Now that we're back in the swing of the fall season, take time to celebrate. Whether you're watching a game at home or tailgating at your favorite stadium, you can still entertain outdoors. Here are my tips for making your next fall football party a touchdown!

Fall into autumn

It's time to transition from summer to fall dining.

• Go underground.

  When planning a fall menu, incorporate vegetables that are grown underground. Summer staples like corn and tomatoes are past their prime. Instead, select comforting ingredients like potatoes, squash, beets and parsnips. These heartier vegetables are packed with flavor, and filling enough to carry you through the fourth quarter of the game.

• Warm up the oven.

  Replace cool summer fare (like salads) with warmer, more satisfying dishes. Switch from grilled items like hamburgers and chicken to slow-cooked, braised or oven-roasted options. They're often no more work than quicker recipes – just pop them in the oven and forget about them until dinnertime.
• Mull it over. For chilly fall days, especially those spent outside a football stadium, switch to warm, satisfying options like mulled cider or hot chocolate.

• Fall for fruit.

  Fall fruits are some of my favorites. Choose classics like apples, grapes and pears, or opt for rarer choices such as:
  • Dates: try them dried and stuffed with almonds for a sweet and crunchy snack.
  • Persimmons whether eaten fresh like an apple or dried like a prune, persimmons add a rich, sweet and spicy flavor to your cooking.
  • Quince: I like to cut pieces of quince and add it to applesauce or apple pies to offset the sweetness of these classics.

• Cold-weather complements:

  Update your herbs, spices and sauces to reflect the season. Dig out your cinnamon, coriander, cumin, star anise, nutmeg, sage and thyme. Transform fruits into comforting compotes, and swap light sauces like pesto for heavier sauces and gravies.

Cold-weather entertaining

Cozy up your cold-weather events to be sure your guests are comfortable through the final minutes of the game.

• At home.

  Make your backyard as cozy as possible with a portable backyard fire pit for guests to gather around. I always remind guests to dress warmly, but in case they forget, I keep a stash of sweaters and jackets visible so they don't feel uncomfortable asking for one. If it's too chilly for an entire meal outdoors, I'll serve a single course outside. Try hot chocolate or mulled cider as guests arrive, then head indoors for the main course. If kids (or kids at heart) are invited, serve s'mores for dessert. Your portable fire pit is perfect for roasting marshmallows.

• At the game.

  Bring extra clothing to outdoor tailgates, and don't forget blankets if you'll be heading in to the game. Choose a menu with warming dishes like hot beverages and rich, creamy soups. Your guests will thank you.

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