Fall Entertaining Essentials

I am back in the mountains this weekend to celebrate my husband's birthday and the fall season is definitely in full swing here.  The leaves on the trees are beginning to change colors creating the most gorgeous fall landscape and there is a crisp chill/snap in the air.  In any event, this atmosphere has totally gotten me in the mood for some fresh fall entertaining!  As I begin to shape my fall entertaining repertoire, I wanted to share my initial picks for favorite entertaining essentials this season.  A great mix of classic and fresh, these items will have you ready for entertaining this season! 

Napa Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

With notes of ripe blackberry, black currant, herbs, cocoa and a velvety finish, Napa Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon makes for the perfect wine to enjoy during the Fall season.  This wine pairs beautifully with an array of delicious cheeses (see this post) and it's full body profile makes it an ideal pick for cozying up to a fire during these cooler months.  A definite crowd pleaser amongst my friends and family, you will love sipping this wine during the Autumn season.  

Figs

Did you know that figs have two in-season periods each year?  The first in June, known as the "Breba" season, only lasts a few weeks.  The second season, known as the "New Wood" season runs from August through October, so we are currently in the midst of peak fig season!  The most common type of fig is the Black Mission Fig, followed by the Brown Turkey and the Green Kadota.  I love figs because they are rich in taste, accompany a cheeseboard beautifully and compliment my Fall wine pick (see above) perfectly.  For more information on figs (storing, preparing, etc...) check out this page from Whole Foods.  

Leopard Cocktail Napkins

This is the craziest thing because I would say that my taste tends to be on the classic side with a predominantly solid color palette.  However, recently I have had a hankering to add a little leopard to my life.  Whether it be these fab smoking slippers from J.Crew or these gorgeous Caspari cocktail napkins, leopard is my neutral this season.   It adds an instant touch of fun and I am not kidding when I say that you will be shocked at how well it pairs up with a variety of colors and patterns (yes, even red tartan!).  For an instant touch of chic this season, I highly recommend incorporating a little leopard print into your entertaining repertoire.   

Olivewood Cheeseboard

A new season definitely calls for a fresh cheeseboard!  I have always loved the olivewood aesthetic when it came to finding casual and slightly rustic serveware.  Recently while perusing the aisles of Sur La Table, I came across this Italian Olivewood Slice Serving Board and instantly fell in love ( yes, love for a cheeseboard!).  The thick weight and earthy color tones make this board the perfect addition to any fall party and great for serving up a flight of tasty cheeses or charcuterie in style.  This olivewood slice board is a serving piece that will instantly freshen up your entertaining repertoire with a unique rustic flair!

Making Cheese Markers

Cheesescapes are a fabulous no-fuss menu item for any cocktail party.  There are endless ways to assemble and serve a delicious cheese platter and you can always count on a cheeseboard to be a crowd pleaser.  

While there is no doubt that I love to serve and enjoy a good cheesescape from time to time, my one frustration would be the constant need for explaining a cheeseboard to guests before dining.  Sure there are the obvious cheeses like blue, brie and classic cheddar, that a guest can usually identify.  However, for the majority of cheeses, I find myself giving multiple explanations in a given evening to my guests, which can be extremely challenging to keep up with while hosting a party.  

I know that there are all sorts of cheese markers available for purchase, however my issue with store bought cheese markers is that most come pre-labeled with the four most common cheese types (ex. gouda, brie, etc.) since they are mass produced.  After spending some time researching on both Etsy and Pinterest, I realized that it wouldn't be so hard to make my own cheese markers and it would give me the ability to more accurately label the cheeses I serve to guests.  

This is an inexpensive and extremely easy DIY that I absolutely adore!  Here is how I went about creating my own custom cheese markers:  

Here is what you will need:

• Toothpicks
• Glue
• Adhesive Kraft Banner Labels (like these)
• Glitter
• Metallic Pens and/or Fine-Tipped Markers
• Fine-Tipped Pen

Instructions

1. Peel off an adhesive banner sticker from the sticker sheet 
2. Fold the banner sticker in half matching and sticking only the two ends of the sticker together
3. Place the end of the toothpick (about 1/4 inch) through the center loop of the banner sticker and press it against the center most point of the sticker 
4. Press the remainder of the sticker opening together to create the cheese flag
5. Apply a thin line of craft glue along the cut side of the sticker
6. Gently dip the glue-lined end of the cheese flag into the jar of glitter, making sure to gently tap off any excess glitter before placing the flag down to dry on a paper towel
7. Once dry, write the name of the cheese and milk type on the flag using a fine tipped pen
8. Place flag into its designated cheese and serve

Creating an All-in-One Hors D'oeuvre Platter

I'm constantly evolving and fine tuning my entertaining style.  Of course I love trying new recipes, hosting different groups of people and on occasion, even coming up with different themes for some of my get togethers.  While the party presentation is certainly important, it's equally (if not more) important that I create a sound, efficient and effortless (in appearance), operational process for every gathering. As a hostess the last thing you ever want to do is spend the party running around and looking frazzled.   Your guests have come over to spend time with you, so you need to make sure that you do just that.

In an effort to minimize the time I spend clearing a cocktail/hors d'oeuvre spread before serving dinner, I have developed an all-in-one hors d'oeuvre platter.  This platter is made up of all of my favorite go-to cocktail party foods with the added benefit of only having to serve and clear one dish!  I am really kicking myself that it's taken me so long to figure this out.  Fab summer veggies, hummus, two different cheeses and even those tasty cocktail nuts can be served on one platter! Less time making trips to the kitchen to add and/or clear food means more time with your guests.  Cocktail parties made even easier!  What's not to love about that?!?

See below for full details on this All-in-One Hors D'oeuvre Platter.  

Food Details

• Trader Joe's Herb & Garlic Brie
• Trader Joe's Formaggio Lagorai (mild, semi-soft cow's milk)
• 34 Degree's Poppy Seed Crisps
• Watermelon Radishes
• Mini English Cucumbers
• Sugar Snap Peas
• Endive Leaves (Red & Green)
• Organic Red Grapes
• Purple and Orange Carrots
• Marcona Almonds
• Fresh Dill
• Lemon Hummus (garnished with fresh thyme)
• Red Pepper Hummus (garnished with chili flakes)

Wine Details

• Napa Cellars Syrah Rose (*A perfect pairing with this spread and time of year)

Entertaining Essentials

• CB2 Large Cuatro Platter
• CB2 Marta Tasting Glasses
• World Market Event White Wine Glasses
• Caspari Emerald Damask Cocktail Napkins
• Sur La Table Cheese Knives

A Few Ideas for the Day After Thanksgiving

This morning I am sitting in bed with Dolly sleeping at my feet, trying to recover from the "holy-moliness" of putting on last night's epic dinner.  I'm finally taking a moment to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which my husband thoughtfully recorded for me since I was in kitchen all day and didn't have a moment to enjoy this favorite Thanksgiving tradition of mine.  

Even though I am still recovering, I wanted to use today's post to share a few thoughts/ideas on what to do in the wake of the Thanksgiving Day aftermath.  Today is Black Friday, so I know that most are out and about hitting the stores.  In addition to all of the shopping happening today, those of you who hosted Thanksgiving last night are probably looking at all of the leftovers in your refrigerators and wondering what the heck to do with all of this food?!?  While I have no special wisdom to impart when it comes to finding the best "door buster deals," I do have a few suggestions on how to make the most out of your Thanksgiving leftovers.      

Thanksgiving Bites

This is a really easy way to use up leftovers that's easy to assemble for a crowd.  Start by placing leftover turkey on top of a Rosemary or Toasted Onion 34 Degree Crisp, then add a spoonful of stuffing, followed by a dollop of cranberry relish and garnish with fresh chopped parsley to create delicious Thanksgiving Leftover Bites.   These bites taste great warm or cold and are an instant crowd-pleaser.  

Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup - Sub Turkey!

Make a big pot of my Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup, but sub Thanksgiving Turkey for the Rotisserie Chicken.  This is a great way to use up a variety of ingredients you probably still have on hand- Broth/Stock, Celery, Carrots, Herbs and of course all of that leftover Thanksgiving turkey!

Thanksgiving Dinner Roll Paninis

There really is nothing better than a thanksgiving sandwich.  This year I am breaking out my grill pan to create thanksgiving panini sandwiches using the leftover dinner rolls.  Here is what I will be using:

• Leftover dinner rolls
• Turkey
• Stuffing
• Cranberry Relish
• Brie or Provolone Cheese
• Herbs (Thyme, Rosemary, Sage) 
• Butter

Instructions:

1. Heat your grill pan on Medium/High Heat with 2 Tbs Butter
2. Slice your rolls in half and brush lightly with melted butter
3. Place cheese and herbs on each roll half and allow time for the cheese to melt on the grill pan
4. Then add turkey, cranberry relish and stuffing to sandwich halves
5. Assemble both sides together
6. Place metal grill top over sandwich and allow it to cook for approx. 1min
7. Flip sandwich and press metal grill top onto sandwich again for an additional minute.
8. Remove sandwich from heat and serve

My Thanksgiving Dinner party was a big success.  I would have to say that the highlight was when my mom surprised me with an impromptu ceremony and officially passed off the family carving knife.  Having my entire family here for my first Thanksgiving dinner made all of the work leading up to this day completely worthwhile.  For all of you who cooked the big dinner last night, I hope you are sitting at home with your feet up enjoying delicious leftovers.  You have certainly earned a day of relaxation!

Now, onto Christmas preparations!…Starting Monday

Host a Fall Picnic

I recently came across the most fabulous picnic basket from West Elm, complete with wine holder (it was an immediate must buy)!  The moment I spotted this ultra chic picnic basket, I knew I not only needed to buy it, but also began brainstorming different ideas for how I was going to use it/incorporate it into a blog post.  Since I had purchased this picnic basket over the summer, I originally thought that a summer picnic could be a cute idea.  The more I thought about it I realized that the summer was way too hot for dining "Al Fresco."  When it's hot and sticky outside, the last thing I want to do is consume wine and cheese.  

Fast forward to planning for our weeklong trip in the mountains--It wasn't until we started planning the various activities for our North Carolina vacation, the lightbulb went off and I realized that hosting a romantic Fall picnic for two in the mountains would be a perfect way to break in my new picnic basket.  So I immediately got to work mapping out the details of the menu and picnic location prior to our arrival in North Carolina.  Our mountain accommodations are next to a lake and there is a perfect stretch of grass with the most beautiful mountain views in the backdrop.   It is truly picturesque.  

Unfortunately, this initial venue idea was cancelled due to the heavy rain we have been experiencing all week.  Determined not to let a little rain spoil my picnic plans, I found a 2hour window the other day to put out the spread and finally enjoy a little time outside with my husband sipping delicious wine and enjoying a few cocktail nibbles. Below is a breakdown of what I used to create this most delicious spread. 

Picnic Essentials

• West Elm Picnic Basket (Currently on Sale!)
• World Market Olive Wood Cheese Cutting Board
• Caspari Albemarle Hall Paper Cocktail Napkins
• Waiter's Corkscew
• Sur la Table Classic Soft Cheese Knife
• World Market Hammered Metal Tiffin Lunch Box
• World Market Mini White Ceramic Jar with Spoon
• Govino Shatter Proof Recyclable Wine Tumblers
• Rustic Picnic Blanket

The Menu

• Black Creek Sharp Cheddar Cheese Aged 9 months
• Cypress Grove Sgt. Pepper Chèvre Cheese
• Fresh Thyme (garnish)
• Pepita/Pumpkin Seeds, Roasted and Salted
• Somersaults, Sea Salt
• Dried Tart Cherries
• 34 Degrees Crisps, Rosemary
• Simple and Crisp, Pear
• Phantom by Bogle Wine, Red Blend

It was so nice to finally have a moment to enjoy the gorgeous scenery of the mountains (even if it was from our back porch, with the rain threatening to start up again at any second).  Whether you are looking to set up a romantic party for two or entertain a large group, I love the idea of hosting a picnic during the Fall. The weather during this season really can't be beat and throwing together a delicious spread like the one pictured in this post is relatively easy (i.e. no cooking required!).  So if you are looking for a fun way to entertain this Fall season, I highly recommend hosting a Fall picnic.