Haley Bond’s Autumn Essentials: Traditions, Tablescapes, & Travel

Leaf peeping and apple picking — I used to live in rural Vermont so I lean in hard to the Fall activities. Give me some plaid, apple cider donuts, and a fire pit with friends. It doesn’t get much better than that.

September and October are my favorite months of the year in New York. I refuse to leave town during this time because the weather is absolutely perfect. I live on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, less than a block away from where Meg Ryan’s character lived in You’ve Got Mail. This time of year, the neighborhood feels rather idyllic.

A perfect day starts with coffee during a quiet morning at home with the windows open, followed by a yoga class. Then, a stop at the farmer’s market for a colorful veggie haul and fresh flowers. Walking my dog, Rio, in Riverside Park. Making dinner with friends – all Nora Ephron vibes.

I’m a Taurus, so comfort is key. That applies not only to my physical experience but also to my visual one. I mix soft textures, warm colors, and interesting shapes for a cozy yet sleek aesthetic. I also don’t fight the space. As a renter, the changes I can make are minimal, so I work with my circumstances to create a harmonious energy. For example, I have a classic wooden fireplace (common on the Upper West Side), which is beautiful but a bit overbearing. It became important to balance the weight of that focal point with clean, simple shapes to keep the energy light.

I’m in a serious relationship with Pina Chil’ada. My grandparents lived in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where I frequented throughout my childhood – and I even got married there, so Caribbean flavors are my favorite. The mix of scotch bonnet pepper and pineapple is perfection. I’m not precious with hot sauce, I put it on everything. I have a strong feeling that it will pair well with pepperoni pizza.

The Caskata Quinn Optic Martini Glasses are colorful upgrade for any gathering and a perfect excuse for me to make my favorite Basque style martini with pickled Guindilla pepper brine. Then there are these Il Buco Vita beeswax candles, they’re so pretty that I don’t even want to light them and the sweet smell of the wax is intoxicating. I also love the Meadows Dijon table cloth – it’s Autumnal yet soft and Provençal. The Sabri Sabri Bea Placemat is a classic that will work all year round- the detailed edges are marvelous. Last but not least, the Anastasio 810 Tray in Matcha is to die for. Natural accents are essential in my home and the muted green marble color paired with the whimsical scallop makes it a standout decor item.

Travel is huge for me; it brings me immense joy. I’ve recently fallen back in love with Europe. I put it on the back burner for a while because I was interested in visiting the Southern Hemisphere. However, I had a magical summer abroad – mostly in Paris and Sicily – and I’m under its spell again. I am intoxicated by the romance of Europe.

Fried squash flowers and sage with goat cheese, nasturtiums, and honey. It’s very simple to make, absolutely delicious and an unexpected surprise for guests.

Practical Magic. I mean, midnight margaritas and Harry Nilsson? The nostalgia runs deep with the film.

In autumn, it has to be dahlias. Big, fluffy dahlias. When I can, I love to combine them with foraged fall branches and wildflowers for a rustic aesthetic.