Vanessa Williams' pergola creates a 'cozy corner' in her Greek-inspired garden – experts say the structure makes outdoor gatherings possible over fall

When imagining a pergola, you'll likely picture a flower-covered structure in the summer sun – but in reality, this structure is (arguably) at its most valuable in the fall. Take Vanessa Williams' white-painted pergola (featuring ornate pillar details for ancient Greek-inspired aesthetic), for example.

As the singer explains, she uses the structure to train her climbing vines (which she also translates as a methaphor for life).

'This is my pergola, and it is a wonderful structure to train vines to climb up. So, you have to be patient because it takes a while for them to grow. Also, you have to secure them to the column to get them up to go perfectly with it to fill in. But that’s kind of what life is about,' she says. 'You have to take your time to figure stuff out, train whatever you’re going to do, and be good at, and wait your time so it’ll all grow together flawlessly.'

Using a pergola to train vines is not limited to autumn, but using it to extend your outdoor entertaining experince is. Garden experts explan that pegolas, like Williams, are at their most powerful in fall, when we can use it to zone our garden to create an area that feels cozier, and, consequrently, more suitable for entertaining.

'Fall still allows for plenty of outdoor opportunities, but if sitting out feels somewhat daunting, a pergola helps create a cozy corner that can be styled to feel like your own perfect space, cocooned away from it all,' comments Katie McKendrick, the brand stylist at Bramblecrest.

Autumn also brings opportunities to style our pergola in new, more seasonal ways. This can include quintessential fall decor, such as pumpkins and (of course) candles, that are best styled on an outdoor dining table (even if it's just a small table for an intimate gathering.

'When it comes to autumn gatherings, the table is the focal point. It draws people together and dictates the mood and setting. Adding candles, foliage, and napkins in earthy tones will instantly add some warmth and feel inviting,' McKendrick says. 'Finish by weaving strands of festoon lights through trees or hanging tealights from branches.' To get the look, we love these seasonal picks, designed to elevate a tablescape (whether we're decorating inside a pergola or not).

'Whether it's wrapping up and having the chance to enjoy an evening meal or celebrating a special occasion on a brisk autumnal night, or just time to reflect on the day, autumn outdoor living can be a treasured time not to be missed,' McKendrick says. A pergola is the perfect starting point.