This past weekend, we opened our home to friends that feel like family to celebrate the fall season. I had visions of bonfires and mugs of hot, spiked cider, but reality got in my way. It was unseasonably warm and there remains a complete absence of anything resembling a fire pit in my backyard. We need to remedy this. Until life drops a spare weekend in my lap, I guess we'll have to make do.

And make do we did, with a seasonal menu that'll warm and satiate you. Before we dive into the comfort of incredibly good food, let's focus on some details.

For this fall-themed party, I used small gourds, pine cones, burlap, gold accents, and lace to set a color palette reminiscent of the season.

Take a little tour of our decor and soak in the subtleties.

Now for the part we've all been waiting for. The menu. This is one of the elements of entertaining that I really enjoy. Putting together a menu that it is a perfect compliment to the flavors and smells of the season is a challenge I embrace.

For what it's worth, I think we got this one right.

Lots of comforting, hearty soups fragrant with herbs accompanied by appetizers and desserts that emphasize orchard fruits.

The featured drinks combined sweet and spicy with a subtle bite.

The Pumpkin Apple Cider Fizz contains Five Sisters Vanilla Vodka. it made its way to my favorite libation of the night.

Honey Crisp Apple Sangria by Nutmeg Nanny

Pumpkin Apple Cider Fizz by Kitchen Konfidence

Onto the main attraction.

two showstopper soups and stews, accompanied by soft pillows of savory scones, a harvest salad, and hunks of chewy, homemade bread.

Harvest Stew with Smoked Sausage by The Cozy Apron

Pumpkin Soup with Sage & Bacon by 5th and State

Crusty Bread by Simply So Good

Harvest Quinoa Salad by Recipe Runner

Savory Scones with Gruyere, Prosciutto & Green Onion

OUR APPETIZERS WERE MOSTLY FINGER FOODS, WITH DRIED FIGS AND PEARS ACTING AS VESSELS FOR DELICIOUS, SAVORY BITES OF CHEESE, NUTS, AND PROSCIUTTO.

Figs with Goat Cheese & Pistachios by Culinary Ginger

And last but certainly not least, we have two carefully crafted desserts.

Soft, sweet potato cupcakes are adorned with a double vanilla and whiskey glaze and topped with candied pecans. The caramel apple popcorn features apple chips and cinnamon caramel sauce.