There’s no better time to bring the brilliant colors and flavors of fall into your home and onto the table. Fall entertaining can be made easy by taking advantage of all the aspects of autumn that are right outside your front door.

 

Set the mood by incorporating seasonal colors and textures into your décor. Warm, bold colors like red, gold, orange and brown paired with interesting textures like burlap or velvet can help make any table spread or centerpiece stand out. Cut a long piece of burlap to serve as a runner on your dining table and top it off with a collection of pumpkins, gourds and colored leaves. Complement your fall décor with seasonally scented candles. The Yankee Candle Company offers fall favorites such as Apple Cider, Cranberry Chutney, Spiced Orange and even Maple Pancakes. Find other scents at www.yankeecandle.com.

 

Enjoy all the delicious fresh produce available this time of year. Winter squashes like buttercup, butternut and acorn add a nutty, rich flavor to any meal while orchard-fresh apples and pears bring a touch of sweet to a savory dish or add to a fall dessert. Martha Stewart offers a fall recipe for every meal and preference. Indulge your family and friends with Apple-Butternut Squash Soup or Apple Onion Tarts; for the main entrée, try Barbequed Pork and Apple Kabobs or Rigatoni with Roasted Pumpkin and Goat Cheese. Complete the night with Cranberry-Pear Crisp, a perfect blend of tart and sweet that will have your guests savoring every morsel. Find other fall recipes from Martha Stewart at www.marthastewart.com.

 

Help your guests get in the autumn spirit by offering a variety of festive fall drinks. Better Homes and Gardens has recipes for a number of both cold and warm beverages. Refreshing Autumn Punch tingles the taste buds with a delightful combination of apple-cranberry juice and white wine garnished with fresh plums. Another favorite is Cranberry Apple Crush, a blend of cranberry juice and warm apple cider that will warm your guests from the inside out. Find these recipes and more at www.bhg.com.

 

Autumn entertaining is simple when there is so much inspiration. Whether you’re looking for a casual, relaxed evening with friends or an elegant, formal dinner, the bounty of fall is right at your fingertips.