Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party, a casual gathering, or even running a professional catering business, fall is a great time of year to get inspired.
With vibrant colors, smoky aromas and cooler days, hearty comfort food and fresh seasonal produce are the order of the day!
Below, we explore five fall catering ideas to help you get inspired for the new season.
1.Seasonal products
It’s a great idea to use fresh, seasonal produce year-round whenever possible, but in the fall this can be especially exciting! The fiery colors, earthy flavors, and endless variety of spices in both food and drink can awaken the senses.
If you also have the option of using local produce, like from a local grower or farmer’s market, even better. But if not, it will suffice to use fruits and vegetables appropriate to the time of year.
Cinnamon apple pie, a hearty root vegetable bake or stew, and a roast dinner are all favorites, along with seasonal pumpkin spice! Whether you and your guests prefer sweet or savory, light or hearty, Autumn has a variety of appropriate ingredients and flavors to choose from.
2. Bonfire Night
The popular British tradition of Bonfire Night is a great opportunity for a variety of autumn flavors. Caramel apples, hot chocolate, sausage, and parkin are often favorites.
Host your own party from home, big or small, and make it family-friendly with a fruit punch for the kids and a themed cocktail for the adults. You can also pack and bring your own fall picnic to a local campfire. Tasty toasties, granola bars, and a thermos of coffee would all hit the spot.
However you choose to celebrate, fall can be a great time to get a little inspiration from the holidays and holiday traditions going on around you, including Halloween and the Harvest Festival. See what you can enjoy in your local area and create your own event too!
3. Plant-based options
Because seasonal produce is so distinctive and alluring this time of year, there’s never been a better time to explore plant-based options. Get the most out of your fruits and vegetables with fresh and tasty recipes, and don’t hesitate to search online for resources if you’re not sure.
More people than ever before are reducing their meat intake and increasing their vegetable intake. This can have very beneficial effects for both your health and the planet. Why not start by making one of your personal, more plant-based favourites, like a hot dog, burger, or your choice of soup? There are more plant-based options available than ever, even for your favorite styles of meat and cheese!
If you are catering to guests, or have a culinary business, offering a plant-based option is always greatly appreciated. It is not just for vegans, vegetarians and allergy sufferers. Plant-based eating can be healthy, vibrant and exciting; Perfect for carnivores feeling adventurous!
4. Oktoberfest
This fall season, why not get inspired abroad? Celebrations like Germany’s Oktoberfest are becoming more and more common – London is celebrating its own version! – and they often have wonderful ideas for food.
Sausages (including plant-based options), pretzels, fresh bread, high-quality beer and more can be found, often by a roaring fire or inside a cozy pub. Create your own celebration outdoors with a barbecue or in the cozy confines of your living room.
As the nights draw near, celebrations and gathering for meals are a great way to keep your spirits high in the darker months. The food has long been known for its many mood-enhancing properties, and fall is a great time to make use of them.
5. Special hot drinks
A certain famous coffee producer releases their Pumpkin Spiced Latte this time of year, so why not make your own? A wide variety of fall flavors are perfect for drinks, even if you don’t have time to cook an elaborate meal.
Adding cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg, for example, can instantly help a drink feel warmer and more relaxing. You can take inspiration from fall favorites like apple pie, spiced cider, hot chocolate, and pumpkin platters. Be as creative as you dare!
Hot beverages are also a great way to snuggle up and connect with loved ones on cooler nights, as well as endlessly inviting guests and patrons!