September is the season of slowing down, savouring crisp mornings, and capturing the last warmth of summer. For us, that means salsa season—an all-day, laughter-filled tradition of chopping, stirring, and preserving sunshine in jars. With jewel-toned tomatoes, glossy jalapeños, and ruby-red peppers, this perfected family recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. This year, Miranda gathered with her dear friend for a salsa-making adventure (and most of the photos are from their day together!). Whether you’re canning a big batch, gifting jars to friends, or whipping up my husband’s favourite baked salsa dip, this recipe is your September invitation to gather, preserve, and celebrate the season’s bounty.

Say goodbye to sad desk lunches and hello to your new midday ritual: the Adult Lunchable. At Crowded Table by design, we’re turning snack-time into an elevated experience with hummus drizzled in olive oil, crunchy veggies, a touch of cheese, nuts or seeds, and of course—a little square of dark chocolate for good measure. Paired with our cozy new Desk Grazing & Daydreaming playlist, this is your invitation to slow down, savor the moment, and treat yourself to a curated lunch break that feels like a mini escape.

The Apothecary’s Table is an earthy, enchanting tablescape inspired by nature, herbs, and timeless charm. Set against the backdrop of majestic Kootenay Lake for our Virgo Dinner Experience, this table featured a lace tablecloth, woven placemats, vintage goblet glasses in soft green and lilac, and a glowing centrepiece of floating candles and fresh herbs. Scattered apothecary bottles in green and gold completed the look, creating an apothecary-inspired dining experience that felt grounded, magical, and unforgettable.

Miranda shares a tender story of her father’s love for global cooking, his legendary spice rack, and the heartfelt memories that still linger in every jar. From Indonesian fried rice to handwritten recipe clippings and treasured bottles of saffron, this post is a nostalgic journey through flavour, family, and the way kitchens hold the deepest kind of love. Inspired by the belief that everything (and everyone) belongs, she brings that philosophy into her own spice rack—an eclectic, beautiful mix of old, new, and memory-filled jars.

There’s something unmistakably luxurious about scallops—they’re the little black dress of appetizers: effortlessly elegant and always just right. For our Virgo-season Cosmic Dinner, we paired them with a velvety Lemon Beurre Blanc that melts on the tongue and delivers big-time showstopper energy. The result? A dish so quietly stunning it made the room go silent. These scallops are delicate yet bold, refined yet approachable—just like Virgo herself. Serve them as an amuse-bouche with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc and a jazz playlist that oozes South of France with a lemon tree, and you’ve officially mastered the art of intentional elegance.

If you’ve ever wanted to send your guests home with more than just full bellies and happy hearts—this one’s for you. In our latest Cosmic Dinner Collection gathering, Roots & Remedies: The Virgo Dinner Experience, we’re setting the table for something soulful. Think: an Essential Oil Blending Station where your crowd can craft custom roller blends, set intentions, and leave with a tiny bottle of calm (or clarity, or cheer). With step-by-step setup tips, seven signature blend recipes, and printable templates included, this isn’t just hosting—it’s modern apothecary magic for your table.

Get prepped for Christmas in July (or any season of gathering) with this cozy, crowd-pleasing DIY gift: homemade vanilla extract jars. Thoughtful, beautiful, and shockingly easy to make, these ribbon-wrapped bottles are steeped in love and intention. Whether you’re planning your next dinner party or building a stash of hosting gifts, this guide walks you through every step—from slicing vanilla beans to sealing the perfect label. Because at Crowded Table by design, we believe the sweetest gatherings begin with the smallest gestures. Set the table, stir the vanilla, and let the scent of connection steep into your season.

Gather your crowd under the stars with our guide to intentional campfire dining. At Crowded Table by design, we believe there’s always a place for you at our table—even if it’s a circle of chairs around a crackling fire. Discover easy campfire recipes, cozy setup tips, and meaningful ways to turn your next night outdoors into a memory-making experience. From foil-pack meals to s’mores bars, let us guide you in creating connection, laughter, and warmth—because hosting should always feel this good.

Family reunions can feel predictable or stressful—but what if they were actually magical? This guide shares 14+ whimsical family reunion ideas that replace mental checklists with laughter, playfulness, and soul-deep connection. From dress-up games to scavenger hunts and heartfelt rituals, you’ll discover easy, low-stress ways to make family events fun, reduce tension, and create new traditions everyone will remember (and love). Gather your crowd, set the table with wonder, and turn your next get-together into a joyful celebration of togetherness.

The Whimsy Theory is a playful philosophy that invites hosts to embrace surprise, beauty, and joyful connection at the table. Rooted in intentional dining, it blends sensory details, meaningful rituals, and storytelling to transform ordinary gatherings into unforgettable experiences. From zodiac-inspired dinners to printable love notes for kids, this blog explores how a touch of whimsy can spark delight, deepen presence, and turn your next dinner party into a celebration of wonder.

When my mom requested fish tacos for her 75th birthday, I knew this gathering needed to be something special—vibrant, effortless, and full of heart, just like her. What followed was a sun-soaked backyard celebration with a summer-fresh menu that stole the show (and the second helpings). This blog post shares every flavourful detail of our Fish Taco Fiesta—from spicy pineapple margaritas to watermelon salad with Tajín—and why building a meal around someone’s favourite dish might be the most meaningful kind of love letter.

Get inspired by our Seaside Chic Tablescape from the Moonlight & Morsels Cancer Dinner Experience — part of our Cosmic Dinner Series! We take you behind-the-scenes of how we created an elegant lakeside dinner party infused with coastal tablescape ideas, DIY seashell trinket dishes, and thoughtful Cancer zodiac dinner party details. From natural colour palettes to driftwood centrepieces and handmade decor, this summer tablescape inspiration will help you elevate your next gathering, whether you're by the ocean, a lake, or your own backyard.

This dreamy garden salad is what summer gatherings are made of—fresh, vibrant greens tossed in a bubbly champagne vinaigrette, kissed with crushed pink peppercorns and citrus segments that sparkle like sunshine on water. It’s soft, romantic, and a little flirty—just like Cancer season. Whether you're lakeside or lighting candles at home, this salad brings moonlit magic to your table. Pair it with chilled Prosecco and tuck in edible petals for a crowd-pleaser that’s as nourishing as it is beautiful. It's the perfect opening act to your Moonlight & Morsels Cancer Dinner Experience.

Step into the sunshine and gather your crowd — because the Summer Solstice is more than a day, it's a feeling. “Welcome the Light” is your invitation to host a soul-filled celebration that honours the season, the light, and the people you love. In this blog post, we share the meaning behind the solstice, a savoury summer menu, dreamy rituals like flower ice and simmer pots, and all the golden-hour magic you need to host with presence and beauty. This isn’t just about dinner — it’s about lighting up your life from the inside out.

Creating a mood board isn’t just a fun activity; it’s a powerful tool to bring your gathering vision to life. It acts as a compass, helping you translate feelings into tangible details—decor, food, music, and atmosphere. By anchoring your choices to a clear vibe, mood boards keep your planning focused and intentional. Whether you're designing a cozy dinner or an ethereal celebration, a mood board helps you navigate through decisions and ensures that every detail—from the colour palette to the playlist—aligns with the experience you want to create. It’s not about impressing others; it’s about expressing your unique vision and bringing it to life.

It all started with a Taurus-themed botanical feast and a craving for a little extra magic on our plates. Enter: the edible flower garden. From nasturtiums with a peppery kick to violas that belong in ice cubes, edible blooms are more than just a pretty garnish—they’re flavor-packed, conversation-sparking, and joy-inducing little wonders. In this blog post, we walk you through why you need an edible flower garden (hint: it’s about connection, ritual, and crowd-pleasing charm), how to plant one with intention, and all the beautiful, delicious ways to bring your garden to your table. If you're dreaming of a table that blooms from the soil up, you're in the right place. Let’s set the table—petal by petal.

Hosting isn’t just about perfectly plated dinners and clinking glasses—it’s about creating a space where your guests feel seen, soothed, and oh-so-welcome from sunrise to starry night. In this heartwarming blog post, we explore the magic of overnight hosting through thoughtful gestures that turn guest rooms into cozy havens. Inspired by a nostalgic family memory and paired with a dreamy DIY welcome basket, this guide encourages you to elevate your next gathering beyond the table and into the tender, quiet in-between moments. Because when you gather your crowd with intention, every corner of your home becomes a place where memories are made.

In this blog post, We take you behind the scenes of a delightful and simple crafty gathering that turned out to be a crowd-pleasing success. Hosted for a friend’s birthday, the gathering combined sunshine, bracelet-making, and a potluck-style approach to creating an easy, low-pressure event. With everyone contributing a little something—whether it was beads, snacks, or drinks—the evening became a heartwarming, soul-lifting experience full of creativity, conversation, and memories that will last. This post is all about the beauty of simple, intentional gatherings and how you can create your own with just a few thoughtful touches.

Picture this: golden afternoon light spilling across your crowded table, the delicate scent of lavender weaving through the air, and a plate of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread waiting to be devoured. Our Honey Lavender Shortbread with Chamomile-Infused Cream recipe is the perfect Taurus-inspired treat — grounding, luxurious, and impossibly comforting. This easy-to-follow guide will help you gather your crowd and set the table for an experience that's as delicious as it is unforgettable. Bonus? It’s the star of our Taurus Gathering Guidebook, packed with all the dreamy inspiration you need to elevate your next gathering.

When you're feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or just “off,” hosting might feel like the last thing you want to do—but what if it’s actually the medicine you need? In this soulful blog post, we explore the gentle, healing power of gathering. From lighting a single candle to setting the table with intention, we show how even the smallest act of hospitality can crack open connection, creativity, and self-love. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. Whether you're welcoming a crowd or simply yourself, gathering becomes a radical act of healing.