There’s nothing like the autumn season. Colors shift from green to a vibrant and warm array of oranges, burgundies, yellows and browns, the air cools off and most of the resident insect population moves on or goes down for their winter’s nap. Along with these changes come culinary delights like pumpkin and spice flavored foods, harvests of apples lend to the menu and hints of caramel and cinnamon enhance many a recipe.
Celebrate this fabulous change of season with a party on your patio – with a focus on the fall harvest and all its bounty. Gather in the backyard, or around the fire pit, to enjoy the tastes, scents and colors that fall offers.
Building your Theme
The best part about a fall harvest party on your patio is that Mother Nature does all the heavy lifting as far as decorating goes. Since the whole purpose of the party is to celebrate the season, your guests will revel in the backdrop of changing leaves, blooming mums and scent of your fire pit. Enhance the scene with fall colored paper goods, maybe a scarecrow and hay bale or two, place some fresh cut fall flowers in clay vases and your scene is set.
Read on for fantastic recipes using apples, plums and pears, pumpkins, squash and the fall spices that make this season stand out for your pallet. We’ve included several casserole and crock pot recipes to make serving and portioning that much simpler for your fall patio party.
Apple Recipes
Like many of fall’s flavors, apples can be used in sweet and savory recipes, as the main ingredient or a tasty access flavor that brings the dish together.
Here are a few of our favorites:
Pork Chop Casserole with Apples and Cheese
Pumpkin Recipes
More than just would-be jack-o-lantern’s, pumpkins are gourds that offer a variety of cooking applications.
Rigatoni with Roasted Pumpkin and Goat Cheese
Butternut Squash
This delicious veggie has both savory and sweet options to add to your fall harvest menu.
Fall Cocktails
What’s a party without a cocktail or two? Here are some tasty, pitcher-ready recipes to keep you warm even after the sun goes down.
Fall Crafts
For any younger attendees, add a craft aspect to the event using the brightly colored leaves and acorns that litter your yard to make pretty centerpieces or wall hangings to take home.
So, keep the backyard party going this fall and enjoy the colors and tastes that autumn brings. Your fire pit will offer the cozy warmth as you and your guests sip, snack and celebrate this beautiful season while the leaves continue to fall around you.