As the nights draw in and leaves start to turn, there's nothing better than gathering friends around the table for a home cooked meal. This time of year brings so many exciting flavours in the form of berries, game birds and venison. Plus, the last of summer's tomatoes and courgettes. It's one of the best times of year for produce, so why not celebrate it.
From the moment your guests arrive to the final mouthful, we've got lots of inspiration and recipes for everything from drinks and nibbles to hearty main courses and berry-laden desserts.
Nothing kicks off the evening - or finishes it! - quite like a seasonal cocktail. Set the mood with one of our tried and tested recipes that will make the most of the season and get the party started!
After the passing of The Glorious Twelfth in August, lots of game comes into season, including game birds such as grouse and - later - partridge and pheasant. There's also duck and venison, so if you're a fan of rich flavours and deep, glossy sauces, game could be the perfect option for your dinner party.
Bonfire night can be a highlight of the autumn calendar, and not just because of the fireworks! Cosy mugs of hot drinks around the fire, moreish toffee apples and hearty dishes like pies, soups and stews are all perfect for a bonfire-themed dinner party.
Autumn means the beginning of squash season. The bulbous, golden-hued vegetables are hearty and can be cooked in so many ways. Try stuffing them for a hearty centrepiece, roasting them for midweek dinners or blending them into soups to get ahead. Whatever your requirements we are certain to have a recipe to inspire you.
A dinner party isn't complete without a seasonal dessert. It makes sense to lean into the abundance of berries and fruits available at this time of year, although chocolate and citrus are timeless classics if they're more to your taste!
Please sign in or register to send a comment to Great British Chefs.
