It’s my favorite time of year here in Westchester! The air is crisp, the leaves are turning those gorgeous shades of red and orange, and it just feels like the perfect time to get friends and family together. I love hosting in the fall, so I put together some of my favorite ideas for food, drinks, flowers, décor, and easy ways to make your gathering feel extra special.
Festive Food
Fall is all about comfort food and hearty dishes, and one of my favorite local spots is 25 North Ristorante in Mamaroneck. I’ve used them to cater many of our events, and they never disappoint. I reached out to owner Will Vitale for help curating the perfect fall menu, and everything turned out absolutely delicious. Our guests always rave about the food, and in my opinion, their Chicken Martini is the best in Westchester. Here is an idea for a fall catering menu:
Broccoli Di Rabe Egg Rolls (Rolled with ground veal & a spicy chimichurri sauce)
Risotto Balls (Served with sauce & fresh ricotta)
Tracy’s Greens (Mesclun greens, dried cranberries, candied walnuts, sliced granny smith apples, & panko-crusted baked goat cheese with a reduced balsamic reduction dressing on the side)
Tossed Caesar (With homemade croutons & creamy house whipped caesar dressing on the side)
Chicken Martini (Parmesan crusted & topped in a light white wine & butter sauce served over spinach)
Pesto Gnocchi
Sautéed String Beans
Sliced chicken cutlet & fries for the kids!
Visit their website to view their catering options which are perfect for family gatherings, corporate events, and everything in between!
Table Setting & Floral Arrangements
Nancy, the owner of The Flower Bar, is my go-to florist for every event. She’s unbelievably talented and always brings my vision to life in the most beautiful way. For a recent fall gathering, I told her I wanted a cozy, seasonal vibe in fall colors, and she created the most stunning centerpieces- I was truly blown away. Her shop is also filled with the most gorgeous entertaining essentials, from plates and serving dishes to planters, napkins, napkin rings, and candles. Everything she curates has such an elegant touch and instantly elevates any occasion.
The Flower Bar also hosts “Blooms and Booze” events which you can read more about here.
Fall Décor
If you’re looking for a local spot for pumpkins, mums and fall decor, check out Ridgeway Garden Center in White Plains. They’re a third-generation, family-owned business, and everyone who works there is so kind and helpful. It’s our favorite spot for plants, bushes, and all our landscaping needs, and I love that they also have so many great fall décor options!
Nothing says fall quite like a cider and donut station decorated with apples, pumpkins, and mums. And how fun is this “boo-quet” from The Flower Bar?.
Drinks
For fall hosting, a seasonal bar is always a win! Apple cider for the kids and red wine for adults are easy crowd-pleasers. Firesteed Pinot Noir is a cozy fall favorite, with its light ruby color, cherry notes, and a hint of spice. Visit their website to learn more!
As much as I love hosting outdoors in the fall, I’ve learned it’s always smart to have a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. My luck with rain hasn’t been great….it’s poured more often than not for my events! Whether you’re setting up under a tent or moving things indoors, it’s worth having a back up plan!
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