The weather is cooling off and fall is within reach. I can almost taste it, so this edition of Rufus Recommends and The Things I Love is all about Fall Entertaining. Whether you're the hostess with the mostess or you're the one invited to the next big get together, I've got recipes for you as well as my must haves for the upcoming party season.
Let's get started!
Table of Contents
Fall Entertaining Recipes
Main Dishes
Let's start off our Fall Entertaining recipe round up with a true comfort food classic. My French Onion Pot Roast is "fancy" enough for dinner with friends, but so easy you'll make a weeknight regular.
And, what's better than a fall-apart, melt-in-you-mouth roast dinner? The leftovers you can make with it! Turn any of the leftovers into an Italian Roast Beef Sandwich. I love, love, love doing this and it's a perfect recipe for a casual get together with friends!
Another family favorite is a simple spaghetti Bolognese. My Bolognese Sauce is so easy and so good, I always make a double batch to add to the freezer. Again, this is a fantastic recipe for parties - It feeds a ton of people and i've yet to meet a person who doesn't like spaghetti!
Other Great Recipes For Fall
One of my all time favorite salad dressings is the one I made for this Grinder Salad. It's a creamy Italian salad dressing and the salad itself is something dreams are made of. It's great for meal prep for lunches during the week and hearty enough for dinner. When I'm asked to bring a salad, this is definitely what I'm showing up with!
I'm obviously feeling Italian for the Fall Entertaining edition of my recipe roundup. My soup recommendation this time is my Lasagna Soup. It's so simple and so good. All the flavors of a classic lasagna, in one pot, and served in a nice big bowl. You've got to try this if you haven't yet.
What's better than a big bowl of Lasagna Soup than a big bowl of Lasagna Soup with a lovely piece of bread to dip in it. My Olive Cheese Bread is the perfect accompaniment. It's cheesy and savory and just wonderful. Make it to go with soups and stews or your next get together with friends.
To finish off our recipe roundup, we need something sweet. These Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies will knock your socks off. And, before you say you don't like oatmeal cookies, I don't either. Except these. They are so good they will change your mind. I promise.
Things I Love
For the Kitchen
To begin our Fall Entertaining Things I Love, we should probably start in the kitchen. In my opinion, THIS is where the magic happens during the holidays.
This Staub Dutch Oven caught my eye the second I saw it. This basil color is definitely one I will be adding to my collection. You need a good dutch oven in your arsenal and Staub makes a fantastic one. And, because the holidays are fast approaching, this would be a perfect idea for Santa to leave in your stocking!
Nespresso Essenza Mini is something that I never thought I would use. I've never been a fan of the pod coffee makers until my sister recommended this Nespresso Mini. The espresso pods are actually phenomenal and come in a ton of flavors and strengths. It's perfect for my afternoon coffee and when we have people over, I set out a bowl with all of my espresso pods so everyone can make their own. It's always a very popular spot in the house!
For Serving
I think one of the most essentials things when hosting people is a large Drink Dispenser of either water or iced tea. It's something that everyone can drink and enjoy. No matter what kind of party we are having, I always do this and it's always welcome.
When I have people over and I put out wine glasses, I reach for a stemless variety. Not because my friends are klutzy, but because between us we have about 100 kids and someone is always wiping out around a corner or bumping into a table. These Hammered Stemless Wine Glasses are not only gorgeous, but they are way more stable when the children runneth amuck. #parenting.
My best friend is a charcuterie board connoisseur. I actually don't think we've ever hung out or gone to dinner without some sort of snack board situation. This Large Wood Cutting Board With Cheese Knives would absolutely perfect for your next party with friends. Make a savory charcuterie board, a fruit/nut board, or even a board with sweet treats. Just be ready, a good board is where the cool kids congregate!
I love, love a good mocktail and they're becoming quite popular. This Ghia Non-Alcoholic Aperitif is one of my all-time favs. A shot of this in sparkling water is so good - it creates a drink that is slightly sweet with a little tang and a touch of heat. I'm obsessed. While you're doing your Fall Entertaining, leave a bottle of this out for guests who may not enjoy an alcoholic beverage or for someone who just wants to try something different.
For The Hostess
We can't have a Fall Entertaining edition without a hostess. If someone is gracious enough to invite you to their home, you better not show up empty-handed. I will find you if you do. I kid. But, not really.
A classic hostess gift is a good candle. This Espresso Candle is one of the most amazing candles ever. It smells like fresh brewed espresso. Add in this fun Match Bottle and you'll be sure to be invited back!
One thing I love to set out when people come over is my Cup Holder With Marker Slot. Everyone can label their own cup AND keep up with it. If your hostess doesn't have one of these, it would be a fantastic gift for him or her.
We've already confirmed that a good charcuterie board is a Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall Entertaining essential. Show up with this fantastic jar of Fig Jam the next time you're someone guest and they can add it to almost any board they make. It's a classic accompaniment!
Shop Fall Entertaining Here
You'll Also Love
- Summer Roundup - A recap of our summer, fun recipes, and some of my favorite things.
- Winter Dinner Recipes - A collection of recipes for the colder weather.
- 10 of My Favorite Comfort Food Recipes - A collection of comfy, cozy favorites.
Who’s Stirring the Pot?
Hi, I’m Ruth—recipe developer, comfort-food creator, and the voice behind Rufus For Real. I specialize in cozy, doable, flavor-packed meals for real-life kitchens, and I’m a firm believer that breakfast, dinner, and everything in between should be simple, satisfying, and impossible to mess up.
You’ll find me sharing even more comfort-food goodness, kitchen tips, and behind-the-scenes chaos over on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube (@rufusforreal everywhere).
If you love approachable recipes with a whole lot of personality, pull up a chair—there’s always room at this table.
Happy Cooking!
-Ruth aka Rufus
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