Planning the Perfect Fall Soiree

I simply adore this time of year. The cool, crisp fall air, the changing leaves and pumpkins everywhere, festive fall coffee flavors in all my favorite coffee shops…what’s not to love? Coming from Texas—where our seasons consisted of hot, hotter and a little less hot—this first Montana fall is especially exciting. Given my affinity for planning parties, what better way to celebrate the start of this thankful season than to host a fabulous get together for all of my friends and family, of course!

Thinking about throwing a fall party of your own? Feel free to “borrow” any or all of my ideas. (After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.) Grab a pen and paper, get inspired, and let’s welcome this fleeting autumnal state with a bang!

Choosing the right invitation is no easy feat. You want the invitation to make the perfect first impression—this sets the tone for your celebration. Thankfully websites like Etsy and Tiny Prints provide beautiful, yet affordable options. (Whatever did people do before the advent of the Internet?) For my party I selected the fun “Fall Fiesta” invite pictured below. This invitation is completely customizable, starts at $2.19 per card (for 25 or less), and is available at www.tinyprints.com. Your guests can even RSVP online (a complimentary service offered with your purchase). What impression does my chosen invitation make? Would you want to attend?

Make a statement with your party décor. You do not have to go overboard with the decorations. I repeat, you do not need to spend a lot of money on decorations. I am firm believer in the “less is more” mantra. With this particular party, I chose to focus on a few select décor elements. First, I selected a beautiful and reusable, fall colored bunting from Etsy ($32 via StarlitNestGifts). How fantastic would this be hanging over a food and sweets table? Next, I would recreate these hollowed out pumpkin and floral centerpieces. Then I would strategically place large glass vases filled with gold painted pumpkins (either DIY or $19.50 for a set of six from www.potterybarn.com) around the room for added visual interest. Repeat with these candy corn candle creations—a quick and easy DIY project—made from mason jars, candles, candy corn, and raffia ribbon in the color of your choice. Finally a piñata in the shape of a Turkey or some other recognizable fall item would be an entertaining touch. Get it, “Fall Fiesta”? And a festive wreath for your front door to welcome your guests as they arrive at your casa never hurts.  

Create the perfect menu. You must serve a signature beverage, and for this party I suggest a warm apple pie cocktail. Here’s the recipe. For your non-alcohol drinkers, may I suggest this crockpot apple cider recipe from Pinterest? (I gave it a whirl this past week and it was amazing.) For the main dish I would serve this fancy pants chili (made with black beans, sweet potatoes, and quinoa). Dessert would consist of miniature jar pies and pumpkin chocolate chip brownies. Blue corn tortilla chips and homemade guacamole would make a splendid appetizer. Delicious, no?

Send your guests home in style with these adorable party favors: crockpot apple butter packaged in a mason jar with a cute gift card and twine. Gratitude never tasted so good!