Celebrate Loved Ones with a Fall Harvest Dinner
During the warm months of the year, I like to go for walks with my loved ones—along the seawall, in forested parks, and on hiking trails—but when it starts to get colder out, I like to have them close-by as we enjoy a meal together. Rather than go out to a crowded restaurant, I prefer to put something together in my home and relax while I enjoy the company of my friends and family.
To me, fall is all about relaxing, enjoying the abundance of nature, and celebrating with gratitude for the loved ones I have in my life. A Fall Harvest Dinner brings together so many of my favourite things about the season and I can’t think of a better way to enjoy an evening with my family and friends. I put together ideas for creating your own Fall Harvest Dinner, below:
Rather than just text messaging my loved ones to invite them to my Fall Harvest Dinner, I am going to send them colourful, beautiful, personalized invitations. I chose an invitation from Evite that brings together the colours, vegetables, and overall cozy/warm feeling that the season is all about.
Welcome guests to your home with a fall wreath on your front door, and the smell of cinnamon and apples when they enter. A simple centrepiece can be made with very few components and definitely on the cheap. I like to use fruits and vegetables in my centrepieces. Try pumpkins of various sizes, apples, or a combination of both. Pine cones and twigs add a cozy, natural touch to the table and go well with pumpkins and apples.
Food, glorious food
Keep it seasonal, and prepare as much of the courses as you can in advance. Salad, for instance, is a delicious, fresh course and always a big hit—serve slices of apples and pears with a light balsamic dressing or a dressing made of berry jam and apple cider vinegar. You can put together all the components ahead of time and just plate-up when it’s time to serve.
For a main, I enjoy a healthy, hearty bowl of soup or stew. Don’t forget buns or biscuits and some homemade garlic spread, too. I prefer to keep my dinner party meals more on the light side—finished off with a delicious pie or a tart filled with seasonal fruits and homemade vanilla ice cream.
Warm apple cider is a cozy drink that can be served before or after the meal.
Want to gather your loved ones around for your own Fall Harvest Dinner? Start by creating a list of who you’d like to invite. Then, send out a paper or e-card to invite them over! If you’re planning on asking others to bring a dish or two, be sure to ask them a few weeks prior to the dinner. A fall harvest dinner is a great way to relax, celebrate the changing of the seasons, and enjoy a bountiful harvest with your loved ones.
