Good evening. Tonight: Garlands, candles, and linens — oh, my! Plus …  | | Williams Sonoma, P.F. Candle Co, Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter; illustration by Con McHugh for NYT Wirecutter |
A perfect stoneware platter — and 10 more fall delights |
 | By Erin Neil Erin is a newsletters editor at Wirecutter. | |
Growing up in Southern California, fall was more of a manufactured vibe than a lived reality. We visited corn mazes and haunted houses — in tank tops and shorts under the relentless October sun. There were no 3,000-pound gourds at quaint New England pumpkin patches to gaze upon. But as soon as the equinox arrived, mini pumpkins begin to populate all corners of our home. Instead of watching the light change and feeling the temperature drop, we marked seasons with ritual and, crucially, with decor. I live on the other coast now — where I no longer need to feign the coziness of the season — but I still believe there’s something magical about bringing the best parts of fall inside. With teeny-tiny pumpkins, yes, but also with scented candles, felt garlands, and mugs adorned with auburn leaves or spooky ghosts. As we head into the darkest, dreariest time of year, these things bring a welcome bit of cheer. And they can make excellent gifts for anyone dreading the winter blues or preparing for nesting season. - I am fantasizing about this earthy, rust-colored serving platter and the many hearty fall salads I’d like to serve my friends on it. It’s the kind of decor I love most: subtle, tasteful, and useful year-round. (My apartment’s limited storage space demands this of me.) I’m thinking of getting one as a little gift to myself to say, yes, fall has arrived.
- Next time I’m headed to a housewarming or a holiday party, I vow to buy a bouquet of dahlias from the corner store, pluck out a single bud, and deliver it in this glossy little red vase. Not only is the stoneware simply superior to paper or plastic wrapping, it offers a subtle pop of color that would look downright festive through the rest of the year.
- The chilliest person you know deserves to wrap themselves in this buttery-soft cashmere throw during this season’s briskest evenings. In addition to its most practical function of keeping extremities nice and warm, it is also handsome enough to elevate the arm of a sofa or the foot of a bed.
- Newsletters editor Brittney Ho’s annual fall tradition includes busting out one of these earthy, musky candles, which make her place “instantly smell like a log cabin.” This past weekend, while getting drinks at a wine bar in Brooklyn, I went to the bathroom and was gobsmacked by how good it smelled. Turns out it was this warm, woodsy, quintessentially autumnal candle that our experts love, too.
- Growing up, my aunts always made the most beautiful tablescapes for family dinners and holidays, adorned with branches and buds, tall candlesticks and brightly colored linen. It was an excellent — and elegant — way to nod to the seasons. The doyenne of hosting in your life would probably appreciate one of these richly colored cotton tablecloths that writer Sarah Gannett says has big “New England fall” vibes.
- Speaking of table linens: I currently have my eye on these luxe, almost-paisley printed napkins that are made of 100% linen and look like they belong in a dimly lit dining room. But these chartreuse napkins printed with bright, little oranges also tickled me.
- ’Tis the season for latent bakers to come out of hibernation, readying themselves for a busy few weeks of pies and cookies and puddings and cakes. How about a very beautiful and well-made pie dish to reward all that culinary ambition?
- You don’t have to reserve decking the halls for December. These paper garlands are shaped like autumn blooms and would look darling in doorways, across mantles, or strung up on the wall.
- Finally, for a more permanent version of my beloved mini pumpkins, I’m enchanted by these ceramic little gourds. “I keep green and white ones out on the coffee table right through Thanksgiving,” says gifts editor Hannah Morrill. “I think because they’re not orange, they’re more autumnal and less spooky season.” Ideal, in my book.
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| What to give: Newlyweds? |  |
My son is getting married in a few months. He and his fiancé have been living together for years, so they don’t need many things for their household. They are traveling to Europe for their honeymoon. Can you help with a meaningful gift? — G.P. From gifting expert Mari Uyehara: You could go the route of getting them something purely sentimental. This teeny, personalized album keyring holds up to 15 mini photos and can be engraved on the inner cover. Or if they have a yard, consider a sapling, like this weeping cherry, that can grow with their relationship. For something totally consumable, what about champagne splits etched with their names and wedding date in gold? They could break out a bottle every anniversary for years to come. Or, on the practical side, you could help them gear up for their honeymoon with upgraded travel gear. A pair of excellent checked luggage, which are nimble and well organized internally, would serve them well for years. Have someone who’s impossible to shop for? Submit your question here. |  | Were you forwarded this newsletter? Sign up here for The Gift. Handpicked hidden gems. Great deals on lovely things. Your biggest gifting conundrums, answered. A gift guide from Wirecutter. Get it in your inbox. |
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One last gift (for you): Our expert says this (on-sale!) table lamp emits a soft, gorgeous glow — and the mushroom shape looks both playful and grown-up.
You can reach the Wirecutter Newsletters team at newsletters@wirecutter.com. We can’t always respond, but we do love to hear from you. |
