The Cosy Season Has Arrived - Hello October!

Hello October - season of golden leaves, misty mornings and that sudden urge to buy yet another cosy throw. This month’s issue of Handpicked Local is bursting with ways to embrace the season, whether you’re fluffing cushions, fuelling your business, or simply looking for your next comforting meal.

Home & Garden

Autumn is all about making your space feel warm and welcoming. We’ve got ideas for Layer Up Your Floors: Why October Is Rug Season, because nothing says “cosy” like sinking your toes into a soft new rug. If your fireplace is more background than showstopper, Glow Up Your Fireplace So That It Steals the Show is packed with clever styling tips.

Thinking of a bold change? Testing Bold Colours Without Regret - Autumn Edition will help you experiment without panic. Garden lovers can check out Using Autumn Leaves to Your Advantage (finally, a reason to feel smug about all that raking), and if you’re planning a move, Why Autumn Is a Good Time to Move Home might just tip the scales.

For the DIY-inclined, Simple Throws & Table Runners: No-Fuss Sewing for Cosier Rooms offers an easy project to bring a personal touch to your autumn décor. And plant parents - don’t miss The Cosy Corner Effect: Styling Houseplants for Autumn Vibes for greenery that feels snug, not summery.

Food & Drink

Shorter days mean one thing: comfort food. We’re celebrating the return of hearty classics with Comfort in a Casserole: Why October Is Made for One-Pot Wonders - minimal effort, maximum reward. Craving something simple and nostalgic? Spuds, Glorious Spuds: Jacket Potato Season Is Back will have you digging out the butter and cheese.

Halloween fans (or just grown-ups who like a cheeky drink), Trick-or-Treat for Grown-Ups: Boozy Autumn Tipples will keep your evenings spirited. And for garlic lovers, Vampire Approved - Garlic Dishes Without the Risk might be the ultimate cold-weather kitchen inspiration.

Of course, no cosy season is complete without caffeine. Just Me, My Coffee, and an Unfinished To-Do List is a love letter to the humble brew that keeps us going when the to-do list feels endless. (Might we suggest topping up your beans from our friends at Dancing Goat Coffee while you’re at it?).

Business & Community

Autumn isn’t just about hibernating - it’s a brilliant time to refresh your business. In From Blankets to Branding - Warming Up Your Business This Autumn, we explore clever ways to connect with customers when the nights draw in. For those juggling remote work, Pumpkin Spice and Paperwork: Making the Home Office Feel Cosy will help you create a space that works as hard as you do.

If you’re a small business owner, Is Word of Mouth Important to Your Business? digs into why personal recommendations still pack a punch. And for those forward-planning, Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: Are You Ready for 2026? is the nudge you didn’t know you needed.

Plus, if burnout’s been creeping in, Switch Off Mode: Learning to Log Out Before You Burn Out is a timely reminder to step away from the laptop and breathe.

As ever, this issue is a love letter to local living - from inspiring home ideas to comforting food and practical support for Yorkshire businesses.

So brew a fresh cup, wrap up warm and get stuck in.