Being the one that hosts the parties is a title Wind & Willow lovers tend to share. To achieve this honor doesn’t have anytghing to do with how big or perfect your house and has everything to do with your willingness to say yes! Even when you have no plan and the house is a mess.
See, when you have Wind & Willow on hand, you have a last minute party right in your pantry. By gathering just a few additional ingredients you can create a whole menu for a party. Guests will think you prepped for weeks, and they never need to know the difference!
In today’s post, we will walk through a harvest party to celebrate the cooler season on it’s way!
These recipes are so quick, you can pick up the house in between steps. Read to the very last section for our non-food related tips to make your house feel fresh in just 10 minutes.
Hot Apple Cider
The fist thing to do is get the house smelling yummy! Nothing does that faster than apple cider simmering on the stove. Grab a large pot, fill with a gallon of apple cider or apple juice, and stir in Wind & Willow Apple Cider. Greet your guests in from the cool fall weather with the smell of warm spices. It will set a cozy, nostalgic mood without setting out seasonal decorations.
Beer Cheese Hot Dip
The next priority is a hardy, shareable dish that will tide over a crowd while you finish making your main.
Throw cream cheese, sour cream, and Beer Cheese Hot Dip Mix into a bowl. Microwave in 30 second intercals, stirring between each to combine. Pair this dip with pretzels for an appetizer that will feel like a trip to Octoberfest.
Pumpkin Chili
When deciding on a main, think less time cooking, more time with guests! Chili is the perfect hands off meal that is mostly stir and let it simmer. It is also easy to add an extra can of beans to stretch it for a crowd. This Pumpkin Chili uses our Pumpkin Pie Cheeseball Mix to transform it into an extra special dish that will have guests asking for your secret ingredient.
Caramel Apple Cookies
Desserts do not have to be complicated. Semi-homemade is they key to a treat that looks extra special without the time and labor! We love using store-bought or bakery made cookies and topping them with a prepared sweet cheeseball mix. Here, we used Caramel Apple Cheeseball Mix, sprinkled with its included topping. Add apple slices just before serving for a fresh seasonal bite!
Fall Harvest Party in a Flash
With these simple recipes, you can be ready to greet guests in minutes. Fill one pot with apple cider and get your ground beef browning in another. Microwave your hot dip ingredients and set it out for guests to munch on as they come in. Lastly, whip up a Caramel Apple Cheeseball so you are ready to assemble your darling cookies when you get a moment.
The best host isn’t the one with a perfect home—it’s the one who says “Come on over!”—even on short notice. We’ve perfected the art of the 10-minute emergency speed-clean over the years, so throw those last few ingredients into your chili, set the pot to simmer, and let’s get your home guest-ready in a flash!
- Clear the Kitchen Counters: Tuck dirty dishes into the dishwasher (it makes a great temporary holding pen!). Rinse whatever is left and stack it neatly in the sink out of sight.
- Refresh the Powder Room: Wipe down the sink, light a inviting candle, and hang a fresh towel. Stash bathroom clutter straight into drawers—organization can wait!
- Do the “Guest Perspective” Walk: Step out your front door and walk back in with fresh eyes. Take a laundry basket with you to scoop up rogue clutter, straighten up the couch pillows, and smooth out throw blankets.
- Embrace the Closed Door Rule: Tuck that clutter basket into a spare room and shut the door. Unless you’re offering a grand tour, no one is snooping behind closed doors!
Don’t stress over sweeping every crumb—no one is bringing a magnifying glass to your floors. Instead, put on some background music, dim the lights, set out mugs for cider, and get ready to enjoy your evening!
With just a few pantry and fridge staples, your fall harvest party will come together easily and likely without even a trip to the store when you keep Wind & Willow products on hand! Be sure to take pictures of your gathering and tag us @windandwillowfoods on Instagram and Facebook
