FALL FEVER

It’s time to bid adieu to summer and welcome fall with open arms! Our resident entertaining expert shares her best advice for transitioning into the new season. BY STEPHANIE NASS

The end of the summer is the most pleasant time to cook and, therefore, host. Produce is abundant, and the moderate weather makes dining en plein air heavenly. Assembling ingredients is just as acceptable as slow braising them. The crowds head back to the city, creating the opportunity for quality time with fewer special guests.

As you reach for your jean jacket, you might ask yourself, “What is the jean jacket of meals?” A versatile accessory that matches with anything—delicata squash is beautiful sliced and roasted with cinnamon; a chilled farro salad with fresh mint and dried fruits; Sungold tomatoes with basil and bocconcini; Spaghetti alla Nerano with local zucchini; corn off the cob, just kissed with heat and butter. For dessert, it’s a new season of pies—apple, sweet potato, and pumpkin.

For your table, anticipate a temperature drop at night with warm throw blankets at each guest’s seat. Boll & Branch has lovely options, and I’m always partial to blue. Moreover, the sun sets earlier, so fill the table with candles; they will bring everyone inward and create intimacy. Take inspiration from the evolving natural color palette as the leaves turn. Decorate with dahlias, zinnias, sunflowers, or hydrangeas that have dried on the vine. The colors in our Ikat tablecloth are inspired by this moment exactly. Assign seats with Dear Annabelle’s engraved Tasty place cards.

Dress yourself to match. This yellow floral set from Something Navy matches the mood (and food). Layer a jacket, denim or otherwise. Veronica Beard and Tuke Bazaar have wonderful options. Make sure you have sunglasses for the festivities. Our bamboo hoops are a lovely complement to all of it. T 28 \ September 2022 \ Spotlight

Stephanie Nass

VDear Annabelle Tasty place cards, set of 24, $60, dearannabelle.com

VBamboo hoops, $98, chefanie.com VSomething Navy floral halter top, $95, and maxi skirt, $115, somethingnavy.com VRalph Lauren women’s round sunglasses in Shiny Sanded Gold/Copper, $140, amazon.com

VWhite Starry Sky tapers, set of 2, $38, chefanie.com

VPainted Fall Fruit tapers, set of 2, $44, chefanie.com

VIkat tablecloth, $230, chefanie.com

VBoll & Branch cable knit throw blanket in Navy, $148, bollandbranch.com