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Fall Al Fresco Dinner Party Tips
Alas, fall is here — one of my favorite times of the year! I am such a sucker for cozy sweaters, hot tea, the leaves changing, and autumn-themed parties, like this fall al fresco dinner party I’m going to share with you.
Living in Colorado the weather does not usually get colder until the end of October. The sun here is very strong so even when it is in the 50’s it still feels warm out. That being said, our time spent outside throughout the fall is much more frequent here in Denver and what better way to kick off celebrating this magical season than with an al fresco dinner party.
Fall Dinner Party Table Setting Ideas
From warm fall colors to plaid blankets for each guest, this party is nothing short from fall feeling. Dahlias are at the end of their season, however if you do come across them (I found these ones at my local grocery store), they make a great addition to any fall table. I love the bright red ones! A simple plaid table cloth and striped napkins makes for a great mix of patterns in your table setting. A touch of gold in the silverware and napkin rings gives this the perfect pop of vibrance and sparkle during golden hour.
Fall Dinner Party Decor Must-Haves
Creating the perfect fall dinner party setting is all about embracing the season’s cozy vibes and rich colors. From soft lighting to natural textures, these decor essentials will set the mood for an unforgettable gathering. Here’s what you’ll want to include:
- Soft lighting like candles or lanterns to create a warm, inviting atmosphere
- Mini pumpkins or gourds as charming table accents or place card holders
- Dried florals and fall foliage such as eucalyptus, wheat stalks, or muted blooms
- Natural textures like linen napkins, woven placemats, and rustic wooden serving boards
- A seasonal color palette featuring golden mustard, deep burgundy, forest green, and burnt orange
- Cozy blankets or wraps for outdoor gatherings when the temperature drops
- Thoughtfully selected wines like a rich Pinot Noir or a crisp Chardonnay to complement the meal and complete the table setting
How to Build the Best Fall Charcuterie Board
Looking to impress your guests with the ultimate fall charcuterie board? It’s all about combining rich, seasonal flavors with cozy, inviting textures. Fall charcuterie board ideas are rooted in warmth and abundance, so think rustic, hearty, and colorful.
- Seasonal Fruits: Start with autumn favorites like crisp apples, ripe pears, and fresh figs. Dried fruits like apricots and cranberries also bring a lovely chewy texture and sweetness to the board.
- Cheeses: Add richness with a variety of textures—soft and creamy brie, a nutty aged gouda, and something bold like a merlot-soaked goat cheese. These cheeses bring warmth and depth, especially when paired with fall fruits.
- Cured Meats: Include salty, savory favorites like prosciutto, salami, and peppered soppressata. Their richness pairs beautifully with both fruit and wine.
- Nuts & Extras: Roasted almonds, candied pecans, or Marcona almonds bring in crunch and a touch of warmth. Add fig jam, whole grain mustard, and a few dark chocolate squares for extra indulgence.
- Bread & Crackers: Serve with slices of rustic sourdough, pretzel rolls, or hearty whole-grain crackers to tie it all together.
This type of autumn cheese board is not only a visual centerpiece—it’s an edible one, too. Check out our guide on Charcuterie and wine to learn more!
Fall Dinner Party Menu
For this party I thought it was fitting to serve soup with a warm pretzel roll to pair perfectly with La Crema Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and the Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. Both pleasing to your guests fall-craving palates. In addition, there is nothing more pleasing than a fall-inspired charcuterie spread. Adding heavier cheeses like a gouda or a merlot goats milk adds variety and a more weighty tasting when paired with pears and red grapes. If you haven’t figured it out by now, I am a cheese lover!
Butternut squash soup is the perfect meal to serve at any fall party, and especially an al fresco dinner party. This soup is full of so much flavor from the butternut squash to the nutmeg. If you plan to serve this al fresco, make sure to serve it to your guests immediately. I recommend bringing the soup pot out on the table covered so everything is served warm. Sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds on top to give a little extra fall flavor!
Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Author: Food Network
Recipe type: Soup
Ingredients
- 1 (2 to 3 pound) butternut squash, peeled and seeded
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 6 cups chicken stock
- Nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cut squash into 1-inch chunks. In large pot melt butter.
- Add onion and cook until translucent, about 8 minutes. Add squash and stock. Bring to a simmer and cook until squash is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove squash chunks with slotted spoon and place in a blender and puree.
- Return blended squash to pot. Stir and season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Serve.
Best Wine Pairings for a Fall Dinner Party
There’s something magical about the flavors of fall—roasted squash, earthy herbs, caramelized onions, cozy spices—and the right wine can elevate them beautifully. When planning your autumn gathering, think about wines that are warm, layered, and food-friendly.
White Wines for Fall Flavors
A fuller-bodied white like La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is perfect for fall. It’s rich enough to stand up to creamy soups (hello, butternut squash!) and roasted root vegetables, but still crisp enough to refresh the palate. If your menu leans into sage, browned butter, or sweet corn, this Chardonnay is your go-to.
Red Wines That Shine in Autumn
For red wine lovers, fall is the season of Pinot Noir. Its soft tannins and bright red fruit notes make it endlessly versatile. The La Crema Willamette Valley Pinot Noir pairs effortlessly with everything from roast chicken to wild mushroom dishes and charcuterie. It’s also a surprisingly lovely wine to serve with butternut squash soup—its acidity balances the sweetness of the squash while its earthy undertones enhance the dish’s autumnal vibe. Want more Pinot options? Check out La Crema’s portfolio of top-rated Pinot Noir wines.
A Toast to the Season
No fall dinner party is complete without a thoughtful wine pairing—or two! Whether you're serving a hearty soup, a rustic main, or a spread of seasonal bites, there's a perfect La Crema bottle to bring it all together.
