Christopher Michel has been the Senior Food and Gardens Editor at Country Living Magazine since March of 2021. Chris has over ten years of experience writing and editing for national magazines and websites, mostly in the food space, such as Cooking Light, The Kitchn, Rodale’s Organic Life, and Bon Appetit. Prior to that, Chris worked in a variety of food spaces in New York City. In 2022, Chris completed the Alabama Master Gardener’s Program hosted by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
\nChris lives in Birmingham, AL, where he enjoys running, reading, and cooking for his wife and two girls.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/4ee90ba8-a422-457b-8971-34d2096febf7_1623953979.jpg"},"@context":"http://schema.org","about":{"@type":"ItemList","numberOfItems":36,"itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Pumpkin Spice White Russian","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-1","description":"First up at your autumn dinner party: a cocktail, of course! Greet guests with a drink that carries a touch of the season—and lets everyone relax while you put the finishing touches on dinner.Get the recipe for Pumpkin Spice White Russian.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-white-russians-1657749207.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Smokey Pumpkin Deviled Eggs","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-2","description":"These super cute deviled eggs make the perfect fall dinner party appetizer. A simple flick of the fork makes the pumpkin ridges, and cornichons make the stems. But it's the smoked paprika (our new favorite spice) that make them irresistible.Get the recipe for Smokey Pumpkin Deviled Eggs.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-deviled-eggs-1657748994.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Pumpkin & Pesto Crostini","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-3","description":"Pair Smokey Pumpkin Deviled Eggs with these sweet and easy crostini. Roasted pumpkin, dark rye bread, burrata cheese, and a homemade pesto make ideal bite-sized treats perfect for fall.Get the recipe for Pumpkin & Pesto Crostini.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-crostini-1657747465.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Try Hosting Outdoors","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-4","description":"Fall weather can be unpredictable, depending on where you live, but hosting an outdoor party in fall is unexpected—and your last chance before the chilly winter months. However, always have an indoor back-up plan in case of sudden bad weather.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-outdoor-table-1658155131.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":5,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Composed Waldorf Salad","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-5","description":"This refined version of the classic Waldorf salad has all kinds of great fall ingredients, from walnuts and apples to pomegranate pips. It looks beautiful, and guests can pick and choose which ingredients they want.Get the recipe for Composed Waldorf Salad.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-waldorf-salad-1658155312.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":6,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Grilled Apples with Prosciutto and Honey","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-6","description":"This easy appetizer makes the most of fresh fall fruit and delicious flavors. Tide your guests over with these grilled apples while waiting for the main course!Get the recipe for Grilled Apples with Prosciutto and Honey.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-grilled-apples-1658180345.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":7,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Pine Nut Gremolata","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-7","description":"Pasta is great for serving a crowd, but put the jar of red sauce down. A can of pumpkin, some pine nuts, and a few herbs are all you need to elevate this fall pasta dish to the ethereal.Get the recipe for Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Pine Nut Gremolata.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-pumpkin-pasta-1658156218.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":8,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Crispy Chicken Thighs With Garlic and Rosemary","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-8","description":"The best fall dinner party recipes are the ones that smell heavenly, enticing your guests into your home with their aroma. This crowd-pleasing chicken dish fills the bill perfectly—and it's irresistibly crispy to boot.Get the recipe for Crispy Chicken Thighs With Garlic and Rosemary.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-chicken-thighs-1658158252.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":9,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Maple-Apple Tarte Tatin","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-9","description":"Looking to impress your dinner guests and wow them with an especially autumn-themed dessert? This sweet dessert is a stunning step up from your standard pie.Get the recipe for Maple-Apple Tarte Tatin.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-tarte-tatin-1658158723.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":10,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Mini Apple & Raspberry Pies","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-10","description":"Treat guests to the perfect bite-size after-dinner treat with these gorgeous little single-serving pies.Get the recipe for Mini Apple & Raspberry Pies.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-mini-pies-1658159912.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":11,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Sausage and Apple Pies","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-11","description":"Pies don't have to just be for dessert! This savory apple pie is elegantly served in individual portions.Get the recipe for Sausage and Apple Pies.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-sausage-apple-pies-1658160430.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":12,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Autumn-Inspired Decor Touches","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-12","description":"Get your home ready for both your dinner party and the fall season in general. Start by sprucing up your front door decorations and then work your way inside. You don't have to go overboard—a few smart autumn additions can make a big impact. We love the look of these leafy branches in a vase, and the fire is a lovely touch as well.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-fireplace-1658160619.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":13,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Slow Cooker Spinach-and-Parmesan Meatballs","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-13","description":"Fall is for comfort food, and there's little more comforting than these easy, delicious meatballs.Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Spinach-and-Parmesan Meatballs.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-spinach-meatballs-1658160764.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":14,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Parsley-Garlic Bread","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-14","description":"A little fresh garlic, some butter, and about eight minutes in the oven, and you can turn a loaf of plain country bread into something incredible.Get the recipe for Parsley-Garlic Bread.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-garlic-bread-1658161690.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":15,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Broiled Broccolini and Capers","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-15","description":"When roasted under a broiler, tender broccolini yields a sweet, charred flavor that pairs perfectly with salty capers and a touch of crushed red pepper.Get the recipe for Parsley-Garlic Bread.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-broccolini-1658161840.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":16,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Pumpkin-Chorizo Pizza","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-16","description":"Hosting friends for a fall pizza night? Give the meal a big boost of autumn with this smokey, savory dish. Shaved pumpkin is melt-in-your-mouth good, and pairs well with onion, chorizo, and sharp Cheddar cheese.Get the recipe for Pumpkin-Chorizo Pizza.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-pumpkin-pizza-1658162031.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":17,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Use Cozy Blankets as Tablecloths","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-17","description":"Two tartan beauties turn this back porch table into a work of art. (The oversize wreath certainly doesn't hurt either.)","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-cozy-blankets-1658163053.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":18,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-18","description":"This fresh, easy-as-ever salad is bound to be a regular in your fall dinner menu rotation. Chopped apple, hazelnuts, and Pecorino cheese make it a winner. Pro tip: Serve it family-style for maximum simplicity.Get the recipe for Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-brussels-salad-1658163322.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":19,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Spiced Grit-Fried Chicken Cutlets","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-19","description":"What's better than an easy chicken dinner? We love this one, which pairs two Southern favorites (grits and fried chicken) for a taste that's simply out of this world.Get the recipe Spiced Grit-Fried Chicken Cutlets.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-chicken-cutlets-1658169215.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":20,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Rosemary Beef Tenderloin with Root Vegetables","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-20","description":"This delicious roast comes together surprisingly fast, making it a great option for your fall dinner party. It's packed with flavor and plenty of veggies.Get the recipe for Rosemary Beef Tenderloin with Root Vegetables.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-beef-tenderloin-1658244261.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":21,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Apple-Themed Centerpiece","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-21","description":"You don't have to go over-the-top to create a stunning scene. Rather than opt for a big, dramatic centerpiece, interior designer Jenny Komenda used an apple-themed ombre effect to create something much more visually stimulating.Hurricane lanterns are another great option for outdoor dinners. They add light for function, glow for ambiance, and their shape and size make them practical in windy settings.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-apple-candles-1658169852.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":22,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Strip Steak With Lemon Mashed Potatoes","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-22","description":"Meat and potatoes for the win! This classic, tried-and-true combo is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, but get this: You'll be able to whip the whole thing up in just 30 minutes.Get the recipe for Strip Steak With Lemon Mashed Potatoes.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-strip-steak-1658170236.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":23,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Roasted Hasselback Sweet Potatoes","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-23","description":"Comforting, homey, and simple, this sweet potato dish makes for an excellent side at any fall dinner party. It also works beautifully in your work lunchbox the next day...but that's assuming you have leftovers.Get the recipe for Roasted Hasselback Sweet Potatoes.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-hassleback-sweet-potatoes-1658176605.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":24,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Add a Bowl of Gourds","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-24","description":"There's nothing easier than filling a basket with some decorative gourds. Here, they turn a lovely, though unseasonal kitchen into a festive, seasonal retreat.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-gourds-1658177106.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":25,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Shrimp Chowder with Herb Drop Biscuits","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-25","description":"Have guests coming in an hour? Thirty minutes at the stove, and you'll wow them with plump shrimp and herb-flecked biscuits.Get the recipe for Shrimp Chowder with Herb Drop Biscuits.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-shrimp-chowder-1658177646.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":26,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-26","description":"For vegetarian guests and kids (or adults) who don't typically love vegetables alike, this cheesy, filling casserole-style side is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser.Get the recipe for Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-broccoli-cauliflower-gratin-1658177904.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":27,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Sausage & Grits Lasagna","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-27","description":"Comfort food is always welcome at any fall gathering, but this lasagna is an ideal dinner party addition for another reason. You don't have to worry about plating it beautifully, because your guests will be serving themselves straight from the pan.Get the recipe for Sausage & Grits Lasagna.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-grits-lasagna-1658178123.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":28,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Potato Gnocchi With Pork Ragù","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-28","description":"Aiming to impress? Then forget the classics and opt for this homemade gnocchi. Topped with a delectable meat sauce, it's a fantastic and memorable entrée...but it's certainly a little on the more advanced side.Get the recipe for Potato Gnocchi With Pork Ragù.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-pork-ragu-1658178403.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":29,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Rotisserie Chicken and Potato Chowder","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-29","description":"The best dinner party menus are the ones that yield leftovers. Like, a lot of leftovers. This creamy soup does just that, meaning you can enjoy it for lunch the next day at work too!Get the recipe for Rotisserie Chicken and Potato Chowder.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-chicken-chowder-1658178518.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":30,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Spice up Your Fall Flower Display","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-30","description":"Embrace the season and hunt down a few fall-colored vintage food tins the next time you go antiquing. For containers on the taller side, fill with bright, voluminous buds (like these Sanguisorba cones) to create an effortless centerpiece. As for smaller tins, keep the look casual with a looser arrangement.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-flower-boxes-1658178817.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":31,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"White Turkey and Poblano Chili","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-31","description":"This hearty recipe will satisfy a crowd. Served up in a big dutch oven with all the fixin's, like Roasted Tomatillo and Poblano Salad, chopped avocado, sour cream, and lime wedges, this hearty stew is equally at home for a family supper or as the centerpiece to a cool-weather party. Get the recipe for White Turkey and Poblano Chili.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-turkey-poblano-chili-1658247629.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":32,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Sweet-and-Spicy Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Asparagus","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-32","description":"If you're not used to serving a crowd, now may not be the right time to try setting 12 different timers and using every rack in your oven. Opt for this one-pan meal instead, which lets you cook both the main course and sides at the same time. A spicy sauce keeps things flavorful.Get the recipe for Sweet-and-Spicy Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Asparagus.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-sweet-spicy-chicken-1658179103.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":33,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Caramel Apple Favors","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-33","description":"If you plan on giving out a party favor, you can't go wrong with something season, customizable, and made with love. Our go-to gift for autumn? Caramel apples.Get the recipe for Caramel Apple Favors.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-caramel-apples-1658179302.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":34,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Peanut Butter Acorns","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-34","description":"It's great to have some smaller bite-sized sweets as an option at a dinner party just in case your guests don't want anything heavy after their meal. These darling acorn-shaped treats will hit the spot and are super easy to make.Get the recipe for Peanut Butter Acorns.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-peanut-butter-acrons-1658179490.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":35,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Apple Spice Cake","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-35","description":"Going on an apple picking trip this fall? This cake is a must and one your party guests will absolutely love.Get the recipe for Apple Spice Cake. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/countryliving/assets/17/28/apple-spice-cake.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":36,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Muted Color Scheme","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g1219/fall-dinner-party/#slide-36","description":"Developing a theme is a fun part of event planning. Use it as your guide for all decisions from invitations to party favors. A theme can be as simple as selecting a color palette that is used in all the details.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-dinner-party-ideas-muted-colors-1658180163.jpeg"}}]}}
Planning a festive autumnal dinner party? We're here to squash your planning woes with a plenty of fall recipes, fall decorating ideas, and delicious autumn treats to help you get started. Whether you’re craving the classic combo of meat and potatoes (we’re talking strip steak with lemony mashed spuds) or something a little more interesting (an impressive from-scratch pasta), there's something for everyone on our list!
1
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Ren Fuller
First up at your autumn dinner party: a cocktail, of course! Greet guests with a drink that carries a touch of the season—and lets everyone relax while you put the finishing touches on dinner.
These super cute deviled eggs make the perfect fall dinner party appetizer. A simple flick of the fork makes the pumpkin ridges, and cornichons make the stems. But it's the smoked paprika (our new favorite spice) that make them irresistible.
Pair Smokey Pumpkin Deviled Eggs with these sweet and easy crostini. Roasted pumpkin, dark rye bread, burrata cheese, and a homemade pesto make ideal bite-sized treats perfect for fall.
Fall weather can be unpredictable, depending on where you live, but hosting an outdoor party in fall is unexpected—and your last chance before the chilly winter months. However, always have an indoor back-up plan in case of sudden bad weather.
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5
Composed Waldorf Salad
Dana Gallagher
This refined version of the classic Waldorf salad has all kinds of great fall ingredients, from walnuts and apples to pomegranate pips. It looks beautiful, and guests can pick and choose which ingredients they want.
This easy appetizer makes the most of fresh fall fruit and delicious flavors. Tide your guests over with these grilled apples while waiting for the main course!
Pasta is great for serving a crowd, but put the jar of red sauce down. A can of pumpkin, some pine nuts, and a few herbs are all you need to elevate this fall pasta dish to the ethereal.
The best fall dinner party recipes are the ones that smell heavenly, enticing your guests into your home with their aroma. This crowd-pleasing chicken dish fills the bill perfectly—and it's irresistibly crispy to boot.
Looking to impress your dinner guests and wow them with an especially autumn-themed dessert? This sweet dessert is a stunning step up from your standard pie.
Get your home ready for both your dinner party and the fall season in general. Start by sprucing up your front door decorations and then work your way inside. You don't have to go overboard—a few smart autumn additions can make a big impact. We love the look of these leafy branches in a vase, and the fire is a lovely touch as well.
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13
Slow Cooker Spinach-and-Parmesan Meatballs
Ren Fuller
Fall is for comfort food, and there's little more comforting than these easy, delicious meatballs.
When roasted under a broiler, tender broccolini yields a sweet, charred flavor that pairs perfectly with salty capers and a touch of crushed red pepper.
Hosting friends for a fall pizza night? Give the meal a big boost of autumn with this smokey, savory dish. Shaved pumpkin is melt-in-your-mouth good, and pairs well with onion, chorizo, and sharp Cheddar cheese.
Two tartan beauties turn this back porch table into a work of art. (The oversize wreath certainly doesn't hurt either.)
18
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Brian Woodcock
This fresh, easy-as-ever salad is bound to be a regular in your fall dinner menu rotation. Chopped apple, hazelnuts, and Pecorino cheese make it a winner. Pro tip: Serve it family-style for maximum simplicity.
What's better than an easy chicken dinner? We love this one, which pairs two Southern favorites (grits and fried chicken) for a taste that's simply out of this world.
This delicious roast comes together surprisingly fast, making it a great option for your fall dinner party. It's packed with flavor and plenty of veggies.
