Before winter has us Netflix and chilling (or furiously entertaining for the holidays), fit in one last dinner party to celebrate fall’s bounty. We’ve got all the inspiration you need to plan the feast of your dreams — all you have to do is rally your favorite crew.
The Invites
The best dinner parties begin with a great invite — it sets the tone and gets guests excited well before the night of the big event. Our Wine O’ Clock Invites offer the perfect promise of a cozy night of eating, drinking and being merry.
The Food
Now that crispy greens have been replaced by root veggies and squash, there’s a whole new seasonal palette to explore. For dinner parties, we recommend serving warm, hearty dishes family-style, so that the bounty can be passed around and shared without fuss. May we suggest this incredible sweet potato and merguez sausage situation, paired with easy roasted brussels? Finish with a seasonal pie or galette.
The Drinks
We love starting the evening off right with a house cocktail, either pre-mixed or arranged at a bar or counter for guests to make themselves. (Having to mix multiple cocktails during the party takes the fun out of mingling for the host.) A martini or a classic negroni are perfect for fall, or take it to the next level with something out of the box, like this fennel and fig infused cocktail. Serve wine with dinner — we love a gamay or tempranillo this time of year.
The Table
Now for the fun part: creating the ultimate fall tablescape. We love busting out a gorgeous cloth tablecloth and decorating with organic accents that celebrate the abundance and color of the season — think fall foliage, tiny pumpkins, and natural beeswax candles. Don’t have time to forage for decor? Team up with your favorite local florist to create arrangements with fall favorites like dahlias, marigolds, or celiosa. We always like to add an element of fun to our tablescape, which helps set the mood and start conversations as guests take their seats. Our Tasty Place Cards work perfectly with a fall theme, or opt for our adorable Bottoms Up Place Cards to encourage guests to imbibe liberally.