Knitwear, thick woollen blankets, candlelit movie nights, perpetual golden hour... 

And what better way to revel in the season’s charm than by gathering outdoors? For there is little we love more than a crisp evening spent under the stars, with warm food and even warmer company. 

So, for our fellow fall enthusiasts, think of this as a love letter to outdoor dining in your favourite season. And for the summer loyalists who need a little persuading, consider it your guide to embracing al fresco meals in autumn. 

Warmth in Abundance

We like to invite warmth into every aspect of the evening, be it the food we're serving, lighting we're using, or the table we're dressing. It's such a treat when a good evening lingers on into the night, but in order for that to happen, comfort is key! 

Drape blankets and/or sheepskins over the backs of chairs, bring a few cushions out from inside for added comfort, fill a basket with warm hats, scarves, and an extra sweater or two for those who may run a bit cold. 

If you have a little hearth nearby, keep a fire lit throughout the evening. It'll provide warmth, atmosphere, and the opportunity to migrate over later the evening as you move away from the table and wind down with a warm digestif.

A Seasonal Menu

As with most seasonal meals, an autumn menu begins with guidance from the garden and local marketplace. The harvest draws us toward recipes that comfort and warm from within - roasted squash, slow-simmered stews, and hearty casseroles offering a welcome balance to the cooling air outside. Think family-style: unfussy, but soulful. And if you're in need of inspiration, Lisa Hackwith is someone we advise turning to for a seasonally inspired dishes. 

For refreshments, sparkling or fresh apple and pear cider makes a bright complement to autumn dishes. Even better, prepare a pot of mulled cider to serve after the meal - few things capture the season, or warm you through, quite like a warm, spiced drink.

Recipe for Mulled Pear Cider

Ingredients:

500ml pear cider

400ml apple and pear juice

200ml pear cognac liqueur*

50ml fresh lemon juice

25g light brown sugar

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

1 cinnamon stick

3 whole cloves

3 slices fresh ginger

Directions

Warm all the ingredients in a medium pot over low heat for about an hour, taking care not to let the mixture boil.

When ready to serve, ladle into mugs, straining out the spices. Garnish with dehydrated lemon, a stick of cinnamon, or a sprig of fresh rosemary or sage. 

*If substituting with classic cognac, use about 100-150 ml instead, then add 50 ml pear juice (or apple-pear juice) to preserve the fruitiness. You may also want to taste and add an extra teaspoon of sugar if you prefer the sweeter balance of the liqueur. 

Set the Scene

An autumn table finds ease and elegance with earthy hues and natural textures. Think foraged branches and late blooms from the garden. At its heart, a simple arrangement can create an understated yet memorable centrepiece.

Spread candles along the table and on any surrounding side tables or windowsills. Let the warm glow soften the edges of the evening.

Whether you're planning for Thanksgiving dinner, or simply looking for an excuse to get together with a few friends, we hope our little guide serves you and your company well into a starry autumn evening.

This evening was photographed and styled by Emilie Szabo with a menu prepared in collaboration wtih Lisa Hackwith. 

It featured a simple bowl of torn figs and prosciutto, kale salad with roasted squash and pistachios, creamy squash lasagna with onions, thyme and sage, tomato tart, and a pistachio ricotta panna cotta with fresh figs for dessert. To drink, freshly pressed pear cider from the farmer's market.