By Harry Bennett
Hosting friends for a dinner party to enjoy the colours of fall can be an enchanting experience, especially when the setting is as inviting as a beautifully decorated back porch. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Emma Whitmore, a seasoned home entertainer, who shared her magical evening of transforming her outdoor space into a cosy, fall-inspired dining room.
Emma recounted her experience with a sense of joy and fulfilment, and it was clear that the event had left a lasting impression on both her and her guests. “One of the most important aspects of hosting any dinner party is ensuring guests feel comfortable and relaxed,” Emma began. “I ensured the back porch seating was cosy and inviting to achieve this.”
Choosing a Fall Colour Palette
When Emma started planning her dinner party, she wanted to capture the essence of fall but with a modern twist. “Instead of the traditional oranges and browns, I opted for colours that felt both seasonal and sophisticated: plum, peach, and dark reds,” she explained. These colours exuded warmth and had a rich, luxurious quality that made the entire setting feel special and unique.
Creating the Perfect Outdoor Dining Room
Transforming her back porch into an outdoor dining room required setting the stage with thoughtful decor. Emma began by arranging the dining table to be the focal point of the space, ensuring plenty of room for guests to move around comfortably. “I chose my Portmeirion plates for the table, which, with their colourful designs, added an elegant touch. To complement these plates, I placed rattan chargers underneath, adding texture and an earthy feel that grounded the more vibrant colours of the table setting,” she noted.
A matching wreath adorned with faux florals in plum, peach, and dark red was hung on the French doors, tying the entire look together. “The fruit-themed plates and the rustic chargers created a perfect balance between formal and casual, which was exactly the vibe I was going for,” Emma added.
Centrepieces That Wow
No dinner party is complete without a stunning centrepiece. For this fall gathering, Emma decided to go all out with faux florals. “I created an arrangement that ran down the centre of the table, mixing flowers in shades of plum, peach, and deep red,” she said. The faux florals matched her colour theme perfectly and allowed her to create a lush, abundant look without worrying about wilting or maintenance throughout the evening.
In addition to the floral centrepiece, Emma added faux pumpkins in various sizes and colours that complemented the overall theme. “The pumpkins added a playful, seasonal touch, and their varying heights and shapes helped to create visual interest across the table,” she explained. Tall, dark candlesticks with white candles brought some height and drama to the setting. “The flickering candlelight added warmth and a touch of romance, making the entire space feel intimate and inviting,” Emma shared.
A Warm Welcome with a Themed Charcuterie Board
As her guests arrived, Emma welcomed them with a delicious charcuterie board that matched the evening’s colour theme. “I had so much fun selecting ingredients that tasted amazing and looked beautiful on the board,” she said. Dark red and green grapes, dried apricots, aged cheddar, and prosciutto were just a few of the items that appeared. She also added some apples and cranberries, which paired beautifully with the fruit and added an indulgent touch.
“The charcuterie board was a feast for the eyes and a great conversation starter. As we nibbled on the various offerings, my friends couldn’t stop commenting on how well everything tied together—from the colours on the board to the overall decor,” Emma noted. It was a small detail, but one that set the tone for the evening and made everyone feel like they were part of something special.
Creating a Relaxed and Inviting Atmosphere
Ensuring guests feel comfortable and relaxed is paramount when hosting any dinner party. Emma draped a few soft blankets over the backs of the chairs for anyone who might feel a chill as the evening went on. “Paying attention to the lighting is key for creating ambiance,” she advised. In addition to the candles on the table, lanterns with LED candles were placed around the perimeter. “The soft, glowing lights created a warm and welcoming atmosphere that encouraged everyone to linger long after the meal,” Emma shared.
The Menu: Seasonal and Satisfying
Of course, no dinner party is complete without a delicious meal. For this fall gathering, Emma served dishes that were both seasonal and satisfying. She started with Peanut Coconut soup served in small, shallow bowls that allowed the muted orange colour to pop against the table setting. “The soup was smooth and perfect for the cool weather,” she noted.
For the main course, Emma served Grilled Chicken with Pistachio Avocado Sauce, paired with rice and roasted asparagus. “The deep, rich flavours of the avocado sauce tied in beautifully with the colour theme, while the roasted vegetables added a touch of rustic comfort to the meal,” she explained.
Emma kept things simple yet indulgent for dessert with her Basic 1-2-3-4 Cake, adorned with gold-painted fruits, nuts, and leaves. “The cake was a hit and was the perfect way to end the evening,” she said with a smile.
A Memorable Evening
As the evening drew to a close, Emma and her guests sat back, enjoying the last sips of wine and the gentle flicker of the candles. “There’s something truly special about gathering around a beautifully set table, sharing good food, and making memories with friends,” she reflected. The fall-inspired decor, thoughtful touches, and relaxed atmosphere combined to create a dinner party that was as enjoyable for Emma to host as it was for her guests to attend.
Emma’s experience serves as a wonderful inspiration for anyone looking to create a cosy outdoor dining experience this fall. Whether you’re hosting a large group or an intimate gathering, the key is to choose a colour palette and decor that speaks to you and to create an atmosphere where your guests can relax and enjoy the beauty of the season.
Happy entertaining!
Harry Bennett
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