Impress your guests with a fall feast

October 02, 2009

Apple-picking season is here, and what better way to celebrate than by adding a few autumnal touches to your next fete? If you plan on throwing a fancy dinner party, skip the e-vites and impress your guests with a beautiful fall-themed invitation. Choose an orange or gold card and place a pressed leaf into each envelop before slipping them in the mail.

When setting the table for your guests, arrange a few fragrant dried flowers in a vase or create your own cornucopia as a center piece. Scatter tiny pumpkins, gourds and fake leaves between the serving dishes, and choose warm rustic colors like orange, red and gold for your table linen. You could even put up a few autumn-hued streamers if you're feeling especially festive.

When the air gets a little chilly, everyone will appreciate warm, hearty meals like stews and casseroles. It's also the perfect chance to serve-up some seasonal dishes like roasted root vegetables. Make sure to check out foodnetwork.com to get plenty of ideas for your menu. Finish off your feast with a warm apple pie, and let your guests quench their thirst with a glass of sweet apple cider.