By the time you read this, I’ll be on my way to Burgundy for ten days of cooking and savoring local food. The Cook’s Atelier runs a lovely cooking school in the heart of Beaune, France. A neighbor gifted me their cookbook some time ago, and I immediately started dreaming about taking a class there. Luckily, my extended family shares my passion for cooking and eating, so I’ll meet my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and my husband’s aunt for a few days of fall menu inspiration.
I haven’t prepared a classic French sauce since culinary school, so I expect I’ll be revisiting notes from two decades ago to refresh fundamentals. I feel a bit rusty on soufflés, brioche, velouté and the five “mother” sauces, and I’m excited to polish those techniques. I’ll report back with any favorite new recipes. Meanwhile, here’s a curated list of fall items and ideas I’ve been coveting online—seasonal, cozy, and ready for entertaining.
Staub Braiser
A braiser is perfect for pumpkin‑butternut squash soup, slow braises, or simply sitting on the stove as a charming kitchen accent.
Pumpkin Chai Candle
Warm, spiced candles set the mood for autumn. A pumpkin‑chai scent transitions nicely from Halloween into the holiday season.
Felt Pumpkins
Soft felt pumpkins in grey or white would look sweet on a kitchen windowsill or grouped as a simple, elegant centerpiece.
Terracotta Gingham Napkins
These warm, terracotta napkins are ideal for fall dinner parties—tie them with fresh rosemary and twine for an easy, rustic touch.
Skeleton Baking Mold
A playful baking mold adds fun to seasonal treats. Use it for pumpkin chocolate chip muffins or chocolate muffins garnished with berries for a spooky twist.
Slate Cheese Board
Great for Halloween nibbling and weekend game days. A slate board pairs well with a variety of cheeses, charcuterie, and fruit—perfect for casual entertaining.
Gold Cheese Servers
Gold servers pop against a dark slate board and also look beautiful with wooden boards—small details that elevate a simple spread.
Wheat Wreath
A wheat wreath lends a welcoming, harvest‑time feel to the front door and is a classic autumn decoration that never feels overdone.
Birds
Decorative birds make a sweet addition to a tree near the front door—subtle Halloween décor that feels whimsical rather than spooky. We still keep the ghost decorations my kids begged for, but a scattering of birds brings a softer look.
Pumpkin Carving Tips
For anyone who needs guidance carving jack‑o’‑lanterns, a short tutorial is useful. Alternatively, cook pumpkin in an Instant Pot to use the hollowed pumpkin as a warm bowl for soup or a fondue‑style dip of bread and melted cheese—both are great ways to bring pumpkin to the table beyond pie.
Enjoy the season—whether you’re sharpening cooking skills, setting a cozy table, or carving a clever pumpkin, small details make autumn feel extra special.