I didn’t know what an Indian Summer was before moving to California. Our summer runs long; September and October are some of the most beautiful months here. And not because the leaves start to change colors, but because the fog starts to dissipate making way for sunny skies and outdoor adventures.

Year-round good weather means more time outside, so we are still enjoying al fresco dining well into the fall.

My fiance and I usually make time during the week to have a dedicated date night. Whether it’s going out to dinner or staying in, we set aside time to decompress and reconnect. Before we were engaged, I once proclaimed “it’s date night, get excited!” and it stuck. :) That night we ended up singing karaoke so it was pretty exciting!

I love that date night is becoming a tradition. Even something seemingly simple, can become something we look forward to, making a moment out of the mundane.

For this cozy date night in, I wanted more of a fall feel despite the warmer temps. Plaid is a staple for the season, and I love these navy and purple colors for something different.

*Hosting tip:*

Get creative with your tables! This is a blanket used as a tablecloth.

Once I had the backdrop, the rest fell into place. The main elements were a single, real white pumpkin in the center flanked by two iron lanterns for a little ambiance. I then layered in some decorative pumpkins and dried eucalyptus (I had these from a dinner party a few years ago but linking to similar ones below). Everyday plates and flatware were elevated by the surrounding pieces. If you do want to dress things up a bit more, linen napkins are great to have on hand. I often use twine for an added textural touch in place of a napkin ring.

I’m a big snacker (even before dinner!), so I made this fall inspired cheeseboard to start. We are fortunate to have great produce in California, and I always find unique things at our local market. Since I was going for seasonal elements, I used figs and burrata cheese as the base. But beware of the blob! Sadly, the burrata didn’t last long in the warmer temps. I also found this great aged cheddar with a purple rind. It would be perfect for a tailgate or Halloween party as well! These organic sweet peppers brought in some fall color with orange, red, and purple. They are yummy alone or dipped in hummus! Fill in the rest with nuts, fruits, crackers and some honey and you have yourself a fabulous first course.

I kept things easy for dinner because I am not the main cook in our family! I did manage to make this Capellini recipe and it turned out amazing. Unfortunately, there is no proof so next time I make it I’ll be sure to share.

Something as simple as a home-cooked meal can be made special with a few extra touches, allowing you to enjoy date night in the comfort of your home. Have fun making things together in the kitchen and of course, enjoy some good wine!