The Real Chic Life

It’s the time of year when people love to gather indoors to host family and friends. I’m really looking forward to Thanksgiving next month. My mom usually hosts and we drive down to celebrate with her and the rest of our extended family. With four small kids and our out of towner status, I don’t usually contribute a large portion of the meal, but I typically bring a side or two. Last year I made sweet potato pie. This year I’m probably going to make sweet potato, pumpkin and pecan pie because I’ve been brushing up on my baking skills. When things have settled down a bit and we live closer to family, I hope to have the honor of hosting Thanksgiving as well. In the meantime, I love any excuse to throw a party and I’ve seen so many cozy, fall-themed gatherings lately. I’m so eager to host a soup competition party. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, a Friendsgiving, or an intimate dinner or game party, fall can be the perfect time to brush up on your hosting skills. Here’s our guide to being the ultimate fall hostess.

The Scene: Use candles, string lights, or dim lighting to create a warm, inviting glow. Light scented candles in autumn-inspired fragrances like cinnamon, apple, or pumpkin to add a cozy feel. I love the Voluspa Spiced Pumpkin Latte candle. Decorate with fall elements like mini pumpkins, gourds, pinecones, and dried flowers. Use a neutral or warm color palette with earthy tones to give the space an elevated autumn vibe. Add blankets or throws on chairs and textured pillows for a cozy touch. Materials like wool, velvet, and knit add warmth and style. Quince has become my go to for blankets and I love their cotton fisherman knit throw in the shade terracotta and their ruched faux fur throw. Aim for a warm, casual elegance that makes guests feel at ease and arrange your furniture for easy mingling.

The Menu: Before dinner offer seasonal charcuterie boards with cheeses, nuts, figs, dried fruits, and maybe some spiced nuts or roasted vegetables. If you need help building your own charcuterie board, this book is so helpful. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving, offer classic holiday dishes for your main course. If you’re looking for recipes or want to put a slightly creative spin on old favorites, I’m a big fan of Half Baked Harvest. Tieghan offers an annual Thanksgiving menu and guide in November, so keep an eye out for it. If you’re hosting a different type of fall gathering, opt for warm, hearty dishes, like butternut squash soup, roasted vegetables, or braised meats. A one-pot dish, such as a fall-inspired stew or pasta, is easy to serve and keeps the atmosphere relaxed. Don’t forget to serve festive drinks. You can warm up guests with a hot spiced cider, mulled wine, or a pumpkin-inspired cocktail. Have some seasonal mocktails available as well, with ingredients like cranberry or pomegranate for a festive touch. For dessert you can’t go wrong with pies, bread pudding, apple cider donuts, cookies or fall-themed cake. Use serve-yourself stations for drinks and desserts to keep things relaxed.

Your Hostess Look: Opt for comfortable yet chic attire, like a cozy sweater dress, a soft cardigan paired with trousers, or a fitted top paired with a flowy midi skirt. The Sezane Harper dress is effortless and chic, and I always get compliments on this Naadam cashmere turtleneck dress. Choose warm, rich colors or classic neutrals, and add subtle accessories.

The Music: Create a fall-inspired playlist that’s calm and ambient. R&B, soft jazz, or mellow indie music adds to the cozy vibe without overwhelming conversation.

The Personal Touches: If it’s a seated dinner, handwritten place cards add a personal touch and make guests feel special. If you use place cards like these, you can use twine to tie them to a small seasonal token like a mini pumpkin, candle, or a bundle of herbs that doubles as a favor that guests can take home.

Our most important tip for being the ultimate fall hostess is to make sure you actually enjoy your gathering. Hosting can easily become stressful if you fret over every detail. Focus on creating a memorable experience rather than on making sure everything is perfect, and spend as much time as you can connecting with your guests.

If you have any other tips for being the ultimate hostess, let us know in the comments.

Xo,

Courtney