There’s something very comforting about fall cooking and baking. I think it’s just the warm, welcoming scents of comfort food and sharing enjoyable meals with loved ones. What I find makes my time in the kitchen a little more pleasurable is a nice glass of wine and some fun accessories for the season.

Heirloom Linens in the Broadmead Village Shopping Centre has a wonderful new line of new kitchen accessories from Jamie Oliver, called Keep It Simple. These oven mitts, dish cloths, tea and terry towels, plus bar mops are fresh, fun, reasonably priced and available in orange, green, berry, grey and blue.

I thought mixing and matching was the way to go – I just couldn’t decide on one colour!

Downtown at Haute Cuisine on Broad Street, there is a really fun selection of table top items for any fall dinner party, not just Thanksgiving. The turkey side plates and turning leaf 12-inch platter are a riot, I love the colours and whimsical design.

The acorn pot is a candle that is ideal for holding preserves later. I think one at each end of the table is a perfect balance for a centerpiece with your platter in the middle. Under the platter, I often put a bed of dried autumn leaves.

Haute Cusine also had great pumpkin side plates available in red, dijon, olive and pumpkin colours. I think my kids would love cinnamon toast on these plates – I know I would.

Finally across the street on View, The Tuscan Kitchen is the best source for authentic Italian culinary products. The very classic Borgioli platter is not just perfect for your thanksgiving turkey, but a stunning platter for any occasion.

So, pour that glass of wine, put your apron on and use every sense to enjoy the smells, tastes, sounds, visuals and the embrace of autumn.

Sheri Peterson has been an interior designer for 22 years in Victoria. She designs for commercial, residential and hospitality clients.