Perfectly autumnal party food
Autumn is a beautiful season. Yes, the weather is getting colder, but the crisp days and golden colour palettes make it all worthwhile. As we’re in the season of harvest, it’s also a brilliant time for food, which makes for exciting – and delicious – party menus.
If you’re planning a party during the autumn season, and are yet to decide on your meal options, we’ve pulled some together to help you out.
The daytime do
For a daytime party such as a family celebration you really can’t go wrong with an afternoon tea. And while this might seem like a very summery suggestion, an autumnal afternoon tea is just as – if not more – delightful and versatile.
For food, think warm sandwiches with fillings such as pork and spiced apple, bacon and butternut squash, or even begin to get festive with turkey and cranberry. You could also include mini quiches with autumnal vegetables such as pumpkin, or sausage rolls with apple compote. As well as traditional cakes, seasonal favourites such as toffee apples and gingerbread could be included. And instead of strawberry jam with your scones, offer blackberry instead.
And as for drinks, as well as the favourites such as tea and fizz, perhaps consider mulled cider.
The buffet
If a buffet is more your style, autumn provides a variety of options. Big one-pot dishes that can easily be self-served are fantastic with warming casseroles, stews and curries being top of the list. Make sure a selection of sides such as crusty bread, mashed potato, red cabbage and beetroot is on offer as well.
Similar foods to the afternoon tea are also great for a buffet, with seasonal warm sandwiches, sausage rolls and pies always going down a treat. And it wouldn’t be autumn without a selection of seasonal veg on offer so look at salads with a variety of grains, or even tray bakes of vegetables.
The sit-down dinner
Of course, a sit-down dinner is somewhat different to the other two options. Here you want three or four course ideas that would work at a wedding or other formal function.
A wonderful autumn favourite as a starter is pumpkin soup, with its deliciously sweet flavours. Although spiced parsnip can also be a popular choice. For the main, a meat and veg roast dinner can be appropriate, although it can be worth looking further afield and considering dishes such as a roast aubergine bake, a fish pie, or even a hearty stew. Dessert, meanwhile, can be delicious, sweet and warming with options such as plum cake, apple pie or perhaps pear crumble.
Make sure you pair your wine with the meal options for a wonderful autumn dinner.
Whatever your menu idea, make sure you perfectly co-ordinate your table linen hire to complement the season and the food. At Simply Linens, we provide event linen hire for London, Essex and across the UK. We offer a choice of ranges, each with their own various colour options so you can pick the perfect scheme. Contact our friendly team to discuss your event.
