The centerpiece of a great fall harvest party? The food!

Dishes that warm the soul and the palate are what celebrating the fall harvest is all about!

Here are some of my favorite foodie ideas to usher in the season:

1. Start with tantalizing appetizers. How about some applewood bacon and cheddar sliders? Or offer tasty basil pesto gorgonzola kisses, three cheese arancini, herb citrus scallops and lobster flatbread.

2. Whole Smoked Turkey. This is the main event. Delicious and showstoppingly beautiful, the aroma alone will have your guests drooling.

3. Sides with a twist. Try mashed potatoes with porcini mushrooms, carrots with maple glaze or lobster mac and cheese.

4. Finish up strong. Desserts that hail the season are winners like hand-dipped chocolate macaroons, spiced apple streusel tartlets or cognac pumpkin cake!

With a menu like this, no one will forget THIS fall harvest, for sure!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

I love putting the beautiful and bountiful colors of fall front and center this time of year.

Decorate a fall harvest table for your next get together and wow your guests with all the beauty autumn has to offer.

Here are some great ideas for bringing your fall harvest table to life:

1. Decorate with fruit and vegetables that are timely – squash, pumpkins, apples, gourds. The colors arranged together in a bowl or garnishing a serving plate (above) are gorgeous!

2. Napkin rings with a fall flair. I love to use pumpkin-themed napkin rings on my fall table. They really announce the season!

3. Create a centerpiece (or buy one) that incorporates fall themes – changing leaves, gourds, etc. Make it really stand out on your table.

4. Simply place a pumpkin on a cake pedestal. Display several different sizes, shapes and colors of pumpkins on separate pedestals for a simple, yet dramatic, effect.

5. Choose a fall colored table runner, then simply place fall leaves, vegetables, fruits and candles all along it. Elegant and sophisticated!

Have fun setting your own special fall harvest table and enjoy your party!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.