Get ready ahead
of time...
Ahead of time, make ice cubes out of juice to keep your party punch cold and flavorful! Good juices for Fall are cranberry, orange, even pomegranate. You can also freeze fresh fruit like orange rings or strawberry slices to use in your punch.
Be ready for impromptu harvest celebrations by keeping your freezer nicely stocked with easy-to-prepare foods. Nancy's frozen appetizers and entrées are elegant, gourmet options that are ready in minutes and sure to impress your guests!
Now is the time to find and dust off your special dishes and serving platters. Tableware in rich earth tones looks particularly attractive for Fall! Did you know you can place your serving tray in the freezer while your thaw-and-serve items are in the refrigerator? This helps to keep those items cool at the table.
Party food tips...
You can eliminate the expense of a caterer and still throw a great Fall party! Save money by heading over to your local club store and choosing from a wide variety of frozen appetizers like Nancy's. High-quality ingredients and delicious recipes rival anything you could get from a caterer. Plus, you can do one-stop shopping for all your paper products at a bulk discount!
Make sure your harvest spread has variety, but don't overdo it. Keeping your menu simple helps make your party easier to manage. Consider serving appetizers and drinks to eliminate the hassle and expense of a main course. Guests will be content to nibble on hot and cold appetizers and will usually eat about 6-8 pieces per person.
Make it your own by pairing appetizers with simple, easy-to-make sauces and dips. A zingy cranberry relish is great this time of year, and a dill dipping sauce adds a fresh flair to premade selections.
Your beverage selections...
Create a wine list that pairs with the foods you are serving. Cheese-based appetizers like Nancy's Petite Quiche pair well with light, crisp White wines like the Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio from Little Black Dress® Wines. For chocolate desserts, choose Reds like Little Black Dress® Merlot or Pinot Noir. Dry sparkling wines like Korbel® Extra Dry complement the flavors of fresh fruits.
Be sure to have an attractive ice bucket for your drink station...so much better than a plastic mixing bowl that's been pressed into service!
Set out drink charms, tags, or bands for your guests as a thoughtful way to make sure they can always find their drinks. You can choose charms with a Fall theme to add an extra bit of fun to your glassware.
A cozy cocktail...
Offer guests a variety of hot beverages and cocktails to complement your selection of appetizers, entrées, and desserts.
This fruity, spicy hot cider is a perfect choice with Nancy's Petite Quiches!
Harvest Moon Cider
2 qts. apple cider, preferably fresh and unfiltered
1/3 c. packed light brown sugar
2 pieces (2 inches each) cinnamon stick
12 whole cloves
12 allspice berries
2 c. spiced rum
8 long cinnamon sticks, for garnish
In a nonreactive pan combine the cider, brown sugar, short cinnamon sticks, cloves, and all-spice. Set over medium-low heat, partially cover, and slowly bring just to a boil, stirring occasionally and skimming any residue that forms on the surface.
Meanwhile, divide the rum among 8 large mugs. Drop a cinnamon stick into each mug if desired. Strain the cider into the mugs and serve immediately.
Serves 8.
Make it special, make it your own...
Consider setting the mood ahead of time by sending paper invitations to your guests. You can choose a simple design, or something with a Fall theme to add a special touch. It's also worth investing in white cloth cocktail napkins to make all of your drinks and appetizers feel a little bit more luxurious.
Did you know you can use wine corks to hold cards that describe what's on each platter? Just slice the cork about 1/2 inch down the middle and slide a nice label into the slice. It adds a little extra ambience!
Make your buffet look like a true harvest by displaying food on different levels for visual depth and beauty. Overturned bowls, sturdy boxes, scrunched newspapers, and even pots and pans can be hidden under a table cloth to create varying heights. Artistically arranged candles, accent foliage, and centerpieces around the food stations add extra elegance.