Can we still call the last week of November “late autumn”? I hope so, because I have one more table to slide in. Here in Canada, the air is still quite balmy, albeit damp. Walking with the dogs has been delightful — crunchy leaves underfoot, blue skies above filled with golden sunlight. Stateside, where this table was shot just before we headed for home, Thanksgiving has arrived at a gallop. But before the rush of Christmas festivities descends, let’s enjoy a moment of calm — a small gathering inspired by orchard fruit, woodland creatures, and the colours of the turning season.

Welcome to the Woodland Patridge and Pear Tea.

The menu and the table were inspired by a recent find: a Fitz & Floyd Woodland Partridge & Pear tea set from 1992, from eBay (where else?). Fitz & Floyd has always excelled at sculptural whimsy, and this set is no exception — plump pears, glossy leaves, bright berries. ,

The beautifully modelled partridge perched proudly atop the teapot lid. It felt like the perfect inspiration for a rustic autumn tea outdoors.

To anchor the setting, I used Bordallo Pinheiro Woods dinner plates, topped with Home Accent’s Capri Buttercup salad plates whose scalloped edges pick up the warmth of the teapot’s pears.

The deep ridges and layered textures feel right at home on a woodland-inspired table, especially when set atop natural wood slices that function beautifully as chargers.

The tablecloth is a simple neutral plaid — nothing too bold — chosen to echo orchard baskets and the muted tones of late-season leaves.

Amber glassware, with its warm golden hue, captures sunlight in a way that makes the whole scene glow. A trio of turned wooden candlesticks adds height and a touch of rustic charm, though in daylight they serve more as sculptural elements than sources of illumination.

The Partridge and Pear set takes centre stage, surrounded by stacks of Pistachio Shortbread, pale and delicately flecked with green. These make a pretty introduction to the menu and pair beautifully with the herbal tea we served later — pears and cinnamon, naturally.

Our menu for the Woodland Partridge and Pear Tea combined orchard flavours, warm spices, and just enough richness to feel indulgent — but not heavy.

Poached Pears Gorgonzola & Candied Pecan Salad. Tender poached pears and candied nuts crown peppery arugula, finished with tangy gorgonzola. The contrast of sweet, salty, and peppery is sublime.

Date & Walnut Bread. A family favourite and perfect with butter or cream cheese.

Currant Scones with Lemon Curd and Clotted Cream. Tender, fragrant, and reliably delicious.

Mini Pear Tarte Tatins. Buttery caramel and soft pears in individual portions.

Pistachio Shortbread. Crisp, nutty, and a delightful pairing with fruit teas.

Pears & Cinnamon Herbal Tea by Plum Deluxe. It made for a thoroughly pear-forward menu, which suited the theme beautifully. It’s made with Rooibos Tea, Apple Pieces, Cinnamon Chips, Alfalfa Leaf, Calendula, and Pear Essence.

One thing I love about outdoor autumn tables is the interplay between natural textures and gentle colour. The shadows are soft, the palette muted but rich. Here, the bright pears and glossy leaves on the ceramic pieces provide just enough colour to keep things lively without overwhelming the table.

This Woodland Partridge and Pear Tea may be one of my favourite small gatherings this year — a gentle pause between autumn’s bustle and the joyful chaos of December. A little sweetness, a little savoury, a touch of whimsy, and the pleasure of good company.

Enjoy!