Tea, Antiques & Winter Reading: Curating Autumn Comforts
Bonjour! This week's theme returns to that foundation we explored on September 1st : Henry Miller's reminder that "to make living itself an art, that is the goal." If you missed that initial conversation about seasonal curation and why I approach autumn this way, you'll find the full philosophy here, along with all the posts I've shared since then on my completely ad-free blog.
This is my process, my personal approach to making the most of the season, and while I'm sharing it through the lens of Paris, the heart of it can be recreated anywhere in the world.
This Week's Autumn Ritual: Tea, Treasures & Tales
As the days grow shorter and crisper, I find myself drawn to three particular autumn comforts: discovering new teas for my growing collection, hunting for vintage treasures at antique markets, and building my winter reading pile. These aren't expensive pursuits : no… quite the opposite! They're about savoring small pleasures and preparing for the cozy months ahead with intention.
Let me share my personal rhythms around these seasonal joys: 🥰 So, I'm an early riser who drinks coffee until about noon, then switches to non-caffeinated teas and water for the rest of the day. Over the years, I've built quite a tea collection, and honestly, I go through it quickly. For me, it's less about prestigious brands and more about discovering flavors that genuinely delight me, though I do have a particular fondness for Mariage Frères when I'm seeking that quintessential Parisian tea experience.
Why These Three Elements Matter
There's something about this combination, the ritual of tea, the treasure hunt of antique shopping, the anticipation of new books, that creates perfect autumn alchemy. Each pursuit offers its own form of mindful discovery while preparing for winter's more introspective months.
Tea becomes the foundation for cozy afternoons and evening rituals. Antique shopping satisfies that autumn urge to nest and gather, often uncovering pieces with stories that add character to daily life. And books? They're essential preparation for those longer evenings when you want something more nourishing than scrolling or television.
The Universal Application
While I'll be sharing specific Paris experiences this week - a particular tea experience I'm planning, antique markets I return to annually, and a special book market that deserves to be on every literary lover's radar - the core elements translate beautifully anywhere.
Finding a great tea shop or tea house in your area, perhaps one that offers a tea room experience or features tea-centric brunch. Exploring weekend antique shops, garage sales, or boot sales depending on where you are in the world, enjoying that crisp autumn air while hunting for something that's been on your wishlist forever. Intentionally curating a new book series or continuing one you love, building your collection for those days when you want to be cozy inside without defaulting to television.
The Accessibility Factor
These pursuits remain beautifully accessible. You don't need expensive tea… try a new box from the grocery store that catches your eye. Antique shopping doesn't require buying anything; browsing and discovering is half the pleasure, and when you do find treasures, they're often just a few dollars. Book hauls can happen at local libraries! Spend a day exploring a library you've never visited, supporting these essential community spaces while building your reading list.
The Week Ahead
Tuesday through Thursday, I'll share three different aspects of this autumn ritual: a tea experience that embodies the season's spirit, my approach to antique hunting both at permanent shops and special seasonal events, and the books I'm collecting this autumn along with that special book market I mentioned.
Each represents a different way of embracing autumn's invitation to slow down, gather beautiful things, and prepare for winter's contemplative months.
They're simple pleasures that compound into something much richer - a season lived with intention rather than simply endured.
Whether you're here in Paris or creating these rituals in your own corner of the world, I hope this week inspires you to curate your own autumn comforts with the same care you'd give to any other art form.
After all, making living itself an art includes these small, daily choices about how we want to spend our precious autumn afternoons.
With love,
Shannon
