Cozy Fall Dinner Party Ideas

When it comes to seasonal hosting there’s typically a distinct difference between early fall where you can host an outdoor fall dinner party, and later in the season when you want to make things cozy indoors. This get-together is all about the latter.

Having themed dinner parties is so much fun whether it’s based on a unique idea, a holiday, or a season. It helps guide you on everything from decor to the meal plan.

Follow these ideas for a supper club, a girls night dinner, or a casual Sunday gathering.

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Fall Table Setting

The inspiration for this table came from the cute tablecloth. I loved the color pairing of black and tan together, and the dalmatian pattern adds a nice detail.

It’s inviting with candles, neutral color scheme, and a simple vase of flowers. Plus, wood accents gives it warmth and charm.

As always, I start by layering the place settings. Use black chargers as the base, then add tan dinner plates, and small wooden salad or dessert plates.

These black wine glasses, and smokey gray water glasses compliment the design. And this set of black flatware is a favorite accent to use on the table. Use these black pieces for your Halloween dinner party too!

Place Cards

Creating place cards is simple. I don’t always use them but sometimes I just like the added decoration it brings to a place setting. These are basic card stock with a flower stem attached with decorative washi tape. Use hardy stems like carnations that can hold up without water for a longer time.

Add wood elements with napkin rings, and round serving board at the center of the table. Serving boards aren’t just for cheese and charcuterie!

Centerpiece Idea

Speaking of the center of the table, I created a very informal fall centerpiece with candlesticks, votive candles, and flowers. In this arrangement even the bottle of wine becomes part of the décor!

The large wood serving board creates a focal point, similar to how a tray would. And the centerpiece is so eclectic that it makes great fall dinner table décor even when the table isn’t set for guests.

PARTY TIP: Find a new use for wooden serving boards. Make them part of your centerpiece and top them with candles, flowers, and wine.

Easy Make-Ahead Fall Menu 

Prepare these recipes ahead of time so you’re not stuck in the kitchen when guests arrive. These are tried and true dishes you can feel confident serving.

And you can check out even more dinner party menu ideas for hosting a party at home.

PARTY TIP: Make or print a single menu card so guests know what will be served. You can showcase it in a frame or casually place it on the table.

Signature Drink

Wine is always a good idea to serve with dinner, but you can serve up a signature party drink to sip on with appetizers before the meal. Fall cocktails can add seasonal flavor, or you can keep it classic.

Prepare a small tray with ingredients to make the drink, and let guests help themselves. Don’t make the recipe too complicated though.

This simple drink is made from 1 ½ ounces of gin + 3 ounces of Elderflower lemonade. It’s simple, refreshing, and festive.

Appetizers

Start with some light finger foods for your guests to nibble on when they arrive. Some easy cheese hors d’oeuvres will do the trick, or you can include these light apple appetizers.

You can put out some crunchy snacks too, like savory pecans or savory Chex mix. If you don’t want to make something just fill a small bowl with gourmet potato chips.

Main Course

Serve freshness in the form of a salad. Incorporate seasonal veggies or fruit with this beet & goat cheese salad or a lovely fall fig salad. This kale and apple salad is also delicious and perfect for fall.

Since fall is all about comfort food it’s a good time to make a batch of spaghetti with slow cooker spaghetti sauce. Start it in the morning so it’s ready for dinner, or make it a day ahead so all you have to do is reheat it. Don’t be surprised if your guests ask for the recipe!

As an alternative that would also satisfy vegetarians, prepare this crowd pleasing fettuccini with homemade alfredo sauce.

Add some crusty bread with dipping oil and butter for a meal that satisfies.

Dessert

For dessert serve a rustic apple galette with caramel drizzle topped with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Or you can offer the easiest pumpkin ice cream with gingersnaps for a delicious seasonal treat.

Are you in the mood to host a fall dinner party that’s easy to prepare, and lots of fun? Time to send those invitations!