Autumn is the perfect time to plan a special gathering at home to host your nearest and dearest. A dinner party might sound daunting, but with a few easy tricks — and a sprinkle of flair from some local Indianapolis-area boutiques, you’ll be ready to greet guests in no time. Read on for how to host your own fabulous, fall-themed soirée.
WELCOME GUESTS WITH A SEASONAL SIP
Whether you offer up chilled apple cider, champagne, or an alcohol-free cocktail from Orangily, consider treating your guests to a festive drink served in one of these lead-free crystal coupe glasses from Francis + Fern.
SET THE MOOD WITH A SCENTED CANDLE
Nothing makes a home feel cozier and more inviting than the warmth and intoxicating scent of a flickering candle. While pumpkin spice is definitely nice, why not branch out with a “Hello Fall” candle from Unplug Soy Candles, available in a variety of scents, or an Autumn Lodge candle from Penn & Beech? Bonus play: If you really want to go all out, gift a candle in the same scent to your guests as they depart to remember the evening.
CROWN YOUR TABLE WITH AN AUTUMNAL DISPLAY
Add a dash of seasonal charm and color to your dining table by arranging an easy-to-do vignette. Start by placing a fabric runner or long piece of fabric down the center of the table, then center a large serving dish or decorative tray on top. Scatter a few small pumpkins or gourds on the tray, or opt for one or two of these chunky yarn pumpkins from Decorate. Then, nestle some electric votive candles throughout for added glow, and finish it all off by filling a vase or glass pitcher with fresh-cut fall flowers and placing it in the center.
ADD WOW WITH A SIMPLE-YET-TASTY ENTREÉ
One of the best parts of a dinner party is obviously the food — but you don’t have to work all day in the kitchen to make a crowd-pleasing main course. Comfort foods are typically winners, and if you serve your dishes family-style, it can add camaraderie and a communal vibe to the evening. Looking for inspiration on what to cook? Pick up the Half Baked Harvest: Quick & Cozy cookbook at Silver in the City.
PRETTY UP YOUR PIE
Whether you make your own pumpkin-laced confection or purchase an apple crumble pie from Clarissa Morley’s Pots and Pans Pie Co., it’s easy to dress up your dessert in a few simple steps. Take some ready-made pie crust dough and roll it out flat, then cut out some leaf-shaped pieces with a cookie cutter. Place the dough leaves on a lightly greased baking sheet, brush each of them with a little beaten egg, and then bake at 375°F for about 8 minutes until they’re nice and golden. Last, arrange the leaves in the center of the pie for a tasteful and tasty look!
With a few thoughtful touches and some fabulous local finds, you’ll have everything you need to create a cozy fall dinner party that’s as warm, inviting, and as memorable as the season itself.
Stephanie Groves is an Indy Maven contributor who is always up for a last-minute shindig
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