celebrate

Give a Fall Facelift toOutdoor Entertaining

Whether it’s pumpkin spice everything, sweater weather or the anticipation of the holidays, there are many reasons to be excited about this time of year. Autumn is the perfect time to extend the warm-weather fun and celebrate with some fall-focused outdoor entertaining.

Just as the weather is changing, so can your approach to cooler weather celebrations. Try these tips to help you make the most of your fall festivities: • There’s no need to say farewell to the outdoors just yet. Make the focal point of your party a cozy outdoor setting, such as a patio with heaters or a fire pit. Add some warm blankets and comfy pillows, and you’ll hardly notice the lower temps. • Remember days get shorter as they grow colder, so a fall get-together may require special lighting to keep things going after the sun goes down. Fall-inspired string lights, lanterns or candles can add the perfect ambiance for a party that lasts well into the late-night hours. You can find great, affordable options online. • While it may seem like time to swap the tiki drinks and frozen cocktails for hot toddies and spiked ciders, fall doesn’t mean you must say goodbye to warm-weather favorites. Put an autumn twist on go-to drinks by adding in fall spices. This easy mulled sangria recipe is perfect for sharing with friends at outdoor celebrations.

Find more ideas for fall entertaining at WineFix.com.

Cinnamon Mulled Sangria

Recipe courtesy of the World Wine Guys, authors of “Red Wine”

1 bottle Eppa Sangria 1 cup apple cider 1/2 cup Licor 43 liqueur 2 cinnamon sticks 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar 3 whole cloves 1 strip orange peel 2 green apples, sliced

In large saucepan, mix sangria, apple cider, liqueur, cinnamon sticks, brown sugar, cloves and orange peel. Bring to simmer over medium heat and cook, stirring, 5 minutes, or until sugar dissolves. Stir in apples and simmer additional 5 minutes. Serve warm with desired garnishes.

Appetizer for

Easy Entertaining

When it comes time to entertain family and friends, it’s important to have a few simple, warm appetizers and small plates at the ready. Plan your menu with recipes that can be prepped ahead of time and popped in the oven when guests arrive. It can make hosting easier and more enjoyable.

A versatile ingredient that can enhance your favorite sweet and savory recipes, Musselman’s Apple Butter is more than just a spread. It’s made the oldfashioned way for perfect texture and a rich apple-cinnamon flavor, giving parties and get-togethers a unique taste in recipes like these Apple Brie Bites.

Find more appetizers ideal for entertaining at musselmans.com.

Apple Brie Bites

Servings: 24 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed 5 ounces Brie cheese 1/2 cup Musselman’s Apple Butter 1/4 cup pecans, chopped Heat oven to 400 F.

Grease mini muffin pan. Press seams of puff pastry sheet together. Cut sheet into quarters then each quarter into six pieces. Use rolling pin to flatten each piece of pastry into square shape. Place one square into each muffin cup. Put 1/2 teaspoon brie, 1 teaspoon apple butter and 1/2 teaspoon chopped pecans into each muffin cup. Bake 13-15 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm.

Sonny Acres Farm - West Chicago

Sonny Acres Farm offers endless possibilities to make your next event unforgettable, boasting 22 acres of space, making it the perfect option for just about any occasion. From breathtaking weddings set amidst one of our scenic backdrops to large scale corporate events, family reunions, kids birthday parties and more, the customization options are flexible and pair perfectly with any occasion. Treat your guests to our seasonal offerings including access to amusement rides, petting zoo, hayrides and much more. For more information visit www.sonnyacres.com. [See our ad on the Back Cover.]

WhirlyBall - Naperville

Whether you’re celebrating a loved-ones birthday, a team-building event, or a holiday party, WhirlyBall Naperville has you covered for non-stop fun! In addition to WhirlyBall, there’s a multi-level LaserTag arena, eight bowling lanes, a four-lane VIP private bowling suite, and HyperBowling. Offering a relaxed yet elevated dining experience featuring fresh takes on classic American fare, an expansive collection of 24 rotating craft beer selections, and refreshing signature cocktails. Reserve your space today! WHIRLYBALL NAPERVILLE, 3103 ODYSSEY CT, 630-932-4800, WhirlyBall.com/Naperville

Fleetwood Roller Rink - Summit

Fleetwood Roller Rink (established 1957) is a family-owned business. Our venue hosts public skating, birthday parties (our specialty) privates and fundraisers. We promote family fun for all ages plus for “health sake, roller skate” Come visit us and join in our fun. Instruction available every Saturday at 1 pm Check for our ongoing specials and public skating times. Located at 7231 West Archer Ave., Summit. 708-458-0300. www.fleetwoodrollerrink.com