Hosting Your Own Autumn Harvest Dinner: A Guide to Seasonal Celebrations

As the leaves turn golden and cool evenings set in, there's no better time to gather your closest friends for an intimate autumn celebration. Seasonal gatherings offer you a perfect opportunity to slow down, connect deeply with those you cherish, and enjoy the abundant harvest that autumn brings.

Creating Your Seasonal Table

Want to set a memorable scene for your guests? Take inspiration from nature's changing palette. Try adorning your table with scattered golden leaves, small pumpkins, and flickering candles to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that honors the season. These simple decorations immediately signal to your guests that they're in for a special evening.

Consider setting up outdoors if the weather permits—there's something magical about dining under the early autumn stars as the season transitions. The natural backdrop of changing leaves provides the perfect setting for meaningful conversations and connection.

Planning Your Harvest Menu

The beauty of autumn entertaining is that the season's bounty does most of the work for you. Consider a potluck approach, inviting each friend to bring a dish that celebrates fall flavors. Your menu might include:

- Freshly baked sourdough bread

- A rocket salad with parmesan and walnuts

- Roasted seasonal vegetables

- A signature autumn cocktail or mulled cider

For your main dish, why not showcase the quintessential autumn ingredient—pumpkin? The creamy pumpkin pasta recipe below has been tested at our recent gathering and was an absolute hit. It's comfort food at its finest and comes together in less than 30 minutes, letting you focus on your guests rather than spending hours in the kitchen.

The Perfect Autumn Main Dish: Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

This pasta transforms humble ingredients into something truly special—much like how gathering with friends transforms an ordinary evening into a cherished memory.

Ingredients:

* 8 ounces pasta

* 1/4 cup olive oil

* 2 teaspoons minced garlic

* 1 cup pumpkin purée (use fresh if you can—simply roast and blend)

* 2 Tablespoons milk

* 1 Tablespoon white wine vinegar

* 3/4 cup vegetable broth

* Salt and pepper to taste

* 3-4 leaves fresh sage (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)

* 1/2 cup grated parmesan

* 2 cups spinach

* 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions:

1. Cook your pasta according to package directions.

2. Meanwhile, over medium heat, cook olive oil and garlic in a saucepan for 2-3 minutes.

3. Add pumpkin, milk, vinegar, broth, salt, and pepper.

4. Whisk and simmer for about 5 minutes.

5. Add sage and parmesan, then simmer for 2-3 minutes more.

6. Remove from heat and stir in spinach until it wilts.

7. Mix in the cooked pasta until well coated.

8. Top with walnuts, extra parmesan, and garnish with fresh sage leaves.

Embracing Autumn Connection

There's something about autumn that naturally draws us toward deeper connections. As you gather with your friends, you might notice conversations becoming more reflective and meaningful—matching the season's inward energy.

Female friendships in particular seem to flourish during this transitional time. When women gather around a harvest table, sharing food and stories, a special kind of nurturing magic happens. Give yourself permission to be fully present in these moments.

Your Invitation to Seasonal Gathering

Remember, the most memorable gatherings aren't about perfection—they're about creating a warm, welcoming space where connections can flourish. You don't need elaborate decorations or a complicated menu to create something special.

A few simple candles, some fallen leaves from your yard, and a pot of something delicious simmering on the stove are all you need. Add friends, and you have all the ingredients for an evening that will nourish both body and soul.

This autumn, why not send out those invitations you've been thinking about? Gather your favorite people, share a meal, and create memories that will warm your heart long after the season has passed.

*Recipe credit: Christine McMichael from Jar of Lemons*

*Images by the talented Nectar Photography*

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*What autumn gathering will you host this season? Need more seasonal inspiration? Join our mailing list for monthly seasonal living ideas delivered straight to your inbox!*

Autumn Baking: Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

As the air cools and the trees shed their leaves, we're naturally drawn to the kitchen to create warmth through baking. There's something so comforting about filling your home with the aroma of cinnamon and sugar on a crisp autumn day, isn't there?

These little muffins taste exactly like cinnamon sugar donuts but are much easier to make! No deep frying required—just simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, and a deliciously nostalgic treat to enjoy with your afternoon cup of tea.

Ingredients

For the muffins:

• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• 1/4 cup white sugar

• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/8 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 cup milk

For the coating:

• 4 Tbsp melted butter

• 2/3 cup sugar

• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C and prepare your mini muffin tin with a light coating of butter or non-stick spray.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add the beaten egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix!

6. Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with batter.

7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. While the muffins are baking, prepare the coating by melting the butter in one small bowl, and mixing the sugar and cinnamon in another.

9. Allow the muffins to cool just slightly (about 2-3 minutes) before removing them from the tin.

10. While still warm, lightly brush each muffin with melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until completely coated.

    
    

This recipe makes about 6 delicious mini muffins—the perfect amount for a cozy afternoon treat!

Create the Perfect Autumn Moment

These cinnamon sugar donut muffins pair perfectly with our March Candle Club candle for the ultimate autumn afternoon! Light your candle, brew a cup of tea or coffee, and savor these warm, sweet treats as you watch the autumn leaves dance outside your window.

The comforting scent of the candle combined with the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon treats creates a multi-sensory experience that embodies everything we love about this beautiful transitional season.

What's your favourite autumn baking recipe? Share with us in the comments below!

Don't forget to check out our Candle Club selection to complete your perfect autumn atmosphere. Limited quantities available!

3 Festive Drinks To Pair With Your Holiday Candles

There's something magical about lighting a candle and sipping a delicious festive drink, with a twinkling tree as the backdrop, as we reflect on the year that's passed.

Today, we've paired our holiday scents with three beverages that enhance the cosy experience...

SPICED APPLE CIDER

Pairs with: Our "Spruce", "Alpine" or December subscription box scent "Winter Christmas Cabin"

The fresh, evergreen notes of Spruce meet the warmth of mulled cider.

Recipe:

• 2 cups apple juice

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 2 star anise

• 3 cloves

• 1 orange slice

• 1 sprig fresh rosemary

Warm gently, strain, and serve with a rosemary sprig garnish.

PEPPERMINT HOT CHOCOLATE

Pairs with: Our "Candy Cane" candle

Double the mint, double the festive feeling.

Recipe:

• 2 cups whole milk

• 3 tbsp quality cocoa powder

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1/4 tsp peppermint extract

• Whipped cream

• Crushed candy cane for garnish

Heat milk slowly, whisk in remaining ingredients, top with cream and crushed candy cane.

GINGERBREAD LATTE

Pairs with: Our "Gingerbread Cookie" candle

The ultimate holiday spice combination.

Recipe:

• 1 shot espresso (or strong coffee)

• 1 cup warmed milk

• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• 1/4 tsp each: ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• Whipped cream

Mix spices and molasses with hot coffee, add warm milk, top with cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

TIPS FOR THE PERFECT PAIRING:

• Light your candle 30 minutes before serving drinks to set the mood

• Use premium ingredients for the best flavour

• Serve in clear mugs to see the lovely layers or cute thirfted Christmas mugs

• Create a dedicated cosy corner for sipping and relaxing

Remember: These drinks are best enjoyed slowly, with good company or a good book, while your holiday candle flickers nearby.