The moments that surprise and delight guests most are often the ones they weren’t expecting – a beautiful picnic waiting for them after an autumn walk, an intimate wine tasting with a local producer, or musicians appearing as dinner moves into dessert. I love giving each day its own character, with little discoveries woven throughout the weekend…”
JoAnn Gregoli, Founder, Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli
ELEGANT OCCASIONS BY JOANN GREGOLI is a NYC-based global destination wedding and event planning company with offices Rome, Paris and Morrocco. Here we discuss how to create perfect autumnal decor, menus, and ambience…
C&B: “JoAnn, your company is very busy all year round – what would you say draws your clients to celebrate at this time, during the autumn season?
JG: “Our ultra-VIP clients are often drawn to autumn because it naturally delivers what luxury celebrations are really about: exclusivity, atmosphere, and experience. Fall has an inherent richness that feels sophisticated without trying too hard. The light becomes softer, landscapes more dramatic, fashion more elevated, and entertaining becomes warmer and more intimate. It lends itself beautifully to layered design – velvet, cashmere, candlelight, deep florals, exceptional wines, seasonal cuisine, fireplaces and dramatic tablescapes…”
My standout locations for an autumn wedding would be Tuscany, particularly Val d’Orcia, where vineyards, olive groves and rolling hills turn golden; Lake Como, which becomes quieter and incredibly romantic after the height of summer; Vermont and the Hudson Valley, for quintessential American foliage and beautiful private estates; Napa Valley, where harvest season brings extraordinary food-and-wine experiences; the Scottish Highlands, for something moodier and cinematic; Aspen, with its brilliant golden aspens against the mountains; and Kyoto, where the autumn colours against historic temples and gardens are extraordinary…”
JoAnn Gregoli, Founder, Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli
C&B: “Yes the colours and the vibe are quite unique – where do you look for your initial spark of inspiration when designing a fall-themed event?”
JG: “I start with the surroundings: the changing landscape, golden-hour light, the richness of the colours, the crispness in the air, and how guests should feel when they arrive. From there, I build a palette around the deep, layered tones of burgundy, aubergine, chocolate, amber, rust, olive, warm neutrals—then introduce texture through velvet, linen, candlelight, seasonal foliage, fruit, branches, and beautiful florals…”
I love an autumn table that feels rich, warm, and unexpected. Burgundy, eggplant, olive, and chocolate are beautiful alongside soft cream, with touches of antique gold or copper to catch the candlelight. The palette often begins with the setting – a stone villa in Tuscany inspires something different from a wood-panelled dining room in a historic estate. Texture is what brings the table to life. I’m drawn to velvet linens, beautiful woven napkins, cut crystal, and ceramic chargers, with seasonal flowers, branches, figs, or pears adding an organic layer. I also love incorporating the client’s own heirloom silver or china; those personal pieces make a table feel meaningful…”
JoAnn Gregoli, Founder, Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli
C&B: “That gives your clients an incredible array of options – you mention Kyoto and the amazing historical backdrops for events; how do you generally incorporate the architectural features of historic private estates in the fall?”
JG: “I start by looking at what makes the estate special – its stonework, grand staircase, fireplaces, ornate ceilings, and views—and let those features guide the design. In fall, warm lighting brings out the texture of historic stone and wood, while seasonal foliage and rich fabrics echo the landscape outside. The architecture already tells a story. My role is to weave the celebration into it, so the design feels as though it belongs to the house, while still reflecting the client’s personality…”
I bring local traditions of the season into the theme by speaking with local chefs, artisans, and our creative partners about what autumn means in that region – what is being harvested, what people celebrate, and how they gather. Those conversations help us bring a sense of place into the experience. When working in Tuscany, that might inspire a menu featuring local mushrooms and truffles, paired with regional wines and served on locally crafted ceramics. In New England, we might weave in orchard apples, a beautiful cider cocktail, and the work of local makers. Music, flowers, and a thoughtfully chosen welcome gift can carry that story through…”
JoAnn Gregoli, Founder, Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli
C&B: “Final question, JoAnn: What feeling do you hope your guests take home with them after the celebration ends?”
JG: “I hope guests leave feeling that they were truly welcomed, cared for, and part of something meaningful. They may remember the candlelight, an extraordinary meal, or the autumn landscape, but I want them to carry home the warmth of being together…”
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JOANN ON THE WELCOME PARTY: “For me, an autumn welcome begins with a feeling of warmth and being expected. From the moment guests arrive, I want someone there to greet them personally, take their coat, and offer a beautiful seasonal drink – perhaps a spiced pear cocktail or warm apple cider served in elegant glassware…”
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JOANN ON AUTUMNAL DECOR: “I’m inspired by the colours and shapes from the outdoors – perhaps burgundy foliage, sculptural branches, or soft golden tones reflected in the linens and lighting. A few thoughtfully placed arrangements can create a beautiful connection between the garden and the dining room…”
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JOANN ON LIGHTING: “Lighting makes an enormous difference. I use warm, layered light – table lamps, candlelight, and softly illuminated architectural details – to bring the focus closer to the guests. Velvet upholstery, textured linens, and beautiful rugs add softness and help make a large room feel more inviting. Fire-pits and fireplaces with comfy blankets will enhance the experience…”
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JOANN ON ROOM SCENT: “I approach scent with a light touch because it becomes part of how guests remember an evening. For autumn, I’m drawn to subtle notes of cedarwood, fig, or warm amber – something that complements the setting and feels inviting as guests arrive. These scents come in the form of candles or scent machines…”
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JOANN ON AUTUMNAL MENUS: “I begin with the chef and what is exceptional locally at that moment. Autumn offers beautiful ingredients – wild mushrooms, squash, pears, figs, and root vegetables – and I love giving them thoughtful, elegant presentations that allow their flavour to shine. A menu might open with delicate mushroom consommĂ©, move into handmade squash ravioli with brown butter and sage, and finish with a beautifully composed pear dessert. We consider the progression carefully, balancing richer dishes with freshness, acidity, and portions that leave guests comfortably satisfied…”
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JOANN ON MUSIC: “I’m drawn to music with warmth and texture for a fall evening – an acoustic guitar, a soulful jazz trio, or strings that bring a sense of romance to a historic setting. During cocktails, a lovely mix of jazz standards and familiar songs can make guests feel immediately at ease…”
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JOANN ON FAVOURITE MOMENTS: “My favourite moment is that brief pause when guests enter – the conversation softens, they take in the candlelight, the flowers, and the beautifully set tables, and then you hear that first delighted reaction. But what I love most is watching the hosts see the room filled with the people they care about. We’ve spent months imagining every detail together, and suddenly it all comes to life…”
CONTACT: http://www.elegantoccasionsbyjoanngregoli.com
PHOTO CREDITS: Chris J Evans
