A New Season, A Fresh Start

The beginning of September has always held a special place for me. It carries this sense of renewal, new beginnings, and fresh starts. From going back to school as a kid to working at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival), which runs for 10 days from the first weekend of September, I always had to get ready for something. That might have meant buying school supplies and back-to-school clothes or breaking in comfortable shoes to stand in for hours at a theatre. September always meant shifting from one way of living into another — from free-flowing summer to structured, routine-filled fall.

TIFF 2016

Me sneaking in a selfie and a coffee break at the back of Cinema 1 at TIFF Lightbox. I was probably about to start a screening. Can you tell I I’m tired?

Even though I haven’t worked at TIFF in years, now with my kids I still feel that sense of transition. It’s nostalgic and comforting. As Joe Fox famously said in You’ve Got Mail: “It makes me want to buy school supplies.”

Summer tends to get all the attention when it comes to entertaining, but I’d argue that September is when it really shines. Summer entertaining is wonderful, carefree and sun-soaked, but it can also be hot, buggy, and exhausting. September, on the other hand, is the sweet spot: not too hot, not too cold. The air is crisp, the light is golden, and more people are back from their travels, ready to gather. Fall entertaining feels cozier, more intentional, and (best of all) easier to pull off.

In this post, I’m making the case that fall is the new summer when it comes to hosting, and I’ll share some cozy food and wine ideas, easy hosting tips, and the joy of seasonal rituals to prove it.

The September Vibe Shift

Summer is full of big BBQs, road trips, and a touch of chaos just to make it all happen. September is different. Structure and routine return, but the weather is still kind. The mornings are crisp and refreshing, the evenings cozy and inviting. People are more eager to connect again after summer’s busy pace.

Entertaining in September feels smaller, warmer, and more intentional. You don’t need a huge spread or hours of prep, just a few thoughtful touches can make gatherings feel special.

Foods We Crave in September

Fall is a time of abundance. Apples, squash, leeks, mushrooms, and root veggies start to flood farmers’ markets, and they lend themselves to the kind of food we crave this time of year: comforting but not heavy, simple but satisfying.

Think: hearty soups, roasted veggies, baked apples, and of course, apple crumble (with vanilla ice cream, please). Pumpkin everything also begins to make its return, and while it’s not everyone’s favourite, I personally love leaning into these seasonal flavours.

This harvest season also aligns beautifully with early harvest wines like Riesling from Mosel or Alsace, Ontario Rieslings, or light reds like Beaujolais. These grapes ripen earlier in cooler climates, which means they’re picked sooner to preserve bright acidity and freshness. They’re exactly the kind of wines that pair beautifully with fall’s cozy foods — apple desserts with Riesling, soups with crisp whites, and roasted veggies with light reds.

Wines That Make the Transition Smooth

Fall is all about transitional drinking: moving from bright summer sips into cozier, cooler-weather wines. Some of my favourites this time of year include:

**Off-dry Riesling:** My pick for *Wine of the Month*. It pairs perfectly with fall comfort foods like apple desserts, creamy soups, and roasted squash.
**Chenin Blanc or Chardonnay**: Whites with just enough texture for heartier dishes.
**Beaujolais or Pinot Noir**: Light, juicy reds that can go from roast chicken to mushroom soup.
**Chianti or other Sangiovese-based wines**: Reds with a little spice and rustic charm, perfect for fall evenings.

And let’s not forget bubbles. A good sparkling wine instantly makes even the most casual gathering feel celebratory.

Cozy & Effortless Hosting Ideas

One of the best things about fall entertaining is how easy it can be. Summer often calls for elaborate spreads, but in September, simple is best:

**Menu idea:** a pot of soup, homemade bread (or a rustic loaf from your favourite bakery), a small cheese board, and something seasonal like apple butter or chutney (yes, it exists, and it’s delicious).
**Atmosphere:** cozy lighting (candles, string lights, or a dim lamp), a fall playlist (Spotify has endless options), and maybe a throw blanket or two draped nearby.
**Hosting hack:** prep soup a day ahead, and everything else comes together in minutes.

September entertaining is really about creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere without fuss.

Hosting A Fall Viewing Party

Entertaining doesn’t always have to mean a full dinner party. Sometimes it’s as simple as gathering for a “cozy show night.”

Take Only Murders in the Building, for example. A new season drops this month, and it’s the perfect excuse for a low-key watch party with snacks and wine. I paired each of the main characters with a bottle you can find at the LCBO:

Mabel → Pinot Noir (Escudo Rojo Gran Reserva, $17.95): layered, bold, and a little mysterious.
Charles → Bordeaux (Château Puyfromage, $19.50): classic, thoughtful, and timeless.
Oliver → Crémant de Limoux ($24.40): sparkling, lively, and always the star of the show.

Grab some popcorn, pour a glass, and you’re set for an evening of sleuthing in style.

Conclusion: Why Fall Is the Best Time to Gather

The seasons will change whether we like it or not, so instead of mourning the end of summer, why not lean into what makes fall so special? September entertaining is cozy, intentional, and effortless.

**Here are a few takeaways to get you started:**

**3 Wines to Always Have on Hand for Fall:** Riesling or Chenin Blanc, Beaujolais or Pinot Noir, Chianti or another Sangiovese-based red.
**Easy Menu Idea:** Leek & potato soup with fresh bread, a cheese board with apple butter, and apple crumble with ice cream.
**Quick Hosting Hacks:** prep ahead, light candles, and queue up a fall playlist.

As I write this, the rain is pouring outside and You’ve Got Mail is on in the background — the ultimate fall comfort movie. I’m already excited for the months ahead. So let’s embrace the season. Pour yourself a glass, invite a few friends, and celebrate September your own way.

Fall Is the New Summer: Why September Is the Best Time to Entertain