LIFE & STYLE

Sip Hot Toddies & Revel In Autumn’s Finest

By Melanie Carden

I’m moving the apple brandy to the front of the bar and taking inventory of all my fall favorites. Sure, I love summer, but with that first whiff of pumpkin spice or apple crisp, I’m all-in on October shenanigans like orchard visits and leaf-peeping. From cozy loungewear to showstopping pumpkins and seasonal gifting, I’m ready for sweater weather season with these fabulous autumn finds.

POSH PUMPKINS
With just a hint of glam, these decorative pumpkins from Olive & Cocoa are the perfect pop of autumn whimsy. The twirly jet-black stems add to the drama, especially near some cozy candles. The perfect addition to the fall mantle or fabulous hostess gift. Info: oliveandcoco

SEASONAL DELIGHTS
The FabFitFun curated lifestyle box membership takes things to a new level of swoon-worthiness. The brand releases new, seasonally fabulous boxes each quarter—packed with six full-size products. Customize your profile for favorite categories—from beauty to home décor or fashion—and score mega savings on the latest trendy goodies. Info: fabfitfun.com

APRÈS APPLE PICKING
In the Northeast, we’re spoiled with colorful leaves and crisp autumn air. Now, you can upgrade your outdoor experiences with heated Adirondack chairs from Wrmth—in a wide range of colors. The perfect après apple picking vibe; just add hot cider.
Info: wrmth.com

IRRESISTIBLE AUTUMN SWEATER
The funnel neck on this Alpaca & Pima cotton sweater from Poetry gives it an irresistible sweater-weather aura. Wear it unbuttoned and flowy, or lean into its scarf-like superpowers by wearing it buttoned up. Either way, the oatmeal color and fluffy texture is vying for the title of all-time favorite sweater. Info: poetryfashion.com

SUBLIME ICE CREAM 
I’ve tried a dozen or so varieties of Salt & Straw’s dreamy small batch ice creams—traditional, gluten-free, and vegan. In a word: sublime. This fall’s releases include Caramel Apple Sherbet, Finnriver’s Black Currant Apple Cider, and Green Apple Wasabi Sorbet, and more. Hop online and get a 5-pint bundled delivered. Info: saltandstraw.com

NORMANDY’S APPLE
TRIUMPH

Instead of syrupy seasonal drinks, I’ll be indulging in hot toddies—with a splash of Boulard Calvados X.O. apple brandy. Boulard blends 120 apple varieties, over twice what’s required by the strict regulations governing Calvados production. It’s aged between eight and 15 years and is an exquisite ode to Normandy terroir. Info: calvados-boulard.com

NIFTY GIFTY
My shortlist of go-to gifting resources includes Nifty Package Co.—they always seem to have just the right thing. Shop for a breast cancer awareness month gift—like the Comfort & Care basket, packed with over a dozen special inclusions—or the seasonal sass of the Hot Toddy collection. Info: niftypackage.co

COZY SEASON ESSENTIALS
Every now and again, I find the perfect loungewear, in a color scheme that just feels like the season. Well, Piglet in Bed has done it with the Port & Woodrose Striped Linen essentials. These cozy pieces offer an open invitation to cuddle up and savor some warm apple cider donuts. Info: pigletinbed.com

BEWITCHING &
WATERPROOF

Every fall, I search for a new everything boot—that one pair that looks equally fabulous with leggings and dresses. Tuckernuck has these Blondo Exclusive Camel Suede Velma Boots, boasting a perfect fit stretch back panel. And as if a fashion fairy granted our one wish: they’re waterproof.
Info: tnuck.com

PUMPKIN SEED TOFFEE
It’s as heavenly as it sounds—toasted pumpkin seed toffee with a wee-little sprinkle of orange sugar. The squares are a hearty four-bite size and are entirely addictive. This wife-and-husband team are dedicated to luxury chocolates, and their brand, Valerie Confections, is every bit the culmination of that mission.
Info: valerieconfections.com

A POP OF FALL FLAVOR
Pumpkin Spice, Candy Corn, Maple Brown Sugar, and Vanilla Chai? Yes, indeed. These seasonal drizzle options from Sweet Chaos Popcorn are a little disruptive and wonderfully tasty. I love finding non-GMO popcorn, and even the candy corn flavor has just 13 grams of sugar per cup-and-a-half serving. Not too shabby! Info: sweetchaos.com

ALLURE OF AUTUMN
My visits to Ulta always include quality time with the gorgeous additive-free, cruelty-free scents from Le Monde Gourmand. The latest limited-edition Pumpkin Crème Eau de Parfum has a warmth-meets-creamy scent with subtle hints of pumpkin and nutmeg. A light spritz is the perfect complement to an oversized cardigan.

Info: gourmandbeauty.com