Haley Bond’s Autumn Essentials: Traditions, Tablescapes, & Travel
By Casa de Suna
Published Oct 11
Welcome to our latest series, Behind the Heat with Casa Picosa, where we dive into the routines of our community and explore how they find balance and inspiration in their daily lives.
In this edition, we’re excited to chat with Haley Bond, a vibrant member of our community whose love for autumn traditions and cozy living truly embodies the spirit of the season. From nostalgic leaf peeping and apple picking in rural Vermont to enjoying idyllic mornings on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Haley shares her favorite fall rituals. Discover how she creates a warm and inviting home, her go-to autumn dishes that impress guests, and her passion for Caribbean flavors and travel.
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QUESTION 02What is your favorite autumn tradition?
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.
QUESTION 02Tell us a bit about your neighborhood or city – what does an ideal day look like for you?
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.
QUESTION 04What is your favorite part of your home? How do you make your house feel like a home?
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.
QUESTION 05What is your favorite Casa Picosa flavor? How will you be cooking with it this season?
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.
QUESTION 06What are five things from the Casa de Suna shop that you’d love to add to your tablescape this season?
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.
QUESTION 6What is inspiring you these days? An ingredient, an artist, a destination, something you’ve recently learned, anything…
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.
QUESTION 7What’s your go-to autumn dish that always impresses your guests?
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.
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QUESTION 8Which book, movie, or song best encapsulates the spirit of autumn for you?
Practical Magic. I mean, midnight margaritas and Harry Nilsson? The nostalgia runs deep with the film.
QUESTION 9Favorite flowers for a tablescape?
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.
To discover more inspiring stories and routines from our amazing community, be sure to check out our other interviews in the Behind the Heat series, and don’t forget to share your own traditions with us by tagging #casadesuna!
