This post is sponsored by Harry & David Gourmet, but all opinions are my own. 

I love everything about autumn — the weather, the flavors, the holidays. Tonight I am making the most of the season and hosting a cozy dinner party at home. I’m serving dishes from Harry & David & Gourmet, that are hearty, comforting and sure to make your guests feel cozy, as they welcome the fall season. Savor the fall harvest, and host a dinner party with my expert entertaining tips. The new Harry & David Gourmet collection showcases the brand’s commitment to continued innovation in the various product offerings.

The perfect addition to any fall dinner party is a simple cheese board. The best part about this party appetizer is that you can prepare it in advanced and take it out right before your guests arrive. I combined two different gift sets to create this board and added a few items from my local grocery store for the finishing touch.

The first package is a delectable assortment of thoughtfully selected gourmet salami and cheese. The Charcuterie and Cheese Assortment includes three slow cured Olli salami flavors; earthy Tartufo flavored with truffle oil; fennel-accented Toscano; and apple wood smoked Napoli. They’re joined by three artisan cheeses: savory Face Rock Peppercorn Harvest Cheddar; subtly sweet Beehive Cheese Co. Apple Walnut Smoked; and creamy Sartori® BellaVitano Gold®.

The second package is called the California Classics Collection and includes unique cheeses brought to you by the award-winning Cowgirl Creamery in California. Founded by two veterans of the Bay Area food scene, Cowgirl Creamery is committed to bringing the best of beautiful Northern California to the rest of the country. With a balance of smooth soft cheeses and sharp, piquant classic hard cheeses, there’s something to delight every cheese lover in this collection.

This delectable Lobster-Stuffed Shells Feast is a simple way to impress your dinner party guests this holiday season. These home-style dishes are the epitome of comfort and will have guests begging for the recipes. This time of year everyone is busy, so why not get a little help from the dinner party pros at Harry & David.

Start your experience with crab cakes, made with premium Maine crabmeat, along with herbs and spices. I served these meaty crab cakes on a bed of fresh arugula with a slice of lemon to add a burst of freshness. This also adds a pop of color to your plate, and completes the dish in my opinion.

For the next course enjoy impressive lobster-stuffed pasta shells full of Maine lobster and cheeses that arrive with rich lobster sauce. Before baking I sprinkled a little extra mozzarella cheese on top so the shells had a nice cheesy crust. Of course, this step isn’t necessary but just like the crab cakes it gives the dish an even more homemade touch.

Put the finishing touch on your evening with warm and delightful fudge lava cakes. I mean… who doesn’t love warm lava cake when it’s chilly outside? I added a few raspberries for garnish but you could also add any other fresh berries, or ice cream if you’re feeling extra decadent.

Harry & David has launched a new collection of distinctive gourmet fare, created for everyday entertaining with elegance and ease – Harry & David Gourmet. These exceptional new products, as well as the brand’s iconic homemade delicacies, presenting them in an exciting way, with mouthwatering entrees and flavorful sides that can be mixed and matched for social gatherings, such as cocktail and dinner parties, or for epicurean gifts and everyday enjoyment. The best part is that customers can design an occasion tailored to their budget, as product offerings range from $10 to $400.