A Different Take on Autumn

A Quirky Take on Seasonal Magic!

As the air starts to crisp and the light shifts into that golden glow, autumn beckons us in with open arms. It’s a time for slowing down, for letting nature’s soft exhale fill our homes and wardrobes with warmth. However, as much as I adore the traditional pumpkins and falling leaves, this season can offer something even more magical. There are curious and whimsical autumn traditions that spark the imagination and embrace the peculiar beauty of this time of year, offering a fresh twist on the familiar.

Let’s first wander into the mythic landscape of autumn traditions. In some parts of Europe, there is a delightful old custom called "tree dressing" that feels beautifully in tune with nature. People hang ribbons or strips of cloth from trees to honour the shifting seasons, asking for good fortune or simply expressing gratitude. The sight of a ribbon fluttering in the breeze can feel like a small, magical moment of connection to the world around us—without delving into witchy realms. Imagine adding your own colourful ribbon to a tree in your garden or a nearby wood, letting the fabric tell your own story.

Now, let’s step into colour. There’s no denying that the traditional autumn palette of orange, green and brown is cosy, but it can start to feel a little expected. Why not take a more decadent, analogous approach? Consider rich plum, burgundy, deep coral and rose—tones that nestle beside each other on the colour wheel but bring a sense of luxury and warmth. Combining these tones with taupe and washed out olive can create a beautiful but slightly different autumn palette.

For your table, let’s add a little more of the unexpected. I’ve been playing with a fun twist on the classic pumpkin—an alternative snack that surprises with both flavour and flair: Pumpkin Ricotta Fritters. They’re light, savoury-sweet and incredibly moreish. Imagine serving these golden fritters on a cool autumn afternoon as friends gather, the scent of herbs and ricotta mingling in the air.

Pumpkin Ricotta Fritters
Ingredients:

• 1 cup pureed pumpkin
• ¾ cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

1. Mix the pumpkin, ricotta, egg, and flour together until smooth. Season with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a pan with a generous glug of olive oil and spoon in dollops of the batter.
3. Fry until golden on each side, about 2-3 minutes. Drain on a paper towel, and serve warm.

These fritters are a delightful way to celebrate the season with something a bit different from the usual roasted pumpkin seeds or pies, yet still rooted in autumnal flavours.

Of course, no autumnal gathering would be complete without a drink that warms you from the inside out. For something simple and comforting, why not whip up a Spiced Maple Latte? It’s the perfect drink to sip as you lounge on your cosy sofa, a fire crackling in the background and the evening settling into a deep, velvety dusk.

Spiced Maple Latte
Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk of your choice (I love full fat milk for extra creaminess)
• 1 shot of espresso or strong brewed coffee
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice mix
• Whipped cream to top (optional but encouraged!)

1. Warm the milk on the stove, stirring in the maple syrup and pumpkin spice mix.
2. Brew your coffee, pour it into your favourite deep mug and top with the spiced milk.
3. Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra spice for that decadent touch.

This latte, with its soft sweetness and gentle spice, feels like wrapping yourself in your favourite sweater—familiar, comforting but just different enough to be special.

So, as autumn unfurls around you, bask in those softer, quieter moments. Whether it’s ribbons fluttering in the breeze, a fritter fresh from the pan or a soft plum throw over your shoulders, this season has a way of holding us close. Let’s make it a little more magical, a little more unexpected, and infinitely more colourful!