Fall Dinner Party Menu Ideas to Delight All Your Guests (2023)

First up at your autumn dinner party: a cocktail, of course! Greet guests with a drink that carries a touch of the season—and lets everyone relax while you put the finishing touches on dinner.

Get the recipe for Pumpkin Spice White Russian.

These super cute deviled eggs make the perfect fall dinner party appetizer. A simple flick of the fork makes the pumpkin ridges, and cornichons make the stems. But it's the smoked paprika (our new favorite spice) that make them irresistible.

Get the recipe for Smokey Pumpkin Deviled Eggs.

Pair Smokey Pumpkin Deviled Eggs with these sweet and easy crostini. Roasted pumpkin, dark rye bread, burrata cheese, and a homemade pesto make ideal bite-sized treats perfect for fall.

.

This refined version of the classic Waldorf salad has all kinds of great fall ingredients, from walnuts and apples to pomegranate pips. It looks beautiful, and guests can pick and choose which ingredients they want.

Get the recipe for Composed Waldorf Salad.

This easy appetizer makes the most of fresh fall fruit and delicious flavors. Tide your guests over with these grilled apples while waiting for the main course!

Get the recipe for Grilled Apples with Prosciutto and Honey.

Pasta is great for serving a crowd, but put the jar of red sauce down. A can of pumpkin, some pine nuts, and a few herbs are all you need to elevate this fall pasta dish to the ethereal.

Get the recipe for Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Pine Nut Gremolata.

The best fall dinner party recipes are the ones that smell heavenly, enticing your guests into your home with their aroma. This crowd-pleasing chicken dish fills the bill perfectly—and it's irresistibly crispy to boot.

Get the recipe for Crispy Chicken Thighs With Garlic and Rosemary.

Looking to impress your dinner guests and wow them with an especially autumn-themed dessert? This sweet dessert is a stunning step up from your standard pie.

Get the recipe for Maple-Apple Tarte Tatin.

Treat guests to the perfect bite-size after-dinner treat with these gorgeous little single-serving pies.

.

Pies don't have to just be for dessert! This savory apple pie is elegantly served in individual portions.

Get the recipe for Sausage and Apple Pies.

Fall is for comfort food, and there's little more comforting than these easy, delicious meatballs.

Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Spinach-and-Parmesan Meatballs.

A little fresh garlic, some butter, and about eight minutes in the oven, and you can turn a loaf of plain country bread into something incredible.

Get the recipe for Parsley-Garlic Bread.

When roasted under a broiler, tender broccolini yields a sweet, charred flavor that pairs perfectly with salty capers and a touch of crushed red pepper.

Get the recipe for Parsley-Garlic Bread.

Hosting friends for a fall pizza night? Give the meal a big boost of autumn with this smokey, savory dish. Shaved pumpkin is melt-in-your-mouth good, and pairs well with onion, chorizo, and sharp Cheddar cheese.

Get the recipe for Pumpkin-Chorizo Pizza.

This fresh, easy-as-ever salad is bound to be a regular in your fall dinner menu rotation. Chopped apple, hazelnuts, and Pecorino cheese make it a winner. Pro tip: Serve it family-style for maximum simplicity.

Get the recipe for Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad.

What's better than an easy chicken dinner? We love this one, which pairs two Southern favorites (grits and fried chicken) for a taste that's simply out of this world.

Get the recipe Spiced Grit-Fried Chicken Cutlets.

This delicious roast comes together surprisingly fast, making it a great option for your fall dinner party. It's packed with flavor and plenty of veggies.

Get the recipe for Rosemary Beef Tenderloin with Root Vegetables.

You don't have to go over-the-top to create a stunning scene. Rather than opt for a big, dramatic centerpiece, interior designer Jenny Komenda used an apple-themed ombre effect to create something much more visually stimulating.

Hurricane lanterns are another great option for outdoor dinners. They add light for function, glow for ambiance, and their shape and size make them practical in windy settings.

Meat and potatoes for the win! This classic, tried-and-true combo is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, but get this: You'll be able to whip the whole thing up in just 30 minutes.

Get the recipe for Strip Steak With Lemon Mashed Potatoes.

Comforting, homey, and simple, this sweet potato dish makes for an excellent side at any fall dinner party. It also works beautifully in your work lunchbox the next day...but that's assuming you have leftovers.

Get the recipe for Roasted Hasselback Sweet Potatoes.

Have guests coming in an hour? Thirty minutes at the stove, and you'll wow them with plump shrimp and herb-flecked biscuits.

Get the recipe for Shrimp Chowder with Herb Drop Biscuits.

For vegetarian guests and kids (or adults) who don't typically love vegetables alike, this cheesy, filling casserole-style side is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser.

Get the recipe for Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin.

Comfort food is always welcome at any fall gathering, but this lasagna is an ideal dinner party addition for another reason. You don't have to worry about plating it beautifully, because your guests will be serving themselves straight from the pan.

.

Aiming to impress? Then forget the classics and opt for this homemade gnocchi. Topped with a delectable meat sauce, it's a fantastic and memorable entrée...but it's certainly a little on the more advanced side.

Get the recipe for Potato Gnocchi With Pork Ragù.

The best dinner party menus are the ones that yield leftovers. Like, a lot of leftovers. This creamy soup does just that, meaning you can enjoy it for lunch the next day at work too!

Get the recipe for Rotisserie Chicken and Potato Chowder.