Planning the Perfect Fall Dinner Party

Take the guesswork out of hosting with this no-stress guide!

Is there anything better than a cozy dinner party in the fall? We can see it now, guests gathered around a beautifully designed table, laughing and enjoying a delicious meal while they sip wine and share stories late into the night.

If you're planning to host friends and family for an upcoming dinner party, you're in luck! We've put together our top tips for how to host a dinner party that your guests will absolutely love.

Tip #1: Focus on a seasonal menu

Instead of falling down a rabbit hole of recipes then trying to figure out which will pair well together, begin by thinking about what's in season. In the fall that means carrots, turnips, squash, and dark leafy greens like dino kale.

If you plan to serve a meat based protein we suggest something oven baked. Not only will it warm up your house, it'll fill the air with the delicious scent of a home-cooked meal that your guests will absolutely love.

If you're planning a vegetarian menu, never underestimate the hearty potential of perfectly oven roasted veggies like cauliflower, carrots, sweet potatoes, and more.

Some of our favorites:

Tip #2: Simplify the libations with a selection of wine (and make sure you have plenty on hand!)

Don't waste time on overly complicated cocktails. Instead, plan to have a selection of wine that will pair perfectly with your party menu. We might be biased, but you really can't go wrong with one of our popular vertical trios.

We suggest the Bella Vida Tardy Pinot Noir vertical, with our 2016, 2017, and 2018 Tardy Pinot Noir.

Pro-tip: Order any 3 bottles of the 2016 - 2018 Tardy Pinot Noir and get $75 off when you enter code TARDYDINNERPARTY at checkout! Click here to shop the vertical.

Tip #3: Don't overthink the table setting

Putting too many things on your dinner table will only make it feel cramped and overly fussy. Maintain the perfect balance by keeping it simple yet functional. Consider including the following items for your guests:

Wine glass
Water glass
Napkin
Plate (with a bowl on top if you plan to serve soup)
Fork and knife (and a spoon if you're serving soup)

To decorate your table, a vase of fresh flowers and candles will tie everything together and make it feel extra cozy. Alternatively, if you don't have any candles available, consider putting fairy lights in two mason jars at either end of your table.

Pro-tip: Want to give your table a little extra flair? Consider using placecards for an extra special feel!

Tip #4: Don't forget about the playlist

Creating the perfect playlist is a must-have for a great dinner party. The best mix of artists will depend on what kind of feeling you're going for, but we've listed some of our favorites below to get you started!

Ready to start planning your dinner party? Hit the link below to shop our wines!

SHOP BELLA VIDA WINE