Kimm D. Lett is a storyteller, connector, strategist and founder of flowers bookclub (@flowersbookclub), where she connects authors, activists and readers through engaging discussions. Passionate about social justice and cozy living, she shares tips on bringing warmth, comfort and meaning into everyday life. Follow her for more cozy insights and reflections on Instagram at @kimmdlett and her cozy kitchen page: @kimminthekitchen.
As November’s air begins to settle in and days grow shorter — and with all that’s going on post-election — there’s nothing quite like embracing coziness to ease into the season. For me, that might include enjoying a beloved film for the 50-11th time or savoring a seasonal treat. These little acts can bring calm and joy, inviting you to embrace the Danish concept of “hygge” – a warm, cozy approach to savoring life’s simple pleasures.
With this rating of tea cups in mind:
- ☕️: Poor
- ☕️☕️: Fair
- ☕️☕️☕️: Good
- ☕️☕️☕️☕️: Very Good
- ☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️: Excellent
Here are five films that help to bring out the essence of cozy autumn evenings, perfect for snuggling up with a blanket and a warm beverage.
Last Holiday (2006) ☕️☕️☕️☕️
In Last Holiday, Queen Latifah stars as Georgia Byrd, a reserved, aspiring chef from New Orleans whose life takes an unexpected turn after a surprising diagnosis. Faced with what she believes to be limited time, Georgia decides to cash in her life savings for a dream vacation in Europe. Embracing a newfound boldness, she savors every experience, each delicious meal and touches the lives of those she meets. I chose this film as a cozy November pick because, while it’s not steeped in holiday themes — I like to save those for December —it’s a feel-good story that reminds us to seize the moment, take risks and celebrate life’s simple joys as we approach the holiday season.
Sylvie’s Love (2020) ☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️
In Sylvie’s Love, Tessa Thompson stars as Sylvie, a young woman with big dreams of working in entertainment. While working at her father’s Harlem record store, she meets and falls in love with a charming saxophonist, Robert (Nnamdi Asomugha). Set against the soft lights of 1950s New York, the film transports viewers to a time of glamour while paying homage to icons like Diahann Carroll, Nancy Wilson and Doris Day. With its intimate storytelling and lush period detail, Sylvie’s Love is another cozy pick for November. This film beautifully celebrates the richness of jazz and the quiet resilience of a love that blossoms across class divides where Sylvie’s mother disapproves of Robert, who lacks formal training or pedigree. The film captures the nostalgia of classic romance while celebrating dreams and timeless music — a perfect watch as the season shifts.
Julie & Julia (2009) ☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️
Julie & Julia follows two parallel stories: the journey of Julia Child (Meryl Streep), who embarks on a culinary career in Paris and writes her famous cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and Julie Powell (Amy Adams), a young writer in post-9/11 New York who decides to cook her way through Child’s cookbook in one year, documenting each recipe on her newly created blog. The film captures the warmth of cozy kitchens, elegant and moutherwatering French meals and the dedication it takes to pursue such a passion. For me, Julie & Julia is a cozy film because it blends the charm of Julia’s Parisian kitchen with Julie’s hectic but heartening New York life. It’s especially touching to watch Julie find solace in cooking during her time working to support residents impacted during the World Trade Center, as she channels her stress into creativity and discovers purpose and joy through food and writing. This film celebrates the coziness of the simple act of cooking and how it can connect us to others and to ourselves.
You’ve Got Mail (1998) ☕️☕️☕️☕️
You’ve Got Mail is another romantic comedy set in New York. This film — directed by Nora Ephron — is about two New Yorkers (Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks) who unknowingly develop a connection online while competing as bookstore owners in real life. Kathleen Kelly (Ryan) runs a beloved neighborhood bookstore, while Joe Fox (Hanks) owns a corporate book megastore that threatens her small establishment. As their anonymous emails unfold, they find solace in each other’s words. This film is cozy to me because it beautifully captures autumn in New York with the lovely foliage, the nostalgia of the local family bookstore, which, in this case, was once owned by Kathleen’s mother and filled with her memories and warmth, the stories they shared and the gentle dance they used to do among the shelves. While technology is often seen as impersonal, You’ve Got Mail reminds us of its ability to connect us, even in unexpected ways. It’s an ode to neighborhood charm, cozy autumn scenes, and the magic of finding love when you least expect it — perfectly wrapped in Ephron’s warmth and wit for cozy storytelling.
The Lake House (2006) ☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️
The Lake House is a time-travel romance starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock, who play two characters connected by a mysterious lakeside mailbox that lets them communicate across two years. Despite the distance in time, they form a deep and soulful bond. I love watching this film in November because it’s gentle, reflective tone and serene lake setting create a cozy, magical atmosphere that perfectly suits the season. With a heartwarming time-travel twist, lovely music and a subtle nod to Jane Austen’s Persuasion, The Lake House offers a soothing, wistful escape into an unconventional love story.
Now, how can you, too, bring a bit of cozy into your life as we’re approaching the colder months? Try these tips:
Read more often: I always encourage members of our book club community (@flowersbookclub) to designate a special nook for reading this time of year and arrange your favorite books, a soft blanket and ambient lighting — like fairy lights — in a serene corner. I recommend sipping a warm beverage, hot cocoa, coffee or tea, while you read. This will help make the space even more cozy.
Enjoy warm scents: I prefer to light soft lightly scented candles that are comforting fall scents like with a pumpkin, cinnamon or cashmere scent. I’m currently burning a scent called “Autumn Evening.” If candles aren’t your thing, try simmering spices like cloves, cinnamon sticks and orange peels on the stove for a natural, warm fragrance throughout your home.
Cook comforting foods: Take the time to prepare a cozy meal, like a hearty soup or a batch of fresh-baked cookies. Cooking and savoring seasonal dishes can bring warmth to both your kitchen and your soul. I made a comforting lasagna soup over the Nov. 3 weekend and will make pumpkin soup this weekend; you can check it out at @kimminthekitchen on Instagram.
Make time for slower mornings: Although many people complain about the shorter days and longer nights, I support embracing this time for rest and calm in the mornings and evenings when it’s darker. Give yourself permission to move at a slower pace. Maybe journal a little, then dream a lot or simply sit in silence and set an intention for the day. Starting your days slower can bring balance to the season.
Indulge in self-care autumn evenings: Set aside an evening for a warm bubble bath with salts — I’m currently enjoying a seasonal scent by Dr. Teal’s called “Warm Autumn Comfort” — apply a face mask, slip into your comfiest pajamas and grab your cozy socks. End the night with a calming activity like reading, journaling or unwinding with your favorite music, podcast, meditation or prayer for a truly restful experience.
So, as the weather shifts to cooler temperatures and we transition to winter, finding ways to stay warm and nurture ourselves becomes even more essential. I hope these movie picks and cozy tips bring as much comfort and joy to your November as they do for me. Take a moment to relax, indulge in these small pleasures and create your own cocoon of calm as we move into the heart of the cozy season.
