Fall, autumn…call it what you may but my little heart skips a beat at the arrival of this season. Give me some spices, 20 different ways to cook a pumpkin, and “You’ve Got Mail” (insert Nora Ephron movie of choice) and I am a happy girl.
There is something inviting and magical about fall; a coziness, a warmth. For me, there is a nostalgia that accompanies this transitional season from the heat of the summer to winter’s chill. I love the aroma of what is baking in the oven, the crisp breeze (for the brief time we actually have fall weather in Oklahoma), the leaves changing color, college football, and gathering around the table with loved ones.
The community that happens around the table has always been special to me; my family actually opened a dessert cafe for this very reason. And while I think it’s important year round, this is such a special time of year to make it a priority as we usher in the upcoming holidays.
“As much as I love creating in the kitchen, I have also learned to know my boundaries and that even if I didn’t make everything from scratch, the act of gathering together is what’s important.”
Communal potluck style meals are one of my favorite ways to spend time with friends. Sometimes a quirky theme is involved, other times the element of surprise wins the day and your palate won’t know what to expect until each guest arrives.
Breakfast/brunch is one of my favorite meals to enjoy with loved ones; starting my day with someone over a cup of coffee and a pastry or a savory frittata is more special to me than dining at the finest of restaurants. It feels more intimate and intentional. And as much as I love creating in the kitchen, I have also learned to know my boundaries and that even if I didn’t make everything from scratch, the act of gathering together is what's important.
Another fun way to spice up the meal is with table questions. A dear friend of mine often would put a question under each of our plates to be answered throughout the course of the meal; sometimes they were deep, usually they made us laugh, and always they created sweet memories.
So how will you welcome fall? Who will grace your table? Here is your table question to get things started:
“If you could have one character trait that you admire in a friend, preferably someone you are dining with, what would it be?”
Regardless of the time of day or what is being consumed, what better way to cultivate friendships, new and old, than around the table. I hope you find time in the busyness to savor this delicious season and the ones you are fortunate to share it with.
MEET THE AUTHOR!
Elizabeth Fleming is a wife and soon to be first time mom. She is co-owner/baker at Cuppies & Joe, a dessert cafe, with her family. She loves cooking and going on adventures with her husband, Thomas and is unashamedly obsessed with her niece and nephews.