Fun Fall Entertaining Ideas

As the leaves are changing and we are packing up our flip flops and replacing them with our fleeces, I thought it would be the perfect time to chat about fall in home entertaining.  Cocktail or dinner parties are such a lovely option this time of year. Here are some simple yet chic things you can do to create the proper vibe the you’re going for in welcoming in autumn to your next event.

In home décor: stay away from the simple pumpkins, more of an interesting table setting route would be to incorporate fun fall colored candles. I will warn stay away from the scented candles at the dinner table as it could distract the guest’s palate. Rich reds, oranges, purples are all colors that are appropriate to use. You can also grab a large vase and use what nature has offered you. By this I simply mean go outside and grab some pine cones, and some lovely colored leaves and create your own design in the vase.

The Perfect Cocktail: with chillier weather means time for toddies!  Bourbon is a huge component this time of year. Welcome your guests to the party with this signature cocktail:

Warm Apple Bourbon Cider:

 1 gallon(s) (16 cups) fresh apple cider

5 teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon

2 1/2 teaspoon(s) ground nutmeg

 2 1/2 teaspoon(s) ground ginger

 3 cup(s) bourbon   we used Pappy Van Winkle bourbon

 Add  cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger into a pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling turn stove off and add your bourbon. Pour into a festive colored handled cup and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Fun Fall Hors d’oeurve:

Warm Crab Dip Cups

One 4-ounce package cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

1/2 teaspoon Lawrys seasoning salt

½ teaspoon garlic salt

½ teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning

8 ounces fresh or canned lump crab meat, drained

1 oz phyllo cups pre-baked

Place all but crab in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Fold the crab in last. Place in casserole dish and bake for approximately 40 minutes on 350. Take out and let cool for about 25 minutes then take a spoon and gently place a small scoop of crab dip into each warm phyllo cup. Garnish with a small piece of green onion.

Enjoy this most amazing season. For all things entertaining style take a moment and view our website at www.lawsonroberts.com. Follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/lawsonroberts or like my Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/lawsonrobertsllc