It is all about autumn entertaining right now. From delicious autumn cheese boards to cups of cocoa and dinners by the fire pit. I love this time of year when that little bit of a chill in the air brings those colorful leaves on the trees and cozy chunky knit throws out of the linen cupboard.
Creating a harvest gathering with friends and family is a perfect way to enjoy the season. Today I am sharing a few tips for creating a cozy gathering outdoors- and also a few entertaining essentials that you can enjoy right now.
Cozy Throws
When entertaining outdoors- a tip is to make sure to have plenty of warm you up cozy throw options on hand. I like to place a basket outdoors with several different throws for guests to grab as needed if they get chilled. Love this cozy plaid throw– but also think about those chunky knits, quilted throws and even snugglies. I have no shame- I throw my snugglie blanket sweatshirt on in the evenings and I stay cozy all night by the fire outdoors. I gifted several to family last year- thinking I may have to order a few extras to have on hand for anyone who visits. 🙂
Fire Pit
I shared this fire pit area for summer entertaining- but it is perfect on repeat for autumn. A warm crackling fire adds so much ambiance and is a wonderful thing to gather around for conversation. A tip here is to look for a fire pit that has a grill that you can add as needed. Place veggie kabobs or a pot of apple cider to warm up on the grill. Find this Fire Pit HERE.
Serve nibbles on Cutting Boards
I am obsessed with beautiful boards. Stacked up in the kitchen and for serving. Each week, my oldest son and his family come for dinner and we always set out a beautiful board covered in cheese & crackers and fruit for them to enjoy as an appetizer. I created several small boards for a family gathering recently- it was perfect for each person to grab and enjoy themselves- or share if they wanted to.
One of my favorite things when collecting boards for serving is to look for a unique shape and size. I love little olive wood boards that are each unique- and some are personal size while others are big and beautiful. You can also find these lovely round bark boards HERE.
Use oversized Cloths as napkins
A simple tip and trick -I often use larger cloths as napkins. Especially when entertaining outdoors by a fire pit when holding plates in hand- those larger cloths are perfect for covering even more than a napkin and catching those spills and drips. I love these beautiful vintage floral prints (and in both blue and black) and charming Chinoiserie towels too.
Gorgeous Gold
Plates and pretty details on repeat- gold flatware just makes everything feel more special. You can simply set them in a basket or tray for informal serving- or use at the place settings for a formal table and they bring a beautiful elegant touch. Even better- they don’t have to be expensive to look like an indulgence. This set is under $20.
Copper Love
Always on repeat for autumn and Thanksgiving- copper is so gorgeous to mix in for entertaining. I love mingling it with rustic woods and elegant stemware- and this pan from one of my favorite stores is perfect for serving mashed potatoes, a vegan roast with veggies or even a delicious dessert. I recently stacked several glasses full of layered cake desserts in cups inside a tray to bring out and serve to guests- easy and beautiful. Shop a similar pan to this one HERE
If you don’t have the book yet
I mean what kind of an author would I be if I didn’t share that my book is full of entertaining ideas- go grab a copy of Inspired Gatherings if you don’t have one yet. 🙂 Much appreciated as always!
A quick note: I have shared before about how TJMaxx and Marshalls were online- and now HomeGoods has joined the cozy shop right from your sofa family. I am pretty excited to be able to shop them online now too.
I have been running around catching up some things this week- Stay tuned for another autumn mantel styling, cozy home tour and candlelight autumn tour coming your way.
Happy autumn entertaining and shopping all.
Paula says
where are those wicker chairs from; i love them.
everything looks so gorgeous; wish i had an invite
franki Parde says
I DO HAVE your book…it’s “front & center” standing in antique brass tray, on swivel piano stool in front of antique wooden ice box that stores napkins, table runners, rings, etc. Oh, & currently a dark ^ lite green velvet pumpkin set…in the cabin Merle built…😚 franki
Denise says
Everything about this entry absolutely wonderful!
I’d love to know the specifics on the lacy gray dinnerware.
Thanks,
Maryanne says
So funny, i was just thinking i want an invite too and then someone else Said thIng. You just make it look so inviting
shirley says
I love everything but i would also love to know about the lacy dinnerware. beautiful. thanks for all the amazing tips.
Toni Harris says
I also have your book,such great ideas to enjoy.
Rachel Harper says
Love all the tips for autumn entertaining. I’d love to share a link on my sunday Dirt Road Adventures. Thanks for sharing your talents with us.