Visiting an apple orchard, followed up by a chili potluck, is one of my favorite fall activities. Read on for a few tips on how to ensure things run smoothly and a checklist.
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The Tradition Continues
Hi Friends!
With temperatures dropping nationwide, many people turn to fall favorites like apple picking and hayrides.
One of my favorite traditions1 is to go apple picking with friends and then invite everyone over to my house for chili and cornbread. Some years everyone will bring chili and we do a friendly competition. Other years everyone signs up to bring something to add, such as toppings or sides.
I’ve found that it’s less about how good the chili is, or how perfect the apples are. It’s about watching kids pick apples with each other. And it’s about having time to catch up with your friends over food. And it’s about making memories that will enrich and nourish our hearts and souls once the weather gets cold.
Recipe Recommendation: White Chicken Chili
This is an unconventional chili recipe, but my friends and family kept asking for the recipe.
Tip 1: Make chili the night before!!
Just before you leave for the orchard, put the chili in the crock pot so it’s warm when you get back.
Tip 2: Visit the orchard in advance
Unless everyone has been to the orchard before, it's worth going by to survey the area so that when you extend the invitation, you can give specific directions to guests. An advance visit will also give you time to ask questions about the orchard policy, pricing, and hours.
Related: If you like apple cider, you might like the Apple Cider and Ginger Mocktail.
Tip 3: Be clear in the invitation
Make sure you cover when and where to meet, but also how the day will be paced. You can make fancy paper invitations to print and send, but also remember that texts and emails are also acceptable - and sometimes preferred. In situations like this (where extra coordination is required) text and emails can be the best option.
Here is some sample invitation wording: “Hey Sarah, we’d love it if you and your family could join us for apple picking at Smith Orchard, followed by a chili potluck at our place on Saturday, October 6th. The plan is for families to meet up at the orchard at 9 am, pick some apples, and check out the country store, then head back to our place around 11 am. We’ll have chili, cornbread, and a few different dips for apple tasting. Also! If you can only join us for part of the day, we’d still love to see you!”
Related: How to Host a Favorite Things Party (with Sample Wording)
Checklist:
- Plan Logistics (3-6 weeks in advance)
- Pick day/time
- Select orchard
- Send invites (text or email is fine!). See above for some sample wording.
- Grocery Shop (3-7 days in advance)
- Prepare Food (1-2 days in advance)
- Make chili
- Make cornbread
- Prep sides (or ask people to bring sides), such as shredded cheese, sliced jalapenos, tortilla chips, sour cream, or green onions.
What is your favorite chili topping? Discuss in the comments!
Other tips for a chili potluck:
- Use disposable products for easy clean-up! Small paper bowls are great!
- Use fancy dishes to elevate the gathering instantly.
- Ask each person to bring something specific so duplicates don’t happen. Yes, you can use Google Forms or Signup Genius.
Friendly Reminder
Just remember: You can buy premade chili, use paper plates and bowls, and take shortcuts. The important thing is to connect with your family and friends and enjoy their company. It's about making memories.
Cheers!
Susan
P.S. If you're looking for other menu ideas, check out the Lemon Chicken Dinner Menu
Related: Drink inspiration for your next party
- *I did this religiously for a long time until I got divorced and my circumstances changed. So now it doesn’t happen every year. And I do it with a smaller group of girl friends rather than doing it with several families all gathering at my house. ↩︎
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