As we leave the summer behind, we also leave the simple and light foods that so often accompany it. What follows? Visions of harvest parties, Thanksgiving and slow-cooked rich foods fill the mind and eventually, the table. While fall is a time to be surrounded by family and friends, it can be a bit daunting to create the perfect harvest meal for so many. Here are some ideas on how to feed a crowd, whether you’re hosting a big fall dinner party, a backyard get-together to enjoy the weather or just having the family come in town for a weekend.
Make a Roast (or Any Other One-Pot Meal)
Root vegetables are in season during the fall and make for a delicious and comforting pot roast, not to mention a quintessential Southern meal. Veggies like heirloom carrots, potatoes and onions add delicious flavor, especially after being caramelized in the slow cooker. You can easily choose how much you’d like to make. Having a party? Buy a larger cut of meat. Want to just feed your family for a night? Purchase something a bit smaller. The best part? You’ve got a meat-and-three meal in just one pot.
Other one-pot meal ideas include casserole, hearty pasta dishes or white chicken chili. Using a crockpot allows the meal to cook while you can focus on getting ready for the event. Get creative when you’re making dinner! There are simple ways to make a great meal with little prep and cleanup time!
Have a Potluck
Everyone has their specialty, especially when it comes to crowd favorites. Green bean casserole can be made a million different ways – same goes for sweet potato pie, mac and cheese and even biscuits. So how do you keep everyone at the party happy? Let them do the work! Have each person bring a dish. If you’re only having a few families over, assign each family a course; appetizers, salad, main course, dessert and wine (yes, wine is a must)! This cuts down on cooking and cleaning time for the host family and lets everyone take ownership of the party to ensure each person is happy and has a full stomach.
Host a Pairing Party
Another idea is having a pairing party. Have each couple or individual bring their favorite wine or beer and an appetizer or paired food. This allows the guests to get creative and excited about what they are bringing to the table. Or, let AOC take the reins. We offer a Sparkle & Style Tasting Party and with every menu, with the option of adding bartending services. To that end, each menu is customizable. AOC is flexible in its abilities, menus and can fit in to any party you might want to plan. Let All Occasion Catering do the heavy lifting and enjoy the reason for your get-together, to spend time with people you love!
Leave it to Someone Else!
There is no busier time than the fall. The kids have gone back to school, football season has taken up each Friday night and Saturday afternoon and there are a million school activities filling the schedule. No wonder you’re stressed! Planning and cooking for a big dinner or party might just not fit in to the schedule and that’s okay. Check out our Holiday Menus to find the menu that perfectly fits your event, from a Smoky Mountain Holiday to a Chocolate Dessert Bar.
All Occasions Catering has you covered this fall! Ready to plan your next dinner or holiday party with us? To view all of our customizable menus and bar services, visit AOC online right here!
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