Throwing The Perfect Autumn Dinner Party
Autumn is quite possibly the most generous season of them all. Sure, summer has its moment in the sun and winter is always filled with festive joy. And yes, spring is positively lovely, but there’s something embracing about autumn.
In autumn, the food on our plates turns golden and delicious, al fresco get-togethers migrate indoors, and the change of season has got us foraging for flavour at Fortnum's.
Here, we’ve curated an edit of our most abundant seasonal flavours to eat, drink and enjoy with friends and family around your autumn table, as well tablescaping tips (including an edible one) to make your table look as good as your food tastes. And when the hosting’s done and it’s time to hunker down, the most delicious comfort food and drink pairings await at Fortnum’s.
1. Lay The Table...
As we all know, the table setting nowadays is just as important as the food itself - nice napkins alone just won't cut it. Thankfully, we know a way or two to freshen up your dining table, from pitchers and platters to centrepiece plates.
Bordallo
Founded in 1884 by Rafael Bordallo Pinheiro, a Portuguese caricaturist and aritst, a healthy dose of artisitc flair goes into each handmade, humorous yet elegant ceramic piece. The brand is renowned for it's nature-inspired, whimsical creations that reflect the seasons perfectly, and nothing says autumn more than this delightful collection.
An Edible Table Surprise
Our honeycomb amphorae are a particularly delightful table decoration that can also be enjoyed come the cheese course. Beautiful to look at - with the honeycomb nestled within - the whole thing glows warm amber. A sweet surprise if ever we saw one.
2. Drinks & Nibbles...
All great dinner parties start with a little mingling with something delightful to sip in hand, accompanied by moreish nibbles to well, nibble on. Whether it's a charcuterie board or nuts and olives, we have just the thing...
Fortnum's Côtes du Rhône
André Brunel was the seventh generation to make wine on Les Cailloux, a Rhône Valley estate named for its stony soil, and had been collaborating with Fortnum’s since 1994. Has 40 hectares in Côtes du Rhône and this approachable Grenache-based red is luscious with black fruit, the final 10% syrah giving it a distinctive spicy bouquet.
&
The Fortnum's Grazing Selection
This selection is a feast of moreish delights and will make life particularly pleasant for the hostee. Crisp and golden Patatas Fritas, rich Juniper-Cured British Ham, and smoky British Coppa set the scene, while Amalthea Gin Olives and perfectly piquant Pickled Cornichons bring the bite. Just add good company and a glass of the Côtes du Rhône.
Olives & Nuts
For lovers of spice, our Lucifer's Olives are for you. These plump olives deliver a kick with their zesty and spicy brine made with orange, ginger and bird’s eye chilli. As the name suggests, our Cocktail Mixed Nuts are pefect party fare, with our Caramelised Pecans bringing versatility - whilst scrumptious as they are can also be crumbled atop autumnal salads, baked fruit, crumbles or poached pears. And to drink? Well, Gin & Tonic of course, made with our very own Amalthea Gin.
3. Your Feast Awaits...
For The Main Course
It's time for the main event. Your guests take their seats with eager anticipation for the delicously seasonal fare that will be placed in front on them, and we're here to share with exactly what that should be. For us, the most seasonally perfect, showstopping centrepiece is our Beef Wellington, and what's more, all you need to do is pop it in the oven. Serve on a feasting board that can be placed in the middle of the table, surrounded by seasonal veg of your choosing. For pouring, we recommend a wine that truly comes into its own as the weather cools - Fortnum's Douro Vinho Tinto, a richly flavoured, velvety red with notes of plum, smoke and dark spice.
Sweet Afters
As the conversation goes happily on, your guests laughs and chatter echo warmly, it's time to turn your attention to something sweet to close your dinner. Perhaps a little chocolate first, followed by a seasonal brew and a perfectly paired biscuit.
Our Ginger and Highland Whisky Chocolate Thins are made with 62% dark chocolate ganache, infused with ginger and Whisky and decorated with crystallised stem ginger pieces and are the perfect accompaniment to our After Dinner Blend Coffee. And for those young at heart, why not delight them with our Milk Chocolate Coated Butterscotch Popcorn.
What's Tea Without Biscuits?
For those who are partial to a tea and biscuit finish, here's our most deliciously paired recommendations...
4. The Season For Comfort Food...
Autumn is also a time for cosy nights in nestled indoors, and comfort food is just the thing for these very situations. Our expert Buyers have shared their recommendations for these most wonderful evenings in.
Potted Welsh Rarebit
This potted-version is made to the exact recipe that’s been used at Fortnum’s for decades. Slather melted over good toast, grilled until bubbling and finish with half a grilled tomato and a shake of Worcestershire sauce. Pair with Fortnum's Côtes du Provence Rosé, by Ott. No, rosé is not just for summer.
Steak & Chips
Sometimes, there's nothing quite as good as steak and chips and this box has everything you need for an indulgant night in. At the heart of this feast are two prime Salt-Aged Glenarm Shorthorn ribeye steaks, Fortnum’s signature triple-cooked chips and a bottle of Rosso Piceno - an Italian red with balanced fruity undertones that pairs beautifully with the ribeye.
Sweet Treats
When the moment comes to curl up in an armchair, with the fire glowing and a good book in hand, may we suggest the following indulgences. For those looking for perfect pairings, our Toffolossus biscuits are a dream with our Chai tea, and our Peanut Butter Truffles are ideal with a cup of our India Harley Estate Coffee. Just saying.
5. Autumn Hampers & Gift Boxes...
Lift the lid on these autumn hampers, filled to the brim with every delicious thing you need for the season. Perfect for hosting, a treat for the family or as a gift.
Happy autumning...
Inspiration
Discover The Journal, home to a host of our most delicious stories.
Angus D. Birditt's Autumn Cheeseboard
Sticky Honey Pudding Recipe