Although stirrings of fall weather are upon us, some evenings are still warm enough to dine outdoors. Its the perfect time to host a fall gathering with a little help from friends. When you get everyone together to help, it makes sitting down to eat that much more special because you all worked together! Here is how a group can put their heads together to pull off a perfect fall gathering.

For parties of over 10 it’s easiest to keep settings simple: the table should be casually set with just a runner, large tapered candles, and utensils rolled up into napkins. You can use scraps of fabric or ribbon around for precisely these moments; napkins can be tied with home-cut velvet ribbons, in fall-inspired colors. Remember to create spaces in your home for life giving fellowship.

The flowers can be delicate and lightly fragrant with hydrangeas and Queen Anne’s Lace, these can be gorgeously understated. The bud vase is easy to arrange and especially when serving the food family style because they leave more room for food. Bud vases also allow for some variety, as every arrangement can (and should!) be slightly different. For a more dramatic effect like the centerpiece arrangement here, simply use greater quantities of the same simple varietals and add large branches for scale and texture. {I absolutely ADORE Farmgirl Flowers}

{photo credit: FarmGirl Flowers}

Drinks: these should be right on theme— Try featuring your own “specialty punch” by simply adding an ingredient you have on hand to a time-honored recipe: a sprig of rosemary, from the garden, sliced oranges or even cinnamon always prove to be the perfect twist for a fall drink.

Food should be served family style. Have your guests bring a dish. Roast a family chicken recipe. Use mouth-watering squash with blackened sage: roast 3 different squash varieties and purple sweet potatoes in the oven with olive oil, cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, and salt. These foods all feel like a warm hardy fall dinner. Yum!

Dessert: Below is a sin-free dessert you can try for your guests – vegan carrot cake. Be creative and top your dessert with a few sprigs from the floral arrangements for decor. Just pull a few sprigs from the nearest floral arrangement for a beautiful and festive cake topping.

Carrot Cake with Cinnamon Coconut Whipped Cream

• Servings: 1 9-inch cake

Ingredients for the Cake

• 2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup coconut sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup avocado oil or other neutral oil of choice
• 3 cup finely shredded carrots

Ingredients for the Cinnamon Coconut Whipped Cream

• 2 cans coconut milk refrigerated overnight
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 Tbsp coconut sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 350. Grease a 9inch springform cake pan with oil and dust it with flour. Set it aside. Next, sift together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Set aside.

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, beat the eggs, almond milk, vanilla, coconut sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Slowly beat in the oil.

Next, slowly mix in the dry ingredients.

Finally, add in the three cups of finely shredded carrot and stir to combine. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and place in the oven. Cook for 60 minutes or until a knife comes out of the center of the cake clean.

Let the cake cool completely. While it is cooling, make your Cinnamon Coconut Whipped Cream.

The coconut milk should have separated into two layers. Carefully, scoop the hard white layer on the top into a mixing bowl of an electric stand mixer. Set the other part aside for a later use or discard. Next, add the coconut sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.

Blend together in a standing mixer on medium-high until smooth and creamy. If the cake is cooled completely, spread the Cinnamon Coconut Whipped Cream on top of the cake in an even layer.

Enjoy a slice right away or place the cake in the fridge so the whipped cream can harden a bit. This will make its consistency more like a frosting.

Take it out of the fridge when you are ready to have a slice. Enjoy!

This is the perfect time of year to cozy up with friends and family. I Hope your fall gathering turns out to be that special time you all need!

XO- Sandra Maddox