Fall Weddings: Bon Apple-tite!

Fall weddings have a special magic. The scenery will take your breath away, but the crisp air can sometimes make you see your breath. Warm up with a cup of hot, spiced apple cider. Some reception halls may offer it as an option, or use this recipe to make your own (not more than a week) in advance.

Ingredients:
3 gallons apple cider
48 whole cloves
4 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Simply combine all ingredients in a large canning or lobster pot and boil for five minutes. Strain, let cool, and store in plastic jugs until the big day. This recipe will make about 48 mugs of cider, so multiply as needed for your guest list. Have miniature cinnamon sticks on hand for guests to use as stirring sticks.

If you'll be having a crew of kids, consider serving plain-Jane cider as well since most children won't appreciate the spiced flavorings. Some fall-inspired games and treats can spice up the night for all ages. Bobbing for apples is a bit too messy, but seeing who can eat the most of an apple-cider donut hanging from a string will have everyone getting competitive. Serve caramel or candy apples in slices so guests won't get too messy. Many candy shops offer a vast variety of gourmet treats covered in everything from dark chocolate to peanuts to nonpareils.

Don't let the fun stop when the clock strikes midnight, keep the cider flowing with flavored favors. Order individually wrapped caramel apples (in regular or petite sizes) for guests to take on the road as well.

Ingredients:
1 (9 oz.) jar powdered orange drink mix
1 (4 oz.) jar lemon flavored iced tea mix
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. ground ginger

Simply combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Divide out into small containers, try miniature jelly jars, and seal tightly. Create apple-shaped tags with a message like this:

Thank you for sharing with us the precious moments of this day. Please enjoy a cup of hot apple cider on us and remember the memories we made today. To serve: mix 3 teaspoons mix and 1 cup boiling water in mix until mix is dissolved. Enjoy.

Tie tags on with cute ribbon or raffia and adorn festively for adorable, edible favors. This recipe makes about 5 cups of mix, so multiply as needed for your guest list.

To further your theme, decorate the tables with fresh apples for an inexpensive and festive centerpiece or go for bride and groom caramel apples amid an edible, fruit arrangement. Bon Apple-tite!