The Art of Hosting This Fall: Simple Touches That Make Guests Feel Special

As the air cools and the days shorten, fall invites us to slow down and gather. Hosting becomes less about perfection and more about presence. This season, I’m inspired by simple, meaningful touches that make guests feel cared for—and celebrations feel intentional.

Photo by Collin Pierson

Why I Love Hosting in the Fall

There’s something about the fall season that feels grounding. Maybe it’s the scent of something baking in the oven, or the glow of candlelight on a cool evening. For me, it’s always been a time to reconnect—with loved ones, with my space, and with the joy of bringing people together.

Hosting this time of year doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it’s often the simplest gestures that leave the deepest impression—how you greet your guests, the way your home smells, the thoughtful details that make everyone feel welcome.

Fall hosting is less about the elaborate and more about the emotional. It’s about creating an atmosphere that feels warm, comfortable, and intentional.

Photo by Collin Pierson

Featured Edit: Hosting Essentials I’m Loving Right Now

Every story deserves a moment to pause and be inspired. Here are a few of my favorite entertaining pieces that bring warmth and sophistication to any table:

• Mango Wood Scallop Serving Board – A beautiful foundation for charcuterie, desserts, or small bites. Handcrafted with scalloped edges that add subtle charm to any spread.
  ➝ Shop here

• Bormioli Rocco America ’20s Cocktail Coupe Glasses – Vintage-inspired coupes that add a touch of Jazz Age glamour to champagne or martinis.
  ➝ Shop here

• Gold Pillar Candle Holder – Elegant and sculptural, these instantly create a warm, ambient glow for evening gatherings.
  ➝ Shop here

Each piece has been thoughtfully chosen to reflect the kind of beauty and functionality I look for when hosting.

✨ Explore more curated entertaining finds → ShopMy Collections

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Photo by Collin Pierson

Creating an Experience, Not Just a Dinner

Every gathering tells a story, and the goal isn’t to impress—it’s to connect. I always start with intention: how do I want my guests to feel when they walk through the door? What memories do I want them to take with them?

Sometimes it’s as simple as:

• A signature cocktail served in a beautiful glass.

• A menu handwritten on cardstock or linen paper.

• A playlist that builds from soft jazz to soulful classics.

The magic is in those sensory layers—sight, scent, sound, and warmth.

And here’s the truth: guests rarely remember the menu. But they’ll always remember how you made them feel.

Photo by Nicee Martin

The Little Details That Matter Most

Hosting beautifully doesn’t mean overcomplicating things. In fact, the most memorable experiences are often created from simplicity—placing sprigs of rosemary on napkins, using warm lighting instead of overhead bulbs, or serving dessert with vintage glassware that tells a story.

Fall gives us permission to lean into texture and warmth. Play with fabrics, add layers to your table, and don’t be afraid to mix materials—wood, marble, glass, and candlelight all have their place.

When you approach hosting as an act of care, everything changes.

This season, my approach to entertaining is all about intention. Fewer things, done beautifully. Gatherings that feel more human than perfect. Because when we strip away the performance, we create space for connection—and that’s where the real beauty lives.

Here’s to a season of celebrating with purpose, joy, and a little sparkle.

xx,
Akeshi

P.S. My new book, The Art of Celebrating: Inspiration and Ideas for Meaningful Gatherings, is now available for presale—a true labor of love filled with stories, tips, and inspiration to help you create celebrations that matter. Pre-order here