LELA ROSE MAY SPEND a lot of time out West, but when it comes to apple-picking season, the designer (lelarose.com) insists there's nothing quite like the Northeast. For this picturesque party at a friend's orchard, she let the produce inspire the palette, with an assortment of yellows, greens, and reds that lend a golden deliciousness to the table. (The crisp color scheme also coordinates well with Lela's new tabletop collection of linens-including the hand-appliquéd table runner at far right-enamelware, and seat cushions, available at her soon-to-open Jackson Hole store, Lela Rose Ranch.)
Her menu fittingly features apple cider-infused everything alongside crowd-pleasing homemade caramel apples. "Food on a stick evokes that state fair spirit, which speaks to the Texan in me," says Lela. Here, her secrets to a fruitful fall gathering.
Core Curriculum
LELA'S PICKS FOR A HAPPY HARVEST
Grab a Picking Ladder.
It's a well-known fact: Apples taste better when you pick them yourself. (Lela's partial to the Honeycrisp variety: "They're the perfect blend of sweet and tart.") Plan an outing to a local orchard search by state at apple-pickingorchards.com-then gather for a festive dinner before heading home with your haul.
When in Doubt, Add Cider.
Lela's seasonal sipper-a Sparkling Cider and Bourbon Cocktail-infuses sweet and savory flavors. "The apple brings a crispness and the bourbon adds a nice smoky flavor," she says. Also on the menu: Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Warm Apple Cider Dressing (right) and spicy Apple Cider-Glazed Wings. (Psst: Don't forget the world's best Bundt cake; see pg. 46.)
Make a Little Hay.
This story is from the October 2022 edition of Country Living.
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This story is from the October 2022 edition of Country Living.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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