Looking for beautiful fall entertaining ideas? This fall harvest dinner party is an easy but elegant way to celebrate the bounty of the season.
One of my favorite times of year to entertain is in the fall. It’s not as casual as the summer, but it’s also not as fancy and involved as the holiday season. It’s relaxed without being too laid back, and the bounty of the season makes for a perfect night of food and wine.
Today I’m sharing a fun take on a seasonal dinner and showing you how I throw a fall harvest dinner party! From a pretty table setting featuring pumpkins and fall florals, to cozy recipes that showcase the best of the season, and of course, the perfect wines to serve, you’ll find all the tips you need to create a wonderful fall night with family or friends!
For fall, I always think relaxed, cozy and inviting. That means using earth tones and rustic textures, like linen, stoneware, wicker and wood. Since the food and wine are the stars, you want to keep the decor simple and natural, reflecting the bounty of the season.
To create the centerpiece, I used both faux and real pumpkins and scattered them around the flowers. I also added some acorns for an added nod to the season. And I’m loving this new linen runner!
The centerpiece consists of white hydrangeas mixed with some fall florals and eucalyptus.
A nubby linen runner, wood chargers, a simple white dinner plate, and a green stoneware salad plate are layered to create texture at each place setting.
To emphasize the warmth of the season, I used my favorite gold flatware and a brass napkin ring. Except it’s not a napkin ring! It’s actually from the hardware department, is solid brass, and it’s much cheaper than napkin rings typically cost. (I got this idea from Martha Stewart so I can’t take any credit, but it’s brilliant!) 😉
For the meal, I’ve included a yummy charcuterie plate as one of the starters. Not only does everyone love it, but it can be set out before your guests arrive while you get other things done. And it’s a great way to let everyone serve themselves and graze for awhile before the meal.
A few tips for arranging the perfect cheese plate:
- Let the cheese sit at room temp for at least a half hour before serving. Cheese is at its full flavor at room temperature.
- Include a mix of both soft and hard cheeses, as well as different types such as goat, cow’s milk, and sheep’s milk.
- Add a selection of meats such as prosciutto or salami, as well as nuts and olives for a variety of flavors.
- Fresh and dried seasonal fruit such as grapes, figs, apples, or pears add sweetness and are a break from the rich cheese.
- The secret to a great cheese board is the garnishes! Opt for a variety of textures and colors to keep things visually interesting.
- Choose a large wood board so you have lots of room for all those yummy extras.
For the starter, this super easy (and super delicious) Winter Squash Soup is on the menu!
Another fall favorite recipe? This delicious Fall Harvest Salad with lots of nuts, cheeses, and fruits of the season.
Fall Harvest Dinner Menu
• Charcuterie Tray with a selection of cheeses, meats, nuts, olives and seasonal fruits
• Fall Harvest Salad
• Winter Squash Soup
• Pork Chops with Maple Apples
All 3 printable recipes are included at the end of the post.
To complete the menu, I’m serving a few of our favorite Chalk Hill wines!
Chalk Hill is a favorite of ours, and the three wines I chose here are delicious. These are a little more elevated than a typical weeknight wine so they make the fall harvest dinner feel extra special.
The first wine we’re serving is the fabulous Chalk Hill Estate Chardonnay.
It’s rich and creamy with notes of apple pie and stone fruit. With a long, rich finish, it tastes delicious with the soft cheeses we’re serving, as well as the Winter Squash Soup. It’s also amazing with Mac n’ Cheese as well as crab and other seafood.
Chalk Hill’s Estate Red, is just that – the best blend of the red wines made from the estate. It’s a blend of four different reds, rich and savory with notes of black cherry and chocolate. Smooth and drinkable, it pairs especially well with rich fall dishes like cassoulet and stews, as well as Prime Rib, lamb, and other steaks.
It would also be perfect for an elegant Christmas dinner or a great gift for the wine lovers in your life! (It comes packaged especially for the holidays with the Estate Chardonnay here).
The other red we’re serving is the Chalk Hill Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, which is probably my favorite! Approachable and elegant, with notes of black cherry and plum, it’s lighter bodied than the Estate Red and is delicious with the pork chops.
Tips for Serving Wines
• Chill the wines for at least a couple of hours but remember to take them out of the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before guests arrive. Even white wine is better served at around 60°F.
• At any gathering it’s a good idea to serve both a red and a white wine so everyone can find something they like.
•Include extra glasses nearby so guests can taste both wines if they want without having them mix in their glass.
• Serve wines from lightest to heaviest, usually that means starting with white, then moving to red with the lightest reds served before the heavier ones.
Brass candleholders at each end of the table add a bit of sparkle and ambiance to the night.
With a few bottles of delicious wine, simple dishes that are easy to prepare, and of course great friends, a fall harvest dinner party can feel seasonal and celebratory without being overly stressful or a ton of work!
Shop the Fall Harvest Dinner Party
*please note affiliate links are added for your convenience*
You can visit the Chalk Hill website to read all about their wines and see photos of the winery. And you can shop all of their wines here.
And I have a special offer for all of you, too! Chalk Hill is offering 20% off with my code Sheila20. Simply put in the code at checkout for 20% off all online orders.
Even better? Just in time for the holidays, Chalk Hill is offering a special “duo gift pack” that includes the Estate Chardonnay and the Estate Red, two of the delicious wines we featured here. The Chalk Hill Duo gift set comes in an elegant gift box and is perfect for holiday gift giving!
Happy Harvest!
Sheila
xo
These pork chops combine the yummy fall flavors of maple syrup and apples for an easy but delicious autumnal meal. *adapted from Better Homes & Gardens This Winter Squash Soup has the flavors of both butternut squash and pumpkin. It's easy to make and is perfect for a cozy fall dinner! 1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a heavy bottomed stockpot, add the onions, and cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, or until translucent. 2. Add the pumpkin puree, butternut squash, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, until the butternut squash is very tender. 3. Process the mixture using a blender, food processor or immersion blender. 4. Return mixture to the pot, add the half and half, and heat slowly. Test for seasonings. Serve hot with garnishes, if desired. *adapted from Barefoot Contessa This classic salad features fall flavors with a delicious balsamic dressing.Pork Chops with Maple Apples
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Winter Squash Soup
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Fall Harvest Salad
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*This post is sponsored by Chalk Hill, but all thoughts, opinions and love of wine are my own.*
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out more entertaining and hosting tips below!
How to Host an Easy Holiday Wine & Appetizer Party
How to Host a Summer Wine & Cheese Party
How to Host a Delicious Summer Grilling Night
Barbara at Mantel and Table says
You are always so inspiring Sheila! Your guests must feel so special at your table! I’m definitely going to try this whole menu – each dish complements the next so well, and your wine suggestions are spot on!
Thanks for another wonderful round of ideas, and Happy Fall!
Sheila says
Aww I love hearing that Barbara – thank you! And I think you’ll enjoy the recipes – they are so easy and delicious!
Happy fall to you too!
Sheila
xo