Try teaming this warm apple and walnut salad with chicken thighs and sweet potatoes.
There’s something about fall that just feels like a deep breath.
The air gets crisp, the days grow shorter, and suddenly the world around us is painted in warm shades of red, orange, and gold.
It’s nature’s way of saying: slow down, take it all in.
Savoring the Season
Simple living in fall begins with noticing the small joys around us. A walk outside becomes more than just exercise — it’s a chance to listen to the crunch of leaves, breathe in the earthy scent of the season, and marvel at nature’s changing palette.
Even a cozy afternoon with a warm drink can feel like a meaningful ritual when we pause to be present.
Decluttering and Letting Go
Just as the trees shed their leaves, autumn can inspire us to release what no longer serves us.
This might mean clearing out our closets, simplifying our schedules, or letting go of habits that weigh us down.
Making space — both physically and mentally — allows us to move into the colder months with clarity and peace. Set a 15-minute timer — you can do it after you finish reading this month’s issue of Shore Home and Garden! Set a timer for just 15 minutes.
Pick one small area — like a junk drawer, your car, or the top of your dresser — and focus only on that.
You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish in a short burst.
Make it a daily habit and you will be amazed at what you can declutter!
Cozy, not cluttered
Living simply doesn’t mean living plain. A soft blanket, a favorite sweater, a book you’ve been meaning to read — all of those little comforts make fall feel special. It’s about creating space for cozy moments without overwhelming ourselves with “stuff.”
Bring the outside in with a few simple touches — like a bowl of apples, a vase with a few branches of colorful leaves, or a small pumpkin or two.
Nature is already beautiful — you don’t need a lot of extras. Instead of filling every surface with décor, swap in cozy layers: a chunky knit blanket on the couch, plaid or earthy-toned throw pillows, or a soft rug.
Textures create warmth without taking up space.
Fall Traditions
Fall naturally asks us to slow down. The days shorten, evenings come earlier, and the weather nudges us indoors. Instead of filling every moment, lean into the quieter pace.
A simple living approach could mean creating small seasonal rituals that give your days meaning without adding clutter or busyness.
A few ideas to get you started:
• Evening candlelight: Light a single candle at dinner to mark the shift from day to night;
• Daily walk: Take a short walk to enjoy the crisp air and changing leaves — no phone, just noticing;
• Weekly soup night: Pick one night each week for a cozy, home-cooked soup. It becomes something simple yet grounding to look forward to; and
• Gratitude journal: End the day by jotting down one small thing you’re thankful for.
By building in tiny rituals like these, you create anchors for the season that bring comfort and calm — without adding extra stuff or stress.
Harvest and home-cooked meals
I can’t talk about the joys of fall without a little conversation about food. Fall foods naturally lend themselves to simple living.
A pot of soup simmering on the stove, roasted vegetables, or an apple crisp — none of it has to be fancy.
What makes it rich is sharing it, slowing down to enjoy it, and being grateful for it. Chilis, soups and roasted chicken make for great autumn meals on those crisp days.
Here’s a new recipe to add to your repertoire!
Team it with a sheet pan of chicken thighs and sweet potatoes for a divine taste of the season!
Warm Apple and Walnut Salad
Ingredients (serves 4)
• 2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji work well), sliced thin
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• Half- teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
• Half-cup walnuts, lightly toasted
• Third-cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional but delicious)
• 2-3 tablespoons dried cranberries (optional)
Dressing
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• Pinch of salt and pepper
Directions
• Toast the walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
• Sauté the apples: In the same skillet, melt butter (or warm olive oil). Add sliced apples, drizzle with honey/maple syrup, and sprinkle with cinnamon. Cook for 2–3 minutes until just softened and warm (not mushy).
• Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, balsamic, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
• Assemble the salad: Place greens in a large bowl. Top with warm apples, walnuts, goat cheese, and cranberries.
• Drizzle & serve: Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently. Serve immediately while the apples are still warm.
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So as the leaves turn and the days grow cozier, maybe simple living in fall isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing less, but with heart.
Brew the tea, light the candle, take the walk to admire the changing leaves, savor the soup.
The season won’t last forever, but the peace you create now just might carry you through the colder months ahead.
After all, autumn reminds us that sometimes the simplest things — like a crisp apple or a quiet evening — are the ones that fill us up the most.
(Editor’s Note: Kristine George is a freelance journalist who resides in Easton.)
