An elegant Fall Birthday

 Having an autumn birthday means an elegant affair featuring the delights of the season.It could be a simple brunch or a lovely dinner party. It features fine wine and fine dining.

A birthday brunch usually means Bellinis and mimosas in tall flutes. Sub in the peaches and oranges with one of the fruits of the season pears. You can use fresh pears or canned halves (although using the fresh ones will give it a tangier flavor). Cut up the pears and puree them either in a blender or using an immersion blender. Pour the puree in a third of th e glass.Add a good dry champagne .Another drink perfect for a fall brunch is a tea punch.This is made with black tea and simple syrup. Most recipes call for apple cider but why not amp it up a bit by subbing in the cider with a cup of hard cider for a kick.If you're worried about the oomph or punch of it ,remember it becomes diffused when it 's mixed with the tea. You can also  add a half cup of regular apple cider to lessen it's strength.As for luncheon, think a butternut squash, pumpkin and potato quiche or one rich with leeks and feta. Bake three or four for the guests. Small finger sandwiches work well also. Sub in a chicken and grape salad on croissants and brioches. what about dessert. Think apple cupcakes with a just a dusting of confectioner;s sugar.

As for a dinner, think outside the bottle and try an apple flavored wine or one spiced with cinnamon Hard cider could also worked here but remember it's potent. You may want to  water it down with a plain or flavored seltzer. start the meal off with a fall themed charcuterie board. have cubes of rich Swiss and Gruyere cheese mixed with both sharp and mild cheddars Add ham, apple slices and grapes for variety. as for the bread, go with sliced sourdough  or artesanal rye slices. small hours and pumpkins can be added for decoration. The salad can be an arugula with diced apple and air fried prosciutto strips. Any kind of Wellington dish is always an elegant meal. Go for the original which has beef tenderloin encased in a buttery flaky pastry. You can serve with fall's root vegetable such as sheet pan cooked parsnips and carrots. This dish can be turned vegetarian just by switching out the meat for a mix of mushrooms and lemtils,Miso  , walnuts and tomato paste give it a definite meat like flavor and texture. The sides can be the same. Turnips and carrots crisped in a mix of olive oil and thyme and then oven roasted. End the meal with a pear or apple galette topped with creme fraiche ice cream. If you do want cake, think a simple vanilla one with a cinnamon icing.

A fall birthday is a time for  elegant celebration. It could be a brunch or a dinner.Either way serve sophisticated food and drink for a lovely time.