Strega Nona Fall: How to Have the Coziest Vibes

Let’s talk about Strega Nona vibes. Yes, that’s right—the wise, magical grandmother with the endlessly boiling pasta pot has become our ultimate fall muse! Picture a rustic Italian village with warm, golden sunsets, big bowls of pasta, and all the cozy comforts of home. Here’s how to channel the magic of Strega Nona and create a fall season that’s as warm, comforting, and delicious as her signature pasta.

How to Have a Strega Nona Fall

1. Cook Like Strega Nona (Yes, That Means Pasta)

First things first—Strega Nona knew how to feed the soul, and for her, that meant pasta. This fall, embrace the art of homemade comfort food! Try a classic marinara, a rich Alfredo, or even experiment with pumpkin sage pasta for those ultimate autumn feels. Not a pasta whiz? That’s fine! Store-bought works too. It’s all about that pasta-in-a-big-bowl energy that makes everything feel a little better.

Pro tip: Invite friends or family over for a pasta night. Strega Nona always had Big Anthony hanging around, so why not have your own Big Anthony crew to help make (and eat!) the feast?

2. Embrace Cozy Italian Village Style

Strega Nona’s world is full of charm, and her home has that perfectly imperfect rustic vibe. Add some cozy Italian flair by mixing in earthy colors like terracotta, olive green and deep reds. Think vintage ceramics, candle-lit tables, and maybe even a little pasta pot as decor (you know, for the full Strega Nona effect).

To really go for it, grab a big, chunky shawl or scarf to wrap up in on those chilly fall mornings. If Strega Nona taught us anything, it’s that a shawl is basically a cozy hug you can wear all day.

3. Bring in the Herb Garden Magic

Strega Nona’s garden is full of magic, but you don’t have to have a green thumb to channel it. Pick up a few potted herbs like rosemary, basil, and thyme to place on your windowsill or kitchen counter. They’ll make your space smell amazing, and bonus—you can toss them into your cooking. Fresh herbs take any dish to the next level, and it just feels a little more magical knowing you grew them yourself.

Want extra Strega Nona points? Create a mini “potion” station with jars of herbs, spices, and teas that you can mix and brew throughout the season.

4. Create a Cozy Candlelit Vibe

If we’re going for full-on Strega Nona ambiance, we need to talk about lighting. Forget overhead lights—this is candle season. Fill your space with the glow of warm candles (think pumpkin, cinnamon, or rosemary-scented) and maybe even add a few twinkle lights for a hint of magic. Strega Nona’s house would probably be full of oil lamps and flickering flames, so channel that old-world warmth.

Pro tip: Pick up a few vintage candle holders or a lantern or two to really set the scene. And don’t be shy about lighting them—Strega Nona would absolutely approve of an evening by candlelight.

5. Embrace Strega Nona’s Simplicity

One of the best things about Strega Nona is how she keeps things simple. This fall, take a page out of her book by finding joy in the little things. Make a cup of tea, cozy up with a blanket, and take time to enjoy the sunset or read a book. It doesn’t take a lot of fuss to make a night magical. Strega Nona reminds us that the simplest things—good food, good company, a cozy home—are often the most magical.

6. Host a “Strega Nona Night” with Friends

If you really want to embrace the Strega Nona spirit, throw a themed night with your friends! Ask everyone to bring a dish (preferably Italian), light some candles and break out the cozy blankets. Share funny stories, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company. You can even throw in some vintage board games for extra nostalgia points!

Or, if you’re really feeling festive, make it a pasta potluck. Everyone brings a different kind of pasta, and by the end of the night, you’ll have enough leftovers to last a week. Because let’s face it, Strega Nona was all about that endless pasta!