fall season… or should I say… Spooky Season!
Halloween Movies
While the frightening part of Halloween is what makes the season so fun, watching horror flicks has never been a part of my movie-watching agenda. The second that the hot weather begins to ease up, you’ll find me watching the movies that get you into the Halloween spirit without all the scare. Some of my favorites include Halloweentown, Twitches, Edward Scissorhands, Coraline, Sweeney Todd, and occasionally, I’ll pop in the 1976 version of Carrie, which is definitely the scarier version.
Zany TV Shows
TV shows are a great way to stay in the spooky spirit, since their run time will almost always equate to longer than that of a Halloween movie. American Horror Story marks the start of Spooky Season, with its first episode usually airing sometime between September and mid-October. However, there are definitely other TV shows that can get you into the spirit, depending on what you’re in the mood for. The Haunting of Hill House is another great option that I find myself turning to when I want that ghostly scare. Sometimes, though, I find myself wanting a lighter option that isn’t scary but is mystical enough to keep me in the spirit year-round. Witch-centered shows such as the original Charmed and Sabrina the Teenage Witch are great options for this.
Pumpkin Pecan Waffles Scents
Bath and Body Works’ Pumpkin Pecan Waffles scent is available in candles ($14.50-$24.50), room sprays ($7.50), fragrance refills ($6.50 - $27.00), and fragrance melts ($6.50), and you bet I have every single one of them. During the fall season specifically, I have these products placed all over, and the second I walk into my house, it immediately wraps me in a maple-scented warmth. I’ll even use the products during other seasons to keep me in the spooky spirit.
Apple Cider Donuts
Apple Cider Donuts via Food Network
Apple cider donuts are quite literally the embodiment of this time of year. When freshly made, the thick, doughy consistency mixed with the elevated taste of a cinnamon sugar transports you to an apple orchard surrounded by multi-colored trees in which you can practically hear the wheels of an approaching hayride. Need I say more?
Cozy Drinks
The new Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew from Starbucks makes their Pumpkin Spiced Latte old news. It has a softer pumpkin taste, but still delivers that sweet feeling we want from a cozy drink. Hot chocolate is also a staple for the cold weather, and for me, the more marshmallows its topped with, the better! This is a drink that can take you from the start of Spooky Season to the end of the holiday season. Then there’s the year-round option that’s not only a great Starbucks drink in general but also one that almost everyone can get behind… the Blonde Vanilla Latte. This drink is casual enough to be ordered every day but also gives the warm flavors you’d expect to taste while surrounded by multi-colored trees somewhere upstate.
Fleece Throw Blankets
Throw blankets are single-handedly the most comfortable pieces of decor. More specifically, fleece throw blankets are the comfiest items I own, and they’re easy to find. You can get one anywhere from Urban Outfitters to Target. When I’m in the mood to watch a Halloween movie and drink my hot cocoa with extra marshmallows, I’ll immediately grab a throw blanket and get snug on my couch or in my bed. It makes for the perfect end to a fall day.
Katie Ryan said, “It’s frickin’ bats. I love Halloween,” and the meaning of Fall was changed forever. Tis’ the season to be spooky, ladies and gentlemen.