THE ART OF AUTUMN HOSTING
As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp (at least in some parts of the country), I find myself drawn to the kitchen more than ever. There’s something magical about this time of year when our homes become gathering places filled with the scent of cinnamon and sage, and tables set for memorable meals.
Whether you’re planning a Halloween gathering with spooky treats or already dreaming about that picture-perfect Thanksgiving spread, I’ve spent the past few weeks hunting down the most delightful finds to make your entertaining and baking absolutely effortless. From charming baking molds to tabletop pieces that set the scene, plus my favorite sourdough essentials and charcuterie boards that make appetizer hour feel like an art form—these are the little touches that turn ordinary moments into traditions.
So grab your favorite mug of something warm, (May I suggest my Bourbon Maple & Pumpkin Coffee?) and let’s explore the finds that are about to make your autumn entertaining season unforgettable.
Happy cooking (and hosting)!
Diane
SET THE TABLE
This live edge dining table is a modern, walnut top with steel legs design. It measures 72 inches x 36 inches and comes with a bench. A nice addition for the holidays.
Set the tone for Thanksgiving with these embroidered Thanksgiving napkins. They come in sets of two.
Fall colored glassware will set the tone throughout the season. This is a set of four 14 ounce glasses.
Magnolia’s Stone White Lakelynn line is a favorite of mind and whether it is the pasta bowl or dinner plate, they are on my table all the time.
Finish your tablescape with gold toned flatware. The antique gold is beautiful and accents the stoneware perfectly.
For something completely different this holiday season, add these Golden Root Martini Glasses to your collection. Before or after dinner, these glasses are stunning.
AUTUMN BAKING
Nothing better than a festive muffin or mini cake. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, dessert and any holiday buffet. I’ve found two I really like: The NordicWare caklet pan has great fall shapes and if you prefer silicone, this fall cakelet pan option looks fab!
These holiday cookie cutters are perfect to use from now through Thanksgiving and you’ll have them for years to come.
Make your own mini hand pies with this 6-piece Fall Harvest Pie Mold set. Kids will love (and so will you!) On sale now for 30% off.
Elevate your fall baking with this autumn themed loaf pan from Wayfair- a beauty.
If you are making any sour dough this fall, you’ll need a sour dough starter. This 200 year-old start from San Francisco comes with a family story that I love. (Read all about it in the link above) For under $10, you’ll have the beginning of incredible homemade sour dough. FREE SHIPPING too!
HALLOWEEN
Serving up some witch’s brew? This pumpkin mugs will do the trick. I also like them for serving mugs of soup, or coffee in the morning. And maybe my Bourbon, Maple Pumpkin Coffee on weekends!
Going with a “Witch Theme” this Halloween and having all my gal pals over for some fun and some great food. I found some great items at Wayfair this year. These witch napkins and fun wine glasses will be the perfect additions. Love the whole “good witch – bad witch” glass vibe, so may be adding both. What do you think?
Baking for Halloween? Maybe offering a treat at the office this year? Fun Halloween cupcake liners and festive toppers turn ordinary cupcakes into spooky creations. The toppers are great for appetizers too!
If candy making is your thing, look at this great set of Halloween molds (perfect for chocolate candy or gummy candies). The set comes with two scary molds PLUS 100 gift bags to wrap up your treats to give to trick-or-treaters. So fun.
EARLY THANKSGIVING
This charcuterie board has everything I love – ample space for food, dips and condiments too. It comes with your choice of 2-8 coasters too. Customized, it would make a great holiday give too.
Never let your bread get cold again! Serve warm bread in this handmade bread warmer basket. Your guests will love it (and so will you). It also makes a great holiday gift (give this with the Sour Dough starter for the perfect gift for the baker in your life).
It is never too early to start checking all the basics for Thanksgiving entertaining (before the store run out) so I’ve found some early “must haves” that you can grab now. But first, I fell in love with these multi-color pumbkin card holders that will make seating fun PLUS, I’m going to let my guests take them home as favors – fun!
I always seem to need a new baster and having jumbo turkey lifter forks makes the job so easy. This stainless steel set is a steal at $12.99. The turkey embossed platter will allow you to serve your turkey in style.
When it comes to gravy boats, I always need several. My turkey gravy is good and goes fast and I like to have one at each each end of the table. I’m add this gravy boat with warner this year (makes so much sense). But, I’ll also have a couple of standard gravy boats too.
Still using foil roasting pans from the grocery store? (You know who you are!!!
) Let’s upgrade to a high quality Cuisinart roasting pan with rack. You buy it once and have it a lifetime. You’ll thank me every Thanksgiving!
I’ve had these pumpkin cocottes for years. I use them all fall for soups and stews and always on Thanksgiving. I’ve them and they are always a great addition to my table. If you are serving a large group, having a cast iron dutch oven in the shape of a pumpkin can be a great addition. Serve it right in the middle of the table, family-style, and let the party begin. Oktoberfest, fall meals, Thanksgiving and more will be so festive with this addition.
The holidays are right around the corner and you’ll be entertaining for sure. This hand carved Pennsylvania Walnut Serving board will come in handy for every occassion. A little rustic and a little elegant, I envision cheese and wine all season long!
See all my new finds in the seasonal shop. Shop for new items on my wish list. Looking for other great finds? Browse all my shops for new items all year long. The everyday kitchen has everything you need for a well stocked work space. The tabletop & bar shop has glassware, dinnerware, silverware, bar tools and more. Stop by the pantry for those hard-to-find ingredients. Happy browsing.
