Real Wedding Menu: Autumn Inspired Fete
The menu that you create for your wedding can be as creative and tailored as your caterer will allow. I really feel as though food, aside from vows, are the most important feature to any party. It cannot be overlooked. Your guests are looking forward to a delicious meal inspired by both of your personalities!
I’ve created this autumn inspired menu based on hearty dishes that represent my favorite season well. Fall foods are colorful and those colors should be well represented on your guest’s plates: oranges, greens, reds, and purples.
hor d’oeuvre: Fig Crostini
with prosciutto, ricotta and red wine reduction

There are so many different foods you can tower on top of toasted bread. This recipe had me at fig! It is a delicious and luxe surprise for your guests to nibble on. Source: MyGourmetConnection.com
hor d’oeuvre: Eggplant Rolls
with walnuts, garlic and herbs

I may have to have a dinner party just so I can serve this dish. The combination of flavors is quintessentially autumn. Source: AZCookbook
hor d’oeuvre: Tomato Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a hor d’oeuvre staple at most gatherings — and for good reason. Tomatos and basil are in their highest season, so why not take advantage of their full and natural flavor? Coupled with a deliciously toasted slice of buttered bread you have a finger food that all your guests will enjoy! Image Source: RealEpicurean.com (click for their recipe, too!)
Soup: Butternut Squash and Garlic Soup

One of my favorite foods of fall is butternut squash soup. I think the key to making this dish extra delish is to add a bit of sweet; whether it be honey, sugar, or a substitute, sweetness really brings out the flavor. Otherwise, it can end up tasting dull. Image Source: Delightful Deliacies (visit their website for their recipe)
Salad: Corn Fritters, Tomato and Arugula Salad

The author of this recipe drizzled a bit of honey over the corn fritters and tossed the arugula in a mixure of white vinegar, olive oil, whole grain mustard, salt and pepper. This salad would also be bolder if the tomato’s were oven roasted. Source: Love and Olive Oil
Pasta Dish: Pumpkin & Parmesan Ravioli
with Rapini & Pine Nuts

In lieu of a traditional pasta dish, consider serving this autumn inspired marriage of pumpkin, pasta, Parmesan and pine nuts. Ravioli is such a comfort food and one your guests will truly enjoy. Source: Under the High Chair
Main Course: Pork Tenderloin with Orange-Sherry Sauce
and a side of braised red cabbage and garlic mashed potatos

“Pork tenderloin is an extremely versatile meat that lends itself well to a variety of seasoning and sauce variations. The pungent flavors of orange and sage complement the pork perfectly and make a beautiful entree for a fall dinner party.” Source: MyGourmetConnection.com
Desert: Autumn Trifle
with Spice-Roasted Apples, Pears, and Pumpkin-Caramel Sauce

There are so many options for deserts in the fall: pies, cakes, and cookies. All comfort foods. I loved this autumn inspired trifle which has many of the same ingredients you’d find in your favorite fall deserts. Source: TravelersLunchBox.com
Signature Cocktail: Autumn Sunset
This is a perfect cocktail for an autumn wedding or cocktail party. Are you in the fall spirits yet? I’m so sad to see summer go, but fall is my favorite season. I love the changing of the leaves, comfort food, warm sweaters and scarves, plus all the fun fall activities.

Autumn Sunset
1 tsp minced pumpkin puree
1 oz brandy
½ oz Calvados
2 oz apple juice
¼ oz grenadine
splash soda
garnish cinnamon stick
Put all ingredients except grenadine and cinnamon stick into cocktail shaker, shake vigorously and pour into a tall martini glass. After pouring, drizzle grenadine on top so it falls to the bottom of the glass to create the effect of an “autumn sunset.”
If you wish to drink this beverage hot, omit the splash of soda. Pour ingredients into 8 oz glass coffee mug, add 6 oz hot water, stir vigorously to blend. Add grenadine as above. Garnish with cinnamon stick plus three whole cloves.
Recipe courtesy of cocktail.com and photograph by Martha Williams.
Signature Cocktail: A Lovely Pear
Okay, I’ll admit it: its a bit cheesy. But I like the occasional corny factor, and so do a lot of you! Therefore, I present:

A Lovely Pear
Insert a collective “awwww”
4 parts Absolut Pears
½ part apple juice
1 part white grape juice
1 ½ part peach puree
1 part lime juice
(Serves two)
Combine all ingredients, shake and strain into 2 martini glasses.Garnish with a Pear slice and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
It does sound super yummy, and would make a cute addition to your wedding day! Thanks to CocktailAtlas.com for the recipe and photograph!










