We spoke to Influencer & tablescape-artiste Samantha Picard (@tablescapeluvr) about how she makes the most out of the cosy season. Look out for her tips on hosting dinner parties, her go-to comfort dishes and what’s in her basket ready for Black Friday…

Hey, Sam! Do you often throw dinner parties for friends and family in autumn?
This week alone, I’ve hosted three dinners at my flat! It’s cosy season, so there’s something so special about gathering new and old friends and tucking into a stew or other hearty meals when the sun sets early and the weather gets cold. I love to do Sunday dinners in autumn, which really helps bring people together, and fend off the Sunday Scaries!

What is your go-to dish?
Every autumn, I do a Sunday bolognese night, which definitely is very special. I prep it Saturday afternoon, and cook it all day Saturday, let the flavours mature overnight in the fridge, and reheat it and serve it with some homemade pasta for some of my best friends as a cosy Sunday night meal. I always do white wine, not red wine!

And how about drinks?
Chai tea and chai lattes for me scream autumn, and I find much more tastier than a pumpkin spice latte! 

What tends to really wow your guests?
Honestly, keeping it relaxed, and making people feel at home is the best advice I can offer about how to really wow your guests. Most of the time, people don’t remember what you cooked, or the table you set, but really how you made them feel. I always instantly offer my guests a drink, and I love to serve family style in autumn to make people feel extra comfortable. It’s okay if someone spills, that’s a problem for future you!

How do you refresh your tablescape for this time of year?
Currently, I’m obsessed with bows and ribbon! From now until the new year, you won’t find a table of mine without velvety ribbon, either tied to the wine glasses, wrapped around pears on the table display, or beautiful bows on the flatware for when guests first come in. 

What’s your go-to piece for creating a cosy atmosphere?
Candles! I can’t recommend candles enough, a scented candle in the living room (never a scented candle on the dining table), so there’s a warm smell when people first walk in the door, and then some tapered candles on the dining table always instantly makes a table cosy.

Now, let’s talk Black Friday! What items are in your basket ready for the BrandAlley Black Friday sale?
I’m currently obsessed with the Soho Home range and Le Creuset cookware! They will definitely be at the top of my Black Friday list. 

And do you have any Black Friday shopping tips?
In order not to get overwhelmed on Black Friday (or overly excited), I like to make a list in the weeks prior of things on my Wishlist, in order of importance, and with links! That way, come Black Friday, I don’t get super distracted by all of the excitement and actually get deals on items that I really really want. 

Shop Black Friday here.

Follow @tablescapeluvr and @brandalleyuk on Instagram.