Here’s a “help yourself” menu that’s full of fall flavors.
Camille Styles shares ideas for an outdoor buffet with yummy finger foods and autumn-inspired drinks that’ll be a hit at your backyard game night.
- It’s a simple formula that’s all you need for a fall get-together that will give everyone major warm fuzzies for the season.
A simple grazing menu allows guests to help themselves.
Stick to bite-sized foods and easy sides that you can make in advance (and will last outdoors for a few hours) so you can enjoy yourself without running to the kitchen all night.
- When I’m designing a tablescape for a special gathering, I always turn to Mother Nature for inspiration. The location where I’m hosting often informs the palette, patterns and composition of the design, menu and even the cocktail. I combined natural linens with earthenware and ceramic plates, vintage vessels filled with clippings from the gardenand materials that mimicked the outdoor surroundings.
- This gathering has nothing to do with “impressing my guests”— it’s a party that keeps the focus on kicking back and having fun.
Mix Up an Autumn Sangria
- Many hosts share this party secret: prepare a big pitcher of sangria before guests arrive, then set it out, and let everyone help themselves. The flavors get better as they sit.
Camille’s Autumn Sangria
Mix everything except prosecco and store in the fridge for at least 6 hours (or overnight). To serve, add the prosecco and garnish eachglasswith rosemary. You’ll need:
- 2 medium apples, thinly sliced
- 1 medium pear, thinly sliced
- 1 medium orange, thinly sliced
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1/2 cup Triple Sec or Grand Marnier
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1 (750 ml) bottle prosecco
- Rosemary, for garnish
- I love any menu item that frees me up to have fun right along with my guests.
- For a nonalcoholic option that still feels festive, offer warm mugs of apple cider garnished with a cinnamon stick or sprig of rosemary.
Easy Snacks and Treats for the Win
Food served outdoors needs to be simple to eat and taste good at room temperature.
I wanted to make it feel seasonal and celebratory, so I tapped into Good & Gather’s impressive selection to create an elevated (and affordable) spread with a range of delectable cheeses, dips, and in-season ingredients.
Create an Elevated Fall Cheese Board
When it comes to styling your cheese platter, don’t be intimidated. Mix different types of cheeses and present them in varying shapes and sizes. A few ideas:
- Creamy cheeses: brie or chevre
- Hard, sharper cheeses: cheddar, parmesan or gruyere
- Stinky soft cheeses: gotta have a blue
It’s also fun to incorporate at least a couple of different kinds of milk (cow, goat, sheep or nut milk) to keep things interesting and make you look like a pro.
- The real secret to styling a knockout cheese board is the garnishes. Opt for a variety of textures and colors to keep things visually interesting.
- Everyone’s craving fall flavors, so invite guests to bring a pie to share.
- Looking for ways to cozy up your backyard? Camille has ideas for your gathering ›
