Fall {Seasonal Entertaining at home}

Fall.

The mellow time of the year when we wind up all the frenetic activities of summer and move inwards, both physically and metaphorically.

A time to reflect on the tasks accomplished, to slow down and follow the rhythm of the season.

As the evenings become cooler and progressively darker. It's the time to gather around a table with family and friends and share the season's bounty.

Ayurveda: The System of traditional Hindu medicine recommends eating seasonally. Fall brings with it a range of fruits and vegetables for us to enjoy. The fleshy pumpkins, winter squashes, the apples the pears, the ruby gems of pomegranate.

I try to incorporate the season produce when I entertain at home during fall.

The warm spiced-cider or mulled wine to sip while sharing laughter and conversations.

At home I like to have a good mix of appetisers. A cheese platter with an option of hard, semi-soft and creamy goat cheese. Fresh juicy fall Bosc-pears and Pomegranate. An assortment of seasonal & regular crackers. A platter of Indian savoury snacks like Khakhra, Plain salted Papdi with dips consisting of a green chutney, mixed spicy pickles and marinated peppers.

I like adding touches of traditional table setting with an Ikat table cloth, a Bengal Kalsi for a flower vase and brass plates for serving. Light warm twinkling tea lights.

Chrysanthemums spell Autumn with their golden shades.

While entertaining the main Indian philosophy of 'Athiti Devo Bhava'  or The guest is equivalent to God comes into play.

Make our guests feel at home, share food and happiness.

The care taken to put things together will show on their happy faces.

So have fun, enjoy your family and friends.

Share and savour this soothing season!

October gave a party;

The leaves by hundreds came,—

The Ashes, Oaks, and Maples,

And leaves of every name.

The sunshine spread a carpet,

And every thing was grand;

Miss Weather led the dancing;

Professor Wind, the band....

The sight was like a rainbow

New-fallen from the sky....

~George Cooper

( Images by Arch and are copyrighted)