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!*

Creating Valentine's Magic at Home: Simple Date Night Ideas

Sometimes life gets busy and expensive, or maybe you've got little ones at home and can't find a sitter. Whatever your reason for staying in this Valentine's Day, we've got you covered. Here's our guide to creating an intimate evening that might just become your new favourite tradition.

Chess & Candlelight

There's something intimate about a quiet game night. Set up a chess board (or any board game you love), light your favourite candle, and let the evening unfold naturally. Add some soft music, maybe that playlist you've been saving, and watch how time slows down.

While chess is a classic, here are some simple card games perfect for two:

• Rummy - A perfect blend of strategy and luck. Keep score across multiple games and make it a tournament [how to play]

• Speed - For when you want something fast-paced and playful [how to play]

• Golf - Four cards each, simple rules, but surprisingly strategic [how to play]

Living Room Picnic

Transform your everyday space into something extraordinary. Spread a soft blanket on the floor, gather some simple treats (think fresh bread, good cheese, whatever makes you happy), and create your own little sanctuary. The key is keeping it simple and intentional. A few candles, some comfortable cushions, and suddenly your living room becomes the most inviting spot in town.

Stargazing from Your Window

Sometimes the most romantic moments are the simplest ones. Make your favourite hot drinks, grab cosy blankets, and turn off all the lights except for the candle glow. Whether you have a city view full of twinkling lights or a window to the stars, there's something magical about sharing the night sky together.

Setting the Mood

A few touches to make your evening even more special:

• Choose a candle that sets the right atmosphere - or spray your favourite room spray before you setup

• Create a playlist ahead of time

• If you don't have a fireplace or it's warm where you are, try adding the "Cosy Fireplace" Youtube loop on your tv for a little extra ambiance

• Keep phones on silent

• Have some blankets ready

• Prepare any snacks in advance

A Little Gift From Us

We've created some minimal Valentine's cards for you to download and share. Print them at home, write something special, and add them to your evening's setup. Because sometimes the simplest words mean the most.

Remember, the goal isn't perfection - it's creating space for connection. Sometimes the most memorable dates are the ones where nothing goes quite as planned, but you're together, and that's what matters.

To help create your perfect evening in, we're offering free shipping on all large candles until February 14th with code "BeMine".

Order by February 8th for guaranteed Valentine's delivery.

XO,

Beth

Colour, Comfort and Creativity: A Chat With Interior Designer Carina Ferguson

When it comes to creating spaces that feel like home, few understand the power of colour and texture better than Carina Ferguson.

The founder of No Buttercups, an interior design studio based in Pukekohe, brings over a decade of textile and design experience to her work.

We sat down with her to discuss everything from 90s bedroom makeovers to embracing dark colours in small spaces.

A JOURNEY IN COLOUR

Carina's love affair with interior design began in the most relatable way - sponge-dabbing her bedroom walls in the mid-90s during her family's villa renovation.

While her path initially led her to graphic design, twelve years at Citta working with textiles and seasonal homeware collections deepened her understanding of how colours and textures can transform a space.

BREAKING THE RULES

One of our favourite insights from Carina challenges common design misconceptions.

"A common misconception is that challenging rooms – whether small or dark – need to be painted white," Carina explains.

Instead of automatically reaching for white paint, she suggests embracing darker colours which can actually create depth and interest, making rooms feel larger by blurring wall boundaries.

AFFORDABLE TRANSFORMATIONS

For those looking to refresh their space without a major investment, Carina offers two fool-proof strategies:

• Update textiles: New cushions and fresh bedding can instantly transform a room

• Embrace paint: "I've seen countless 'Why didn't I do this sooner?' moments after taking the plunge with a new wall colour."

BRINGING NATURE INDOORS

We particularly loved Carina's budget-friendly tip for adding life to your space: "Take cuttings from a blossoming tree just before the buds open. Place them in a vase and watch as the blossoms gradually reveal themselves." It's these thoughtful touches that make a house feel like home.

WHAT'S NEXT

Currently, Carina is embarking on her most personal project yet - transforming her 1980s A-frame cottage from what she playfully describes as "an explosion of beige" into a space filled with personality and character.

Read on for our full interview with Carina, where she shares more insights about her journey, practical design tips, and how to find inspiration for your own space.

How did your journey in interior design begin?

My obsession with interior design began while sponge-dabbing my bedroom in the mid 90s – my parents were renovating our family villa and it was my first taste of transforming a space exactly how I wanted. While I initially dreamed of pursuing interior design in high school, I went down a different path and completed a degree in Graphic Design instead.

After graduating and travelling overseas, I landed a position at Citta through a friend. I spent over 12 years there as part of their textile team, designing seasonal homeware collections. While it wasn't traditional interior design, it gave me invaluable insight into the industry and deepened my understanding of how textiles and soft furnishings can transform a space.

What inspired you to start No Buttercups?

The birth of my second child marked a turning point for me. I left Citta which gave me time to reflect on what I really wanted to do. This led me to complete a Diploma in Interior Design. I began helping friends with their projects, gaining hands-on experience and building confidence. My years working with colour, pattern and textiles all came together. Eventually, I took the leap and launched No Buttercups – I figured it was now or never, and I haven't looked back.

What are your top tips for refreshing a space on a budget?

I have two go-to strategies that never fail. First, the quickest and easiest way to transform a space is through simple textile updates – new cushions and fresh bedding. A piece of artwork will also breathe new life into a room.

If you're ready for a slightly bigger project with maximum impact, paint is a game changer. I've seen countless "Why didn't I do this sooner?" moments after taking the plunge with a new wall colour. My advice? Don't be afraid to put your favourite colour on the walls – paint is relatively inexpensive, completely changeable, and I promise you won't regret it!

How can we bring spring indoors without breaking the bank?

My favourite budget-friendly way to bring spring indoors is simple yet magical: take cuttings from a blossoming tree just before the buds open. Place them in a vase and watch as the blossoms gradually reveal themselves. Not only is this completely free, but it also creates a beautiful focal point that brings the beauty of spring into your space. There's something really special about witnessing these delicate blooms open day by day in your home.

What's one common misconception about interior design?

A common misconception is that challenging rooms – whether small or dark – need to be painted white. While the impulse to "brighten up" these spaces is understandable, it's not always the best approach.

In small spaces, dark colours can actually create depth and interest, making the room feel larger by blurring the boundaries of walls. Similarly, in dark rooms, embracing the lack of natural light can transform what might be seen as a problem into a feature. Deep, rich colours can create a wonderful cosy atmosphere – think of elegant wine bars or boutique hotels that purposefully use darker palettes to create ambiance.

The key is working with the space rather than against it.

How do you approach styling different spaces in the home?

It’s important to consider the daily routines of a space – it is your morning coffee spot or where you wind down from the day – and style accordingly. The most successful rooms are those where beautiful design and styling enhances, rather than hinders, how you actually live in the space.

Where can people find inspiration for their own spaces?

Pinterest! It’s an incredible, easy to access source of inspiration. It’s a great place to discover design perspectives that differ from New Zealand's more conservative aesthetic. Seeing how others tackle similar spaces or challenges can spark creative solutions you might never have considered otherwise.

Can you share your favourite budget-friendly styling tricks?

Some of my favourite tricks include sourcing downloadable prints from Etsy, foraging seasonal wildflowers (daisies are a personal fav), and incorporating plants throughout the space. Building your plant collection doesn't have to be expensive – start by asking friends and family for cuttings! When it comes to planters, don't overlook places like Kmart and The Warehouse. While their selection can be hit or miss, you can often find little gems at budget-friendly prices.

What upcoming projects or workshops do you have planned?

Among client work, my biggest project is actually my own home – a 1980s A-frame cottage we recently bought. It's currently what I'd kindly describe as an explosion of beige, so I'm in the process of injecting some personality and character into the space. It may forever be a work in progress but I’m having fun coming up with a design plan!

A heartfelt thank you to Carina for sharing her time and expertise with us. Her approach to interior design - making it both accessible and exciting - perfectly aligns with our belief that everyone deserves a space that feels like home.

Follow Carina's work and get more inspiration:

Website: www.nobuttercups.com

Instagram: @nobuttercups_