This post is in partnership with Perigold

There’s something about the arrival of fall and the cooler, crisp air that makes me so excited to gather people in our home.

Over the years, I’ve collected some gorgeous pieces from Perigold that we enjoy for our holiday gatherings and in our home throughout the year! I’ve learned a lot over our many years of hosting all kinds of events—from big and small groups to simple family gatherings—so today I thought I’d share a few of my favorite holiday hosting tips as I’m preparing for our own family gatherings.

(You can also watch a cozy reel video of this post here!)

In this post, I’ll share:

• An easy fall centerpiece idea using plant clippings from the yard
• A fun Pumpkin Spice Irish Coffee recipe for a fall brunch
• Simple ways to make even store-bought treats and appetizers feel special
• How I use beautiful, versatile serving pieces from Perigold for casual gatherings
• Ideas for creating a warm and welcoming mood—without making hospitality formal or fussy
• Sources for many of pieces shown in this post.

Plan ahead for hosting so you can enjoy the experience, too!

Even though we host what I think of as informal gatherings (we definitely serve meals that aren’t fancy or complicated!) I like to plan events and think ahead on certain things when I can—texting invitations so everyone can save the date (the holiday season is always so busy for everyone!), thinking through the menu, and consider the areas where we’ll serve people.

Planning not only makes me feel more on top of the important things, but once I know I’ve crossed a few key essentials off my list, I can relax and enjoy the whole experience (and season!) more.

My love language has always been creating a welcoming environment for gatherings. As I mentioned, we don’t host formal parties (we’re very casual, as I think many people tend to be here in the Northwest!), but I still try to make an occasion feel special even in a few small ways.

To me, casual hosting and beautiful serving areas can go hand in hand.

Everyone is more than welcome to show up in jeans, the food will be simple and served buffet-style, but I’ll still happily serve an Irish coffee in a beautiful crystal coffee mug or put a potluck dish on a gorgeous platter.

Those little details are part of the fun of hospitality for me. I want people to know we were looking forward to having them in our home—and that we thought about the little things that would make them feel welcome and the experience more memorable.

I try to make an ordinary gathering feel like a special occasion without making it feel pretentious, formal, or fussy.

Even when I’m winging it a bit on the food (or setting out store-bought treats!), pretty pieces on the table somehow make any gathering feel more festive.

Setting a table or serving area with a pretty runner or placemats and dishes, even for a casual snack or meal, is part of the fun for me, too.

Case in point: I am in love with this cake stand. It’s just so pretty, it almost elevates the donuts to delicacy status. Yes? 🙂

True hosting confession:

One reason I love the beautiful craftsmanship and original designs of the pieces I find at Perigold? They make even the simplest things I serve look so good. And honestly, when the serving pieces are this pretty, I think they help distract from all sorts of other imperfections, too. Ha!

And I adore the table runner, also from Perigold. I’m obsessed with it, actually. You might remember that I loosely use the theme “forest and sea” for our home and often add even more whimsical touches around the holidays, so the woodland runner and the bamboo placemats are meant to be.

The gorgeous glass hurricanes from Perigold are a perfect example of classic pieces you can use creatively over and over again.

When I’m choosing something for our home—or a gift—I’m often drawn to classic pieces that won’t be limited to one event or season.

I look for things that will elevate our everyday life, whether it’s to serve our store bought appetizers, or meals created from scratch for special occasions. I want them to be beautiful enough to display, versatile enough to use throughout the year, and timeless enough that I’ll still be happy to bring them out years from now.

Enjoy your pretty dishes in every season, not just for special occasions. And collect things you love over time.

All of the linens, dishes, platters, pots, and cake plates I’ve received as gifts or collected over the years from Perigold are some of my favorite things. I’ve talked a lot on The Inspired Room about how special it is use your pretty dishes but also to begin collecting things you love over time.

I got the pretty leaf-rimmed dishes and gingham napkins a year or two ago and they are so pretty on the table year round.

Even if you start with one piece (which is how most collections begin!) — choose one you adore! And then your collection can grow over time.

Shopping online isn’t always easy but you can always count on Perigold to have the look and feel of something that could have been handed down to you—or that you’ll want to hand down to future generations. I love that.

I never like to hide pretty dishes away in cupboards! I love when serving pieces can become part of the decor and everyday experience of our home, whether they’re displayed on our plate rack, shelves, in our glass cabinets, or actually in use around the house.

I could even hang this platter on the wall, it has the charm and character of a vintage piece.

Another thing I love is finding simple and creative ways to use the pieces I already have.

I especially love these glass hurricanes on a buffet, kitchen island, or table because you can still see through them.

I have two of the larger size, so together they make a dramatic statement, but because they’re glass, they don’t feel visually heavy.

Fall Hurricane Centerpiece Idea

For fall I simply clipped some ferns from our yard and tucked them inside the glass around candles.

So easy! The creative possibilities for decorating with hurricanes for the holidays, winter, spring, and summer are practically endless.

Another way I like to make hosting memorable is to set up fun drink stations where guests can help themselves and naturally gather for conversation.

We don’t have a formal dining room so we often use this side of our kitchen to serve food and/or drinks.

For a holiday brunch, our family has always loved a festive coffee station. Choose a drink that makes the gathering feel seasonal and special, and even better if it’s easy to make.

For fall, I thought Pumpkin Spice Irish Coffees would be such a treat for the season, and serving them in crystal glassware makes even a simple drink feel EXTRA!

Pumpkin Spice Irish Coffee Recipe

For a Pumpkin Spice Irish Coffee, mix hot brewed coffee with a little pumpkin spice syrup (or mine was pumpkin spice caramel sauce!), Irish whiskey (or substitute for maple syrup for a non-alcoholic version), then top with fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

So simple but so good!

A few thoughtful details, something seasonal to serve, and pieces you love using can help set the mood and bring people together.

Perigold is one of my favorite places to browse when I’m looking for something truly special for our home. They bring together beautiful furnishings, decor, tabletop and entertaining pieces from so many wonderful brands, including pieces with the kind of quality and timeless style you can enjoy for years.

Their serving pieces would also make such lovely wedding, hostess, or holiday gifts, too—especially those that feel meaningful enough to become part of someone’s home and traditions for years to come.

If (like me!) you’re going to get a head start on hosting this season—or shop for a special gift for your home or someone you love—I’m sure you’ll find just the right piece at Perigold.

Sources and More Perigold Finds: