October is…

The first days of October bring a crisper wind, a shorter day and the first signs of the manic hours that will fill the next 3 months as we enter the busiest time of year. For many of us, entertaining moves back inside, our ovens and slow cookers multitask for us while our cocktails become richer and warmer. October is full of change, excitement and this October offers so many reasons to unwind, celebrate and make new changes how you enjoy your home.

Pour a signature cocktail. Everyone should have a signature cocktail, and this October I am adopting the WifeStyle Plum Martini created by the ever talented Cocktail Deeva. Made all the more delicious by using Van Gogh Vodka, this martini is a real crowd pleaser.

Ingredients: 1 1/2 Ounces of Van Gogh Vodka, 1/2 Ounce of Chambord, 2 Ounces of Lychee Juice and a 1/4 Roasted Plum.

Directions: Cut the plums in half and remove the stone before generously coating in Van Gogh Peach Vodka. Bake at 385F for 30-40 minutes until they appear soft and tender to the touch. Muddle the roasted plum and a 1/2 ounce of Vodka until the skin and flesh of the fruit offer a vibrant colour and soft texture. Then add the muddled plum,Vodka, Chambord and Lychee Juice to a shaker filled with ice. Shake until well blended and chilled before straining into a Martini Glass.

Celebrate Family History Month. I love listening to my grandparent’s discuss their childhood and the people that made it eventful, and this October I will be inviting my them over for an extended Sunday Dinner so my children can hear the stories of their childhood while we uncover old family albums and create a new one using the classic guest book as inspiration (read more about my modern guest book here).

Learn to taste beer like a pro. For me, beer is a spectator sport, but for those around me, it is serious business. This October we are hosting an Oktoberfest party and everyone will be learning how to taste beer like an aficionado (click here if you missed the lesson) and enjoy one last casual party before the holiday spirit has everyone reaching for more formal entertaining styles.

Fill your calendar. The festive hum of the end of the year may seem like a long way off, but once you account for school holidays, busy periods at work, planned weekends away and the scattering of various other life events booked in your calendar, you will find that there is very little time left in your calendar to enjoy the holiday season. Take the time this month to block out time for shopping and relaxing to take the stress out of the holidays that are quickly approaching. Read more about making your calendar do all the hard work here.

Ghoulish Fun. The crown jewel of October is Halloween, skip the shops this October and pay a visit to your local pick your own farm to purchase your pumpkins. If you live in a damp climate, line the inside of your pumpkin with petroleum jelly after carving to keep it protected from the moisture and keep it looking fresher for longer. For great Halloween party ideas and free printables from Paper & Pigtails, pop over and read my Bat Party Ideas at Celebrations, or see how I put my limited craft skills to work by creating a simple Halloween Wreath.

Start cooking with figs and other seasonal produce. October is the best time to delight in fresh figs. The perfect fig is unblemished and gives slightly when squeezed, and should be stored in the fridge for no more than 3 days. Also in season this month are Apples, Beets, Blackberries, Cabbage, Chicory, Leeks, Pumpkins, Shallots, and Parsnips.

Bring Autumn blooms home. This October your florist will be busting with Allium, China Berry, Cockscomb, Freesia, Juniper, Roses and Zinnia.