You want to throw a great party, but you’re not sure what food to serve. The best way to keep your guests happy is by serving delicious food. But it can be hard to find the perfect menu that will please everyone’s taste buds.
Not to worry! We have created this easy-to-follow guide full of 20 delicious fall party food dinner ideas for you and your guests! We’ve got everything from appetizers and drinks, main courses, side dishes and desserts so there’s something for everyone at your next dinner party! Throw an amazing dinner party with these top 10 Fall Party Food Dinner Ideas that Guests Will Love.
EASY PARTY FOOD FOR A CROWD
The best way to keep your guests happy is by serving delicious food. But it can be hard to find the perfect menu that will please everyone’s taste buds. You need to offer variety but also take factors like special diets, allergies, etc into account. You need something for the meat lovers and vegetarians alike. The cocktail lovers and the beer drinkers – and don’t forget the winos!
You can’t go wrong with a classic fall party food, yum, comfort food! Many people simply serve the same old favorites, but if you’re looking for something new, we review fall party foods that will have your guests raving about how delicious they were! Be different and be remembered. Great parties stand out for that wow factor, Right?!?
MAKE AHEAD FALL DINNER PARTY MENU
When planning a party, the problem is often that you have no idea what to cook and how to have everything ready on time while still enjoying the party. These recipes are easy enough to throw together last minute or ahead of time so that you can enjoy your guests without worrying about cooking up a storm. We’ve rounded up 20 delicious and easy-to-make dishes that will be sure to impress any guest at your table! See our list here…
Top 20 Fall Party Food Dinner Ideas
- Guacamole – An easy starter. Make it more Fall seasonal by adding candied walnuts, pomegranate seeds, cilantro or feta cheese. Soon avocados will be hard to find in winter – eat them all now before they are impossible to find!
- Hearty Casseroles – If there was ever a favorite American comfort food – casserole dishes rank high on the list. So much variety and flexibility – plus, make them ahead of time for ease! Meat lovers, vegetarian, vegan options are all available.
- Butternut Squash Risotto – created in a large pot or Dutch oven can be a wonderful presentation on the table as well. Add wine, cranberry, leeks, mushrooms – so many great fall seasonal additions to be made
- Mushroom Fritters – Watch out, these go quick! Don’t forget the different sauces to include as choices, from soy based to mayonnaise based to spicy. They really add to the umami earthy flavors of the mushrooms themselves. Easy to make ahead of time and fry or bake them last minute too.
- Arugula & Fennel Salad – Apples, Pears, Lemon Vinaigrette, Candied Walnuts, Dried Cherries, Goat Cheese, Pumpkin Seeds, Pickled Veggies, etc. So many options to complement with the strong peppery flavors of this lettuce variety. Offering a standard salad and perhaps have ingredients to add on the side that are optional.
- Vegetarian or Beef Chili – Hearty is a word you hear often with chili and a hearty meal is PERFECT for Fall season. People don’t eat chili or soups as often during the hot months so it can be a popular dish at the party that everyone has missed enjoying. It’s also easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
- Margarita Bar – From Spicy to Sweet to Savory – so much can be done and enjoyed. Letting guests choose their own flavors just makes it more fun! The ‘make your own’ style also works great for Bloody Mary’s
- Baked Brie & Cranberry Sauce – A party without cheese, isn’t really a party if you ask me. Warm cheese is also a very popular dish just for the aromas and textures, not to mention the various designs to make it look pretty as a picture on the food table.
- Pumpkin Ravioli – If we are talking about a party in Fall – pumpkin needs to be on the menu – why not try something different than everyone else. Have a nice pumpkin ravioli with a brown butter sauce and sage and thyme, also all fall flavors.
- Slow Cooked Pot Roast with Vegetables – Yum. Can you just smell it? Warms the whole house up with the delicious aromas. Throw in some good stout beer too for additional flavor. And perhaps a gravy bar next to it as well for pizazz. Yes, I like offering choices – hence the “bar” theme in this list. Don’t forget the herbs!
- Spinach Artichoke Dip with Sourdough Bread Bowl – who doesn’t love a good dip? Especially when it comes paired with a nice sourdough? You can also add extras to the standard recipes like a warm and baked version – add a little paprika or other spices – maybe some bacon to throw in a savory component
- Mimosa Bar – Yes, please. Orange juice, pear nectar, pomegranate, blackberry – so many options and makes for a wonderful display if set up right. Giving guests choices is the theme for this best of list.
- Rustic Italian Tortellini Soup – Simple, wholesome, delicious ingredients just scream Fall. So does soup. Italian grandmothers also scream comfort food – perfect pairing.
- Pork Chops with Fig and Grape Agrodolce – Balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard and rosemary. All seasonal complements and figs and grape harvest is right in line with this being a winning dish. Using fresh, seasonal ingredients really keeps guests delighted at the offerings.
- Flatbreads Selection – Apple & prosciutto, kale & mushrooms, squash and nuts, pesto and feta. Bread is always a winner especially with delicious ingredients on top!
- Salmon – Lemon, capers, rosemary – so many great flavors, not to mention aromas to add. Doesn’t take long to bake and can be prepared ahead of time. If you are going to present fish, also make sure to bake it in a separate area or offer salmon cakes or something that won’t ‘smell up the place’
- Coffee & Tea Bar – Pumpkin Spice, Vanilla Bean & Mocha, oh my! – Give guests a post party boost with a little caffeine. Take home cups available is also a great idea and helps them to relive the party a little longer. You can also decorate it with all the crafty, cute fall festive items.
- Deviled Eggs – Pickled mustard seeds or shallots, paprika, horseradish, apple cider vinegar, all these things. Smoked salmon, fresh dill, capers, citrus, don’t forget to garnish! Also an easy to grab one bite option which many guests love to get back to their conversation quickly without having to carry around a plate or utensils.
- Cranberry Cobbler with Vanilla Bean Gelato – cranberry can be paired with apples for more tart flavors or paired with a brown sugar crumble on top for more sweetness. And everybody love ice cream. Pairing the hot cobbler with the cold ice cream is a real tactile treat as well. I like to offer apple cider at same time too!
- S’mores – over an open fire if you can pull that off! – I call mine a S’mores Station because it is cute. These sweet treats remind guests of childhood and that will bring a smile to their face. Always keep safety in mind too if you have guests of differing ages. And have some unique additions to the trifecta. My guests love bacon added. Yum.
- Lemon Bars – easy to grab and go, you can use lemon or lime or some of each of course. Perhaps adding food coloring and of course garnish with twist of lemon peel, powdered sugar, mint sprigs or basil makes presentation value so much higher.
Overall, the best food presentation ideas are actually quite simple. Simply delish that is. Wishing everyone a Happy Fall season full of parties, laughs and lots of comradery! CHEERS
