Autumnal Dinner Parties

Hi everyone,

So we're in the season of Autumn and it's a busy one at that. This time of year is the perfect time to host dinner parties out on the terrace with lights twinkling and a warm fire blazing.

But what can you do when you don't have that type of luxury? Well I have some top tips on how to decorate your house and your dining table (ours is a drop leaf table that came from my husband's granny's house- which we've had for over 8 years) and there are always cost saving methods! Plus money saving and space saving meals that will have your friends asking for more!

1. Get some leaves from outside- using some poster paint use the leaves to print onto paper a design. Children help too! It's such a fun activity!

2. I find that Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs work well as they aren't as expensive as Chicken Breast or diced Chicken. You can marinade them in spices and herbs, roast them in the oven in foil and serve with rice/potatoes/salad etc. You may also find you'll have leftovers too!

3. I also find making a stew or curry works well as you can serve them with fresh bread/naan breads or even pitta bread and other bits and bobs. And if you buy potatoes, carrots and other veg to pack it out with you don't have to buy so much meat. My Butter Chicken Curry recipe is still available to view on here as is the delicious Irish Stew that is very much adored by my family.

4. Now when it comes to amazing, delicious autumnal desserts/puddings, my go to is always a crumble or cake such as rhubarb and apple crumble or sticky toffee pudding. They are really easy to make and you can't go wrong with them. Custard or ice cream goes wonders with a crumble or pudding.

5. You've made all this great food but you've realised you haven't decorated the table? No problem. I find that less is more. LED candles are an absolute lifesaver when it comes to adding a glimpse of light to the scene of a dinner party. Flying Tiger Copenhagen often sell them. A while ago, I got 2 blue LED candles for £1 each in the sale. Bargain!

6. Plates, cutlery etc. don't have to be fancy at all either as people would want your company rather than you stressing over place settings etc. You can always dress them up with a autumnal themed napkins (most supermarkets sell them in bulk packs- 50-100 usually). If you want to do place cards for people to sit at the table, use a sheet or two of A4 card (I use white card so I can draw a little design on them) and roughly cut the card to the size you want (whether you want to fold them or have them leaning against a glass etc is up to you.)

7. Thinking of having a centrepiece? Have a vase but no flowers? Don't worry! You don't have to buy fresh flowers at all- I find they are a bit of an inconvenience as you have to trim them to fit in the vase and what if you have people coming who are allergic to Pollen? Artificial flowers/leaves etc are the way to go and one place I often go to which has a great variety all year round is The Range. It also means you can store them away or keep them out for your next occasion or keep them out just because.

8. Finally, don't stress or make too much work for yourself. Autumnal dinner parties are for cosy comfort food and company not for sweating in the kitchen or raising your blood pressure over.

What are your tips for a cosy autumnal dinner party? What are your go to dishes? Let us know and do send us your pictures of your cosy autumnal meals/parties etc!

Lily

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