Easy Fall Dinner Party Menu & Tablescape

This party plan is easy on the host, and includes a menu full of seasonal flavors and ingredients. Think comfort food, apples, pumpkins, etc. Plus there’s an inviting table setting for a casual evening with friends, that include candles, neutral dishes, and a simple vase of flowers.

How to Host a Fall Dinner Party at Home

It’s so fun to host themed dinner parties like a Moroccan party, or Mexican dinner party. But a fall dinner party can also be more informal and carefree.

Get ready to host a casual evening with friends with these ideas.

Fall Table Setting

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

Layer black chargers, tan dinner plates and small wooden dessert plates each place setting.

Add black wine glasses, and water glasses to compliment the design.

This set of black flatware is a favorite accent to use on the table.

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.

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.

Easy Make-Ahead Fall Menu 

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

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

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.

Main Course

Serve some veggies in the form of this beet & goat cheese salad or a lovely fall fig salad.

This kale and apple salad is also seasonal 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. Don’t be surprised if your guests ask for the recipe!

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

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

Pasta is notoriously filling so keeping the other items light is a smart idea. If you’d rather opt for a crudités platter than the cheese appetizers that would be fine too.

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 for a delicious seasonal treat.