Autumn Table ; Decor Ideas and an Indulgent Afternoon Tea

An autumn table for the blog’s favourite season.

Autumn Table

A Season of Inspiration

Autumn is a real source of inspiration. A walk through Lausanne’s parks in autumn (in French) is enough to prove it. This year, I felt like creating a pretty autumn table for an afternoon tea with friends. Lacking a suitable flat, a friend lent me hers. Bonus: a breathtaking view of Lake Geneva. What better way to chat all afternoon and start talking about the festive season?

For the treats, inspiration came quickly. For the decoration, a few books and websites provided valuable ideas. Among them, 365 jours par Pippa Middleton, a reference book on the year’s celebrations. After reading everything about autumn, ideas for the future table started to take shape.

A Cosy Season

Autumn Table ; Natural Decoration and Pastries

The natural side of autumn appeals above all. So no question of using plastic decorations or other fake materials. Off to Meylan Fleurs for some advice. The team lived up to expectations and even lent a few accessories to enhance the decoration. With that settled, it was time to prepare the afternoon tea.

There were so many cravings that it took a long time to choose. In the end, two completely opposite pastries won. First, a pecan pie, a classic that everyone loves and that always impresses. Then, a touch of originality with an unusual dessert.

These are chocolate and pumpkin brownies, two flavours rarely combined. Yet they are a hit: every time, the guests ask for the recipe! A few cantuccini complete the spread. The crunch of the almonds goes perfectly with the other desserts.

Autumn Table ; Homemade Hot Chocolate and Treats

For drinks, hot chocolate takes centre stage, a classic that warms body and heart. No cheap supermarket powder here. Here is the recipe:

• Heat 1 litre of almond milk in a large saucepan.
• Add 160 grams of chocolate and stir well.
• Sweeten to taste.
• Finish with a dash of gingerbread syrup and a few marshmallows.

For a touch of freshness, my hostess friend also offers a light cordial. With so many treats, this little refreshment is welcome.

Once the table is set with a little creativity, the guests can finally tuck in. For a first autumn table, the result is quite a success. The end of the day flies by. A lovely warm moment before a much colder season arrives.

Of course, there are always a few too many treats left over. To the guests’ delight, they leave with a little piece to take home.

Autumn Table