Designing a cosy autumn gathering with Pandora Maxton

Posted by Amber Latham on 08 September

We recently visited stylist, Pandora Maxton, who has curated an autumn-inspired table for us at her beautiful home in Yorkshire, complete with a delicious seasonal soup (recipe below) and pieces from our new autumn/winter collections.

On styling this tablescape, Pandora writes:

As we move into the autumn months, I always find the transition a little hard, but what comforts me are the cosy nights in and the return of warming comfort food. There are certain dishes I rarely eat in summer, roast Sunday dinners and hearty soups, for example, but as the season shifts, they feel just right.

Sometimes all you need is a simple soup, beautifully finished with a few toppings and served alongside plenty of fresh bread. It’s inexpensive, comforting, and completely satisfying. I like to serve mine in little enamel bowls, with the middle of the table filled with different toppings. Not only do they add to the meal, but they also bring decoration and colour to the table.

Laying a table doesn’t need to be formulaic. I love sharing boards, relaxed dining, and an inclusive, informal atmosphere. Baskets of fruit and nuts are perfect for adding both colour and texture-functional and aesthetic all at once.

For this autumn table, I’ve used bright oranges and blues. The cheerful combination, with colourful flowers, glassware, napkins, and candles, pops against the rustic wood of the dining table, creating a warm, earthy, and inviting space.

What we love about Pandora's table

What we love most is how welcoming this table is. It immediately invites you in with its warm, seasonal colours, twinkling candles and comforting natural textures. It clearly shows a love for hosting and making your friends/family feel special, without feeling formal or requiring a lot of organisation beforehand.

Part of this laid-back atmosphere comes from the lunch itself. By opting for a food option that's affordable and easy to prepare (yet still deliciously homemade) a lot of the stress we usually associate with hosting is removed. Plus the self-serve toppings are a great way to make the meal feel more relaxed.

Pandora has brought out the autumnal side of our Bon Appetit collection beautifully, with new serveware pieces in seasonal colours and our chilli pepper shaped candle holders.

Here's how to make Pandora's chilli butternut soup

What you'll need:

• 1x butternut squash, about 1kg, peeled and de-seeded

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

• 2x onions, diced

• 1x garlic clove, thinly sliced

• 2x mild red chillies, de-seeded and finely chopped

• 850ml hot vegetable stock

• 4 tbsp crème fraîche, plus more to serve

Method:

1. Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.

2. Cut the squash into 4cm cubes, toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, and roast for 30 minutes until soft and golden.

3. Meanwhile, heat the butter and remaining oil in a pan. Add the onions, garlic, and most of the chillies. Cover and cook gently for 15–20 minutes until soft.

4. Add the roasted squash, stock, and crème fraîche. Blend until smooth.

5. Reheat gently, season, and serve with extra crème fraîche and the remaining chopped chilli, mini bread sticks, fried onions and coriander.