We're into October which means the holiday season is right around the corner--can you believe it?! It feels a little too soon to talk about red berries and twinkle lights, but it is the perfect time to add those "candle-lit-family-dinner-next-to-a-roaring-fire" touches. Here are my 10 picks to make your home the coziest spot on the block:

1. Candles, of course! You can't have the candle-lit dinner without candles. I prefer beeswax because they burn clean and bright, don't have a strong scent that can overwhelm your meal, and they last a long time. That said, they are more of an investment, so if you can't make the splurge then go with a simple soy candle.

2. If you have candles then you're going to need candle holders. Candlesticks always look elegant and are a great solution for smaller tables where you don't want to take up as much real estate. If you have the space though, I love glass hurricanes. They're simple, double as vases, and hold larger candles that will last longer. They're also great for keep curious little fingers or paws away from the flame.

3. Throw pillows take a ho-hum sofa to the next level in a snap. For a cozier look, I like to layer textured pillows like knits and velvet. It's best to vary the size of your pillows so consider a 20" in back with an 18" in front. And whatever you do, don't worry about the pillow "chop" trick for styling your pillows (you HGTV fans know what I'm talking about!). Just toss them on the sofa and snuggle up!

4. It's awful hard to snuggle up on the sofa without a knit throw to keep your toes warm. Go for something chunky if you want to really commit to those hygge vibes or choose a more subtle texture for a year-round look.

5. For me, this time of year means dinner parties, which means table linens. Now, don't think you need your grandma's tablecloth to make your dining table company-ready. I prefer to stick with natural linen napkins because they look just as great a little crumpled as they do pressed and ironed. If you're so inclined, you can add a runner or placemats for that layered look.

6. I have trouble living in a home without books. Even if you aren't sitting by the fire devouring one good read after another, books add warmth to your decor and act as conversation starters at holiday parties. Try putting a few coffee table books out in a stack or placing a few of your favorite novels on a side table or buffet. The best part is that you probably already have some books, so it's free decor!

7. If you don't already have some then go right now and get yourself some cider mugs! Even if they'll more likely be holding tea, coffee, or a hot toddy, a larger ceramic mug is a must for cool-weather entertaining. Choose something that feels good in your hand and is large enough that it can double as a soup mug for those days you want to curl up on the sofa with your lunch.

8. Gold and brass accents scream fall. Try a brass mirror in your entryway or a gold tray on the coffee table. And in case you're wondering, yes, it is more than OK to mix your metals: just be conscious of how you do it. If you have all silver finishes in your home, then be sure to introduce the warm metal in at least three places so it makes sense in the context of the space.

9. Dutch ovens are the answer to dinner-party success. They are very well suited to braising, cooking something low and slow, which is the most forgiving cooking method. If you forget your pulled pork in the oven because you got busy chatting with your friends over a glass of wine, then there is no need to fret. It will be delicious every time!

10. Call me sentimental, but a house feels like home once your loved ones are in it. We may not be able to spend every holiday with family and friends, but we can bring them into our space through family photos. Choose a pretty single or collage frame and select photos that hold the best memories for you so you can always have the folks that matter most close by.

Want more of my must-haves? Be sure to check out my Shop page to see more of my favorite cozy finds.

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