A healthy autumn dinner party

Al fresco dining is well and truly over, but eating indoors has its own particular magic, especially in the colder months. So draw the blinds in the kitchen, put on some inspirational music and start preparing this delicious seasonal dinner party

As the darker evenings draw in, being at home in front of a cosy fire with a hot broth is often more enticing than a night on the town. Creamy soups, wholesome casseroles, good conversation and a fine selection of wine are the perfect ingredients for a great night in.

Cooking at this time of year is particularly enjoyable because you haven't got the heat of summer to battle with, and it's a novelty to be tucked up inside in a cosy kitchen, shielded from the cold outdoors.

What's in season?
If you're having friends round for an autumn dinner party, there are plenty of menu ideas to choose from. The days when you could only eat raspberries and salad in the summer or carrots and parsnips in the winter are long gone. Now you can buy almost anything all year round.

However, it's refreshing to cook with foods that reflect the seasons, and at this time of year the most noticeable additions at the supermarket or greengrocer are root vegetables. Now's the time to stock up on sweet potatoes, swedes, carrots, parsnips, pumpkins, turnips, squash and marrows.

These vegetables are great for making soups - think pumpkin and cream, or carrot and lentil - and are wonderful when roasted to perfection; the fluffy yet crisp textures complement most meat, fish and chicken dishes.

But it's not all hearty soups and roasts - it's about being imaginative with what's on offer. You can still eat salad in autumn - think warm salads with chicken livers or pancetta or cheese - and the range and variety of fish and shellfish at this time of year is a cook's dream.

For dessert, try some of the season's best English Apples, such as Worcester's, Windsor's, St Edmunds Russet or Cox's. Make an apple crumble and pour lashings of custard on top. Or try poached pears, apples or plums in red or white wine for a lighter alternative.

With these seasonal treats in mind, here's a suggested autumnal dinner party menu that's warming and comforting while still light and healthy. So get on the phone, get your friends round and put some crisp dry white wine in the fridge to chill.