Being bougie on a budget is my love language. I love finding ways to make my home feel cozy, welcoming, and luxurious without spending a fortune. Because the reality is: I am by no means a wealthy woman, and I know firsthand how quickly the costs of decorating a home can add up. While I’m always on the hunt for affordable decor, I don’t want it to look affordable if you know what I mean. So, I’ll take any and all tips for making my home feel put together and appear more high-end than it actually is. If you, too, want a luxe look without the luxury price, read on for a few simple ways to make your home look expensive on a budget.

1. Upgrade your lighting

Although it’s often overlooked, lighting makes an incredible impact on how your home looks and feels. Banish the overhead light (it doesn’t make anyone look great, trust me), and instead use a variety of standing and table lamps to brighten your space in the evenings. Choose warm white bulbs over cool ones, and you’ll have a cozier space in no time. Smart bulbs are also a worthy investment that isn’t too expensive. They dim, change colors, and can be put on a schedule so you never have to think about turning them off or on again.

Curtains will give any space a lift. They make a room feel finished and polished, and your choice of pattern and texture can add to the overall aesthetic of your room as well. Luxe fabrics like velvet and linen will always feel fancy, but one trick that will make your home feel more expensive is to hang your curtains extra high. This creates height and makes it seem like you have higher ceilings. Not to mention, it will create a sense of grandeur without any extra cost to you. Either hang your curtains about 4 to 6 inches above your window or mount the rod right below your ceiling for maximum impact. Just be sure to measure properly so your curtains reach all the way down to the floor.

3. Style with trays

Ah, the magic of decorative trays. I remember when I was staying with a friend years ago, I noticed she had her toiletries displayed on a tray in her bathroom. I fell in love. Something so simple can make your collection of items appear more organized and add a touch of style. Marble trays can feel especially luxurious—keep one in your bathroom or on your vanity to display perfumes, toiletries, and decorative items. Small wooden trays look fantastic in a kitchen, and woven trays are great for coffee tables.

4. Display fresh flowers

I think everyone can agree that fresh flowers feel like a luxury. Having a vase of flowers on any surface in your home will add beauty and an expensive-looking touch in an instant. My go-to spot for flowers is Trader Joe’s—they always have a wide variety, and the prices simply can’t be beat. Your vases don’t have to be expensive either—a simple glass or ceramic vessel is perfect for letting the blooms shine.

5. Swap plastic for natural materials

Plastic home goods are often inexpensive and convenient to purchase, but they have a tendency to look cheap. By swapping those plastic items for natural materials like wood, glass, or metal, you can instantly make your space feel more high-end. Have a plastic trash can? Switch it for a metal one. How about a plastic laundry hamper? Try a woven material instead. If you keep toiletries on your bathroom counter, try hiding your plastic items in a drawer for a week and see how it elevates your space. You don’t have to get rid of any and all plastic, but notice where you can make small upgrades to achieve the luxurious look you’re going for.

6. Add a signature scent

One of my favorite parts of staying at a nice hotel is the scent. Many hotels have a signature fragrance they pump into their lobby, and it makes the experience feel curated and lush. You can create the same experience at home by choosing a favorite scent and making it your everyday home fragrance. After all, scent is just another layer of luxury that will add to the overall experience. Place a reed diffuser in your bathroom, light a candle in your living room, or keep a plug-in diffuser in your entryway. You don’t need to have fragrance pumping all day, but it does feel extra special when your home smells fresh, clean, and dare I say, expensive.

7. Change out your hardware

The little details matter. Especially if you live in a rental, you probably have beige light switch covers, run-of-the-mill cabinet pulls, and plain brushed nickel door knobs. While all of these things are certainly functional, they lack personality. Swapping your hardware is an easy fix that can completely change the look of a room, taking cabinets, drawers, and doors from basic to high-end. It may feel extra to swap your hardware, but trust me, it makes a huge difference. The cost is also relatively low, so you’re bound to get a good bang for your buck!

8. Splurge on fancy hand soap

To me, the peak of luxury is when you can turn mundane moments into memorable experiences. One easy way to do that? Upgrade your hand soap. In the grand scheme of home purchases, soap is fairly inexpensive, so if you find a fancy scent you love, it’s worth the splurge every now and then. However, if you just want to make your basic Target-brand soap feel a little more luxurious, simply upgrade the container it comes in. It may seem unnecessary to purchase a soap dispenser when soap already comes in one, but this small touch elevates the experience and makes washing your hands just a little more special.

9. Install wall molding and ceiling medallions

Parisian-style interiors always look so chic, and one thing they all have in common are wall moldings and ceiling medallions. Both add so much character to a room and can completely transform your walls. You can easily install your own wall moldings using supplies from your local home improvement store, or you can make it renter-friendly by opting for the peel-and-stick variety. Ceiling medallions are also easy to install and add a beautiful vintage touch to any ceiling light fixtures you may have. Do yourself a favor and search for a secondhand chandelier, then install it with a ceiling medallion for luxe vibes on a budget.

10. Utilize your smart home device

It seems like everyone has a smart home device these days, but chances are, you’re not using yours to its fullest potential. When you take advantage of all their features, these things can easily make you and your home feel a little fancy. Devices like Amazon Alexa make fantastic speakers for music and podcasts, but they can tell you the weather, set timers, order online purchases, and generally make your life easier. They can also connect to other devices in your home, like your smart light bulbs or coffee maker to automate your everyday rituals. Plus, most smart home devices now sell for less than $50, which is a true steal!

11. Declutter

The easiest and most cost-effective way to make your home look expensive is to simply keep it clean and tidy. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve convinced myself I needed to give my home a makeover only to discover I really just need to declutter. Take the time to take care of your home—stay on top of chores, put your things away, and create systems so it’s simple to stay organized. A deep clean will do wonders for your home and your spirit and will no doubt make your space feel calmer and more luxurious.

MEET THE AUHTOR

Kristen Garaffo, Contributing Home & Living Writer

Kristen Garaffo is a Washington DC-area-based freelance writer. She specializes in home and lifestyle content and loves helping others live their best lives at home and beyond.

As much as fall makes me want to slow down and savor all things cozy, this also happens to be my busiest time of year. Just as my work responsibilities ramp up through the end of the year, my social calendar also starts to fill up with fall weddings, travel plans, and family commitments. So as much as I would love to spend every free weekend soaking up the glory of fall, my time this season is limited. And, because of all those aforementioned activities, my budget is even more so. However, I’m still going to make these fleeting fall weekends count, even if I’m not filling them with trips to the pumpkin patch and fall shopping splurges all season long. 

If you’re also looking for some fun, fall-inspired things to do this weekend that don’t cost a ton, I’ve got you covered. Here are 15 fall weekend ideas to fill your social calendar that are almost (if not completely) free.

1. Swap spooky stories around a bonfire

There’s not much I love better than a roaring, crackling bonfire on a chilly fall evening. Gather some friends and have a bonfire in your backyard firepit or at a local park. Take turns telling spooky tales—or read aloud from a book of ghost stories if creative storytelling isn’t your thing. And don’t forget the s’mores supplies!

2. Take a scenic drive

Going for a scenic drive is the perfect fall weekend adventure if you want to enjoy the autumn foliage without actually immersing yourself in nature. (Not everyone loves loading up on bug spray and sunscreen to traipse through the woods, and I respect that.) Find a route that will take you past some picturesque views, then pile into the car with some seasonal snacks and a thermos full of a warm beverage. Roll the windows down, put on your favorite fall playlist, and breathe in that crisp autumn air.

3. Host a chili cookoff

The arrival of chili season is one of the best parts of the cooler weather coming our way. While whipping up a pot on your own is always great, why not turn it into an event by hosting a chili cookoff with friends or family? A little friendly competition will spice up your weekend, and you’ll have plenty of delicious chili to enjoy afterward—not to mention the chance to discover a new go-to recipe.

4. Have a fall picnic

Can you imagine anything cozier than snuggling up with blankets and a steaming thermos of apple cider in your local park as you watch the wind rustle through the changing leaves? This makes for a romantic fall date idea, but it can be just as fun to do with friends or by yourself as a solo date! Pack your picnic basket full of yummy fall treats and bring plenty of blankets if it’s chilly outside. 

5. Get lost in a corn maze

If you’re over paying pricey entrance fees to go to a pumpkin patch when you can just grab one for cheaper at the grocery store, try checking out a local corn maze this year. It’s a quintessential fall activity, and getting lost in the twists and turns of a maze makes for a fun and memorable autumn afternoon. Plus, it’s worth spending a few dollars when you’re getting an experience you can’t recreate at home.

6. Stroll through a local craft fair or neighborhood festival

For fun fall weekend ideas that don’t require travel, see what local festivals, craft fairs, or farmers’ markets are happening in your town. Many of these events are free to enter and offer fall snacks, crafty projects, or special attractions at affordable prices. Check your local tourist board’s website or do some old-fashioned Googling to find an upcoming event. It’s a great chance to spend a day outdoors, support your community, and get festive in your neighborhood!

7. Spend an afternoon at your favorite café

An afternoon cozied up at a café with a warm beverage in hand is peak fall vibes. For the ultimate relaxing fall weekend, make it a solo date. Bring a book to get lost in, or grab a seat next to the window for some prime people-watching time. 

8. Cozy up with a fall movie

This is the perfect time of year to cuddle up with a few classic fall flicks. A fall movie night is a great solution when you need a quick fall date-night idea or want to host a last-minute friend gathering. Pull those fluffy blankets out of the linen closet, pop some popcorn, and hit play. Need some help narrowing down a film? When Harry Met Sally, Hocus Pocus, Practical Magic, Ghostbusters, and The Addams Family are all crowd favorites. For a sweet throwback, try Casper or It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

It wouldn’t be fall without a bit of football. Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, it’s always fun to dress up in sporty gear, grill out with friends, and cheer on the team. Soak up those Friday night lights at your local high school’s football game, or head to the nearest college stadium one weekend and get your tailgate on. Bring some blankets, a Thermos full of cocoa, and a few hand warmer packets for when the sun goes down.

10. Bake a fall-inspired treat

Pick your favorite fall treat (apple crisp, pumpkin cheesecake, or cider donuts, anyone?) and try your hand at baking it from scratch. Put on an autumn-themed playlist, pull out that apron, and get baking! Whipping up a cozy recipe will get you in the fall mood, and you’ll fill your whole home with sweet smells while you’re at it. Plus, it’s a great way to use up fall produce from the orchard, farmers’ market, or your local grocery store.

11. Take a nature walk

If you’re lucky enough to live in a region where the leaves change in the fall, take full advantage of it! A light hike through your neighborhood trails is the perfect fall activity when you need some screen-free time or a relaxing form of exercise. The colors on the trees are just gorgeous this time of year, and the best way to enjoy them is to get out there! Use this as an opportunity to get moving, put your mind to rest, and appreciate the nature around you.

12. Run a fall 5K

If you’re looking for more of a physical challenge, most cities host a variety of races in the fall. You’ll typically pay a small fee to sign up, but the proceeds often go toward charitable causes, so it’s a great way to give back. Lace up your sneakers and take in the fall scenery while you run for a cause.

13. Get crafty

As chilly weather hits, going out feels like a more grueling task. When you can’t bring yourself to bundle up and hit the town, tackle those fall decor projects you’ve always wanted to try. Whether it’s a cute garland for your mantle, some DIY wall art, or a nature-inspired wreath for your front door, put on a relaxing playlist, light a pumpkin-scented candle, and get crafty.

14. Host a pumpkin carving contest

Whether you picked yours straight from the patch or grabbed some pumpkins on your last grocery store trip, put this season’s haul to good use. Gather your supplies and a few friends who don’t mind getting messy, and host a carving contest. This classic fall tradition is great for setting your phone down and getting your hands dirty. Once those pumpkins are carved out, be sure to bake the seeds for an added treat.

15. Do some fall cleaning

If it’s been a while since you last tackled that Saturday cleaning session, now is a great time for a reset. Switch your closet into fall mode, and trade those airy sundresses for chunky sweaters and blazers. As you sort through your cold-weather clothes from the previous year, set aside any items you know you won’t wear this season. It’s a wonderful time of year to donate clothes—especially warm sweaters and pants—to those in need. Spend a weekend getting re-centered for a new season and give back at the same time.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor

Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.

Though I wouldn’t really call it a comeback since they’ve been in style for well over a century, cowboy boots have recently adopted a following of fashion-goers that has prompted a resurgence of the Western staple for fall. In years past, I probably wouldn’t have touched a pair of cowboy boots with a 10-foot pole out of fear that there was no other way to wear them than with a matching L.L.Bean flannel and a pair of Wranglers. Fast forward to today, I stand before you—a proud beneficiary of the Cowboy Carter effect—a changed woman. No, I may not be taking a trip to the Boot Barn any time soon, but if they’re metallic, studded, or happen to be from my favorite brand (Ganni) then sure, I’ll take a pair or two.

Now this next sentence may surprise you: I am from Nashville. I know—I probably just committed a crime in the great state of Tennessee by claiming that I once feared a pair of cowboy boots. But take it from me, a native Nashvillain, that I am now an expert when it comes to styling this spurred staple. From country music stars to cowboy city-slickers and every bachelorette party in between, I’ve seen a thing or two. (And more than I care to admit—do not go to Broadway at 2 a.m.–just don’t).

How to Style Cowboy Boots

Although it was hard to give up being neighbors with Dolly (well, not exactly, but I did live next door to her office), I’ve since become a New Yorker drawing from my Southern roots and laboring a new sense of sophistication when it comes to my personal style. I find it to be the perfect metaphorical example of how to style a pair of cowboy boots for fall 2024.

You’ll want to avoid the slippery slope to cowboy cosplay by laying down your wide-brimmed hat and opting for a pair of boots with more subtle Western details—a stacked heel, rounded shaft, or soft stitching—and styling them with opposing pieces like a romanticized lace slip or an oversized blazer. The key to modernizing this trend is to go for a versatile, less-costumey pair worn with your usual closet essentials in place of other footwear go-tos like ballet flats or knee-high boots.

Ready to style a pair of your own? Here are eight ways to style your cowboy boots this fall, plus my favorite 20 pairs to shop if you’re ready to dip your toe into the Western trend.

With Jeans and a Hoodie

Although, on paper, the idea of wearing jeans and a hoodie with a pair of cowboy boots could technically still read ranch-appropriate, it’s all about how you style them. As a stylist, I often use cooking examples to help clients better understand: Depending on the quality of ingredients used, you could either call your noodles and red sauce spaghetti or pasta pomodoro. My point? Choose your best jeans, a quality hoodie, and your favorite sunnies for a super chic, off-duty look rather than a ranch-ready ensemble. Headed out on an extra-chilly day? Add a classic trench or wool overcoat. Now we’re getting into Princess Diana territory.

With a Sweater Dress and Classic Trench

When I want to look like my most posh self, I throw on the ole’ tan trench that lives in the back of my closet. It’s not that I’ve purposefully left it to collect dust, it’s just that it’s hard to find ways to wear it other than my go-to pairing of jeans and some trusty sneakers. But after seeing this photo, my trench coat just earned itself a new spot in my rotation. Though it would have made more sense to pair the preppy coat and dress with a pair of ballet flats or knee-high boots, I like that she went with the unexpected choice—some may even call it the wrong-shoe theory choice—of completing the look with a pair of Western-style boots.

With a Slip Dress

By choosing to style your boots with a slip dress, you help to counterbalance the usual heaviness that comes with any pair of boots—cowboys or not. The delicate femininity of the dress juxtaposed with the more masculine effect of the cowboy boots shows that chances are, you’re not heading to the rodeo in this look.

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With It-Girl Accessories

This feminine styling approach has me swooning over a pair of studded, Western-style boots of my own. While we’re used to seeing images of cowboy boots worn by men with wide-brimmed hats and worn-out wranglers, this look is giving Western wear a girlish revival. From the coordinating rosette details to the evil-eye embroidered bag, this look is all about the details.

With Boxer Shorts and a Blazer

Lucky for those of us who have hopped on the boxer short trend, they deliver a chic, unexpected look when paired with cowboy boots. Combine them with a blazer that hits near the hem of your shorts for a complement-earning combo that the cowboys never saw coming.

With a Denim Midi and Cool Sunnies

You don’t have to own lilac cowboy boots in order to embody this ultra-cool look. Achieve a similar effect by pairing you neutral boots with a pair of colorful sunglasses and a colorful, printed top, and I promise you’ll look just as stylish.

With a Matching Set

I may be a little biased because her boots are red and her bag is silver—two trends that pull at the strings of my maximalist heart—but this look is it. At first glance, it’s hard to even recognize that these are cowboy boots—proof that Western wear doesn’t always have to scream Americana. This is a prime example of how to take a pair of cowboy boots from country to city.

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With an Airy Dress and Oversized Blazer

The fastest way to get me into a pair of cowboy boots is if it involves pairing them a blazer of any kind. I live for a blazer. (No, that is entirely false. I live for my french bulldog named Willow. Someone has to pay her vet bills). What I love about the unexpected pairing of an oversized blazer and a pair of cowboy boots is that they come from two totally different categories, yet somehow completely compliment each other.

Shop 2024’s Best Cowboy Boots

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer

Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.

If you ask me, fall is not only a season—it’s a state of mind. Even if temps are still warm (or dare I say hot), there is a mental shift that happens every year once September rolls around. Fall is about the pep in your step that comes with the start of a new school year and the sudden urge to redecorate your space and reset your routines. It’s also about embracing all things cozy, especially when it comes to leisure time. If summer hobbies are all about being outside and soaking up the sun, fall hobbies are about staying in and cozying up—regardless of the weather.

If you’re looking to switch up your downtime or you just want to try something new (while wearing your comfiest loungewear obvi), read on for 18 cozy hobbies that are perfect to start in the fall.

1. Learn how to cook

One of the best parts of cooler weather is the warm, decadent recipes made from seasonal ingredients. Creamy soups, rich pastas, pumpkin-and-butternut squash everything—the options are endless. Crack open a fall cookbook (or scroll through our vast recipe collection) and choose a few recipes to try throughout the season. They can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, and by the time winter rolls around, you’ll hopefully have some new cooking chops to show off during the holidays.

2. Start scrapbooking

In the digital age, scrapbooking has become something of a lost art, but it’s a wonderful way to preserve memories while tapping into your creative side. Print out some of your favorite photos from 2024 and start by creating a page for each month. By next year, you’ll be grateful you took the time to create a tangible way to revisit your memories.

3. Complete an activity book

Back in the day, one of my favorite pastimes was diving into a word search, crossword, or sudoku puzzle book. Now, my routine has shifted to the daily NYT games, but nothing quite compares to the thrill of a classic activity book. If you’re looking to reduce screen time and pick up a hobby that exercises your brain—without leaving the couch—this is an excellent choice.

4. Get back into reading

Fall reading inspires comfy armchairs, soft throws, and oversized hoodies—which sounds like the perfect vibe to me. Reading is a suitable hobby for any time of year, but fall is a great time to curl up with a book, especially if you didn’t get a chance to dive into any beach reads over the summer. Not sure where to begin? Here are some cozy fall book recommendations to get you started.

5. Try jewelry making

With the charm bracelet and necklace revival in full swing, it’s the perfect time to start your own jewelry project. Keep it simple with the nostalgic yarn friendship bracelets from childhood, or invest in supplies to create some truly fashion-forward pieces. You’ll pick up a fun new hobby to keep your hands busy and end up with some fabulous new accessories.

6. Play some board games

I’m all for vegging out on the couch after work, but sometimes it’s good to put away the screens, especially if you’ve spent the workday in front of a laptop. Playing board games is an ideal after-work hobby you can do by yourself or with friends, no phones required. Monopoly, anyone?

7. Bake a new recipe

Fall is the prime time for baking. Pumpkin bread, apple pie, ginger snaps, and cider doughnuts are just a few seasonal treats that come to mind, and making them yourself is a great way to chill out. Plus, you’ll be left with delicious goodies to share with family and friends.

8. Try candle or soap-making

Some of the best hobbies you can do at home involve creating something. This time of year, why not try your hand at making candles or soap? Candle-making is a great way to upcycle jars or any pretty glass containers (thrift stores are full of them!), and homemade soap is perfect for cozy baths on chilly nights. There are tons of kits out there with all the tools you’ll need to get started! Keep your creations for yourself, or save them for the holidays to send as DIY gifts.

9. Pick up needlework

The word “needlework” might make you think of Victorian-era women in sitting rooms—or maybe just your grandma—but I’m here to tell you that this old-school hobby is worth a shot. Knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and punch needling are all great ways to keep your hands busy and create something beautiful this fall. There are so many fun patterns and prints to choose from, as well as kits that’ll help you get started. Plus, you can start making your own scarves or knit blankets for the upcoming winter season.

10. Start bullet journaling

I’ve been an avid journaler since elementary school. There’s something so therapeutic about jotting down your thoughts, hopes, and daydreams onto paper. While there are tons of different journals and prompts to choose from, I keep going back to bullet journaling. A journal with blank pages allows you to pick and choose your own prompts, and a bullet journal gives you the freedom to design your own pages as well. You can go full out with markers, stickers, and scrapbook paper, or keep things simple with just a pen and your thoughts. I personally love Zebra pens and stick with simple headers instead of elaborate layouts, but the beauty of bullet journaling means your journal can be exactly your own.

11. Channel your inner artist with painting

No need to be a pro when it comes to painting! To keep this hobby relaxed and easy, choose a paint-by-number kit to follow along with. You can also, of course, let your creativity run wild and dive into a blank canvas if you prefer. Don’t want to paint a canvas? Buy a few taper candles, and paint tiny designs like leaves and pumpkins on them for cute, homemade seasonal decor.

12. Get outdoors on a hike

Fall is the ideal time to go for a hike, especially since the temps are a bit cooler, the leaves are changing, and the bugs have mostly gone away. Simply search for “hikes near me,” pack up some gear, and head out to a trail near you. Be sure to dress in layers to keep it cozy!

13. Color an adult coloring book

Working your way through an adult coloring book in your PJs with the fireplace blazing sounds like the absolute coziest way to spend an evening. Plus, buying a 64-count box of crayons is a surefire way to bring up some nostalgic back-to-school vibes.

14. Press some fall leaves

The changing leaves are one of the best parts of fall, and leaf-pressing can help you preserve that beauty long after they’ve fallen to the ground. There are a few methods to choose from, but one of the easiest ways to press a leaf is to place it between newspaper or wax paper and place a heavy stack of books on top of it. You can also submerge your leaves in glycerin to preserve them even longer. Pressed leaves look beautiful in a shadow box or frame, and it’s a great DIY home decor project.

15. Make mulled wine

Most of these cozy hobbies go perfectly with something warm to sip on. Tea, coffee, or cocoa are perhaps obvious choices, but making mulled wine is also another great option that could even be considered a hobby in and of itself. Take the time to perfect your own recipe by experimenting with different combinations of red wine, brandy or Cointreau, fruit, spices, and sweeteners. Place your ingredients in a saucepan or slow cooker and put on medium-high heat. Once it gets to a simmer, cover and turn the heat on low for at least 15 minutes, then enjoy a cup of your warm, delicious creation.

16. Complete a puzzle

I have fond childhood memories of doing puzzles when I was snowed in from school, so this hobby just screams coziness to me. Turn on a comfort show or a fall playlist and settle in for a puzzle on the dining room table. If you really want to get into it, invest in a puzzle mat you can roll up when you’re done puzzling for the evening to maximize your space.

17. Try video games

Playing video games can totally be cozy as long as you pick a game that is low-stress and relaxing and doesn’t involve imminent danger or escaping some sort of peril. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the quintessential cozy game, and both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite are great beginner-friendly consoles to start with. Both are perfect for cuddling up on the couch with, and they’re sure to help you unwind and relax.

18. Put pen to paper with creative writing

If you’re already an avid reader, creative writing might just be the best new hobby to pick up for fall. This no-cost creative outlet can be a great stress reliever, and there are tons of different ways to get started. Try your hand at writing poetry, craft your own short stories, write fan fiction based on a favorite book or show, or find some creative writing prompts online to use as inspiration. Whatever you decide to write, make sure you have a cozy set-up to do it in—candles, light background music, and a mug of something warm are all encouraged.