• Home
  • Blog
    • Archives
  • Etiquette Services
  • Media
  • About Diane
  • Books
    • Modern Etiquette for a Better Life
    • Pearls of Polish
  • Holiday Guides
    • Holiday Tipping Guide
    • Holiday Table Setting Guide
  • Contact

Diane Gottsman | Leading Etiquette Expert | Modern Manners Authority

Leading Etiquette Expert and Modern Manners Authority Diane Gottsman’s official blog, with Business Etiquette, University Etiquette, Social Media Etiquette, Dining Etiquette and more.

Twenty Autumn-Inspired Date Ideas

12 Oct 2015 By: Diane Gottsman

Fall Bucket List

A hayride in cold weather can leave a lasting memory.

What better time than the present to enjoy a romantic date with the one you love? Surprise your partner with their signature latte and whisk them off their feet with a fall-themed activity. Here are a few autumn date ideas to consider:

  1. Have a picnic.
    Pull out your wicker picnic basket and favorite quilt and relish the cooler temperatures outdoors. Invest in a new or vintage plaid thermos and trade summertime lemonade for a delicious cup of hot chocolate. Put on your cozy flannel shirt, prepare a soup for two, buy a fresh loaf of French bread and find the perfect spot for lunch.
  2. Take a foliage walk.
    You do not have to look too far to find seasonal beauty. Whether you hike a trail or visit a park, you can easily experience nature’s great escape. The crisp, cool air and vibrant scenery offers a pristine backdrop for a special day.
  3. Watch a scary movie.
    Perhaps your sweetheart loves a good thriller, or you need a brilliant approach to breaking the ice? With Halloween around the corner, you can catch a new flick or rent an old school horror film. A bowl of caramel popcorn or mug of apple cider is always welcome.
  4. Go Halloween costume shopping for two.
    Start your search for the most memorable couple’s costume. There are countless options and DIY projects if you are talented with a hot glue gun. Browse Pinterest for creative ideas or visit your neighborhood party store.
  5. Venture to a pumpkin patch.
    This seasonal outing could be the start of an annual tradition that is not only budget-friendly but sentimental. Decorate your pumpkins to your hearts’ content! The spooky or silly porch display will be a reminder of the fun you shared. Take pictures to remember from year to year.
Pumpkin Patch II-Edited

Red roses don’t hold a candle to a group of vibrant orange pumpkins!

  1. Check out a festival.
    There are likely multiple venues in your city hosting Halloween events. Help support the local church, music scene or nonprofit by partaking in the food and fun. Do not forget to buy some of the crafts and a few food items to take home for later.
  2. Go on a haunted house tour.
    Stray from the beaten path and face your fears together by experiencing the terror of a cursed dwelling. Be sure to assess your fear threshold. Some haunted ghost tours are scarier than others. Whether you prefer to be spooked or learn a little about the history of the area, look for something that suits your taste.
  3. Build a campfire.
    As the weather gets nippy, seize the opportunity to show off your boy/girl scout skills and revel in the natural warmth of a fire. Round out the evening by roasting a few hot-dogs or marshmallows while you share a glass of wine.
  4. Make caramel apples.
    Rather than the store-bought variety, create a batch at home. Top yours with a homemade caramel sauce and include other tasty garnishes like nuts, chocolate chips or raisins.
  5. Delight your love with breakfast in bed.
    Who can resist a warm stack of pumpkin pancakes? Spice up your morning flapjacks with a pat of butter and drizzle of warm pecan syrup.
  6. Visit a corn maze.
    These seasonal labyrinths are great for couples who thrive on excitement and the thrill of a contest. Finish up the experience with a relaxing hayride.
  7. Fly kites.
    Choose a park that has a lot of open space to run around and channel your inner child. Do not get discouraged when your kite comes crashing down – it requires practice and lots of laughs.
  8. Fall leaves photo shoot.
    Raking leaves does not have to be a chore. Go outside with your smartphone or camera and capture a few candid snaps. Pile several large mounds of fallen leaves and have a blast.
  9. Rustle up some chili.
    Scour your pantry for ingredients that you can combine into a hearty bowl of chili. Limiting yourself to options already in your kitchen can be a fun way to test your culinary abilities.
  10. Visit a farmer’s market.
    Get familiar with produce in your region by heading to local markets. With fresh vegetables and fruits, you can craft a flavorful menu that coincides with the season.
  11. Watch the sunset.
    Whether you are in your backyard or a scenic campground, ending your day with the one you love is priceless. Cuddle up and bask in the gorgeous view.
  12. Cheer on your favorite football team.
    Enjoy each other’s company while supporting your favorite football team. Even if you decide to watch the game from home, spending time together makes the sporting event more memorable.
  13. Share a morning brew.
    Take an early walk to the nearest coffee shop and order something out of the ordinary. Try a fall inspired coffee and establish a new tradition.
Share a Morning Brew

Share a cup of Fall magic with the one you love!

  1. Plan a day trip.
    Research nearby attractions and fall happenings and dazzle your date with a quick getaway. Catch up during the drive and remember to bring along the perfect playlist.
  2. Hand out candy.
    Reminisce about the joys of trick-or-treating by crafting special goodie bags for the little ones that come to your door on Halloween. Join in the festivities by wearing costumes and partaking in the sweet treats.

    Fall Bucket List

Signature

Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram

Search

Connect With Me!

Subscribe to Etiquette Expert Diane Gottsman's Blog by RSS Follow Etiquette Expert Diane Gottsman on Twitter Become a Fan of Etiquette Expert Diane Gottsman Follow Diane on Pinterest Follow Diane on Instagram Follow Etiquette Expert Diane Gottsman on Linkedin Check out my Etiquette Expert videos on YouTube

Categories

Etiquette Expert Diane Gottsman's Tweets
27 Jul 2023

Also, the nice thing about interviewing etiquette experts was they all returned my call. Thanks @Debretts @williamhanson Laura @PolishedManners and @DianeGottsman for bringing some clarity to protocol chaos

5 Jul 2023

Technology and the gig economy are playing a role in #tipping #etiquette. Sharing my thoughts on when to tip, skip, and how much with @cnbcmakeit: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/03/etiquette-expert-how-much-to-tip-at-restaurants-hotels-coffee-shops.html. #manners #gigeconomy #technology #modernmanners

19 Jun 2023

Become their favorite houseguest and spread kindness on your summer travels! Tips on the blog. ❤️🧳✈️🚗

https://dianegottsman.com/2023/06/19/houseguest-etiquette-reminders-for-the-summer/

#travel #houseguest #etiquette #manners #kindess #modernmanners #etiquetteexpert

3

Load More

Media




Join My Mailing List

Recently Quoted In

  • Brides.com 4/21/25
  • New York Post 3/18/25
  • Yahoo News
  • Fox News 4/17/25
  • AOL
  • Southern Living 4/11/25
  • Fox News 4/10/25
  • Huff Post 4/1/25
  • Huff Post 3/28/25
  • Bored Panda 3/25/25
  • Daily Skimm 3/8/25
  • Newsweek 1/29/25
  • Reader’s Digest 1/29/25
  • NY Post 1/26/25
  • Rent.com 1/24/25
  • Wide Open Spaces 1/18/25
  • Men’s Journal 1/11/25
  • East Texas Radio 12/30/24
  • MSN 12/28/24
  • Fox News 12/25/25
  • Newsweek 12/24/24
More ...

Copyright © 2025 · | Site by: Simply Amusing Designs



Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert, sought after industry leader, and owner of The Protocol School of Texas,
a company specializing in executive leadership and business etiquette training.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkNoPrivacy Policy