How to Throw a Fall Themed Party

After the sweltering heat and outdoor activities of summer, fall comes along with its crisp, cool air, and suddenly we start craving the cinnamon and spice of the holidays. A fall harvest potluck is a great way to kick off the festivities and gear up for the winter party season.

Things You'll Need

• Construction paper
• Cookie cutter or stencil
• Markers
• Fall-themed decorations of your choice
• 10-pound pumpkin

Instructions

1. Make leaf or pumpkin-shaped invitations. Use a cookie cutter or a stencil to trace your leaf or pumpkin-shaped pattern onto construction paper. Cut out your shape and use markers to include all the relevant information on the invitation. Don't forget to ask your guests to R.S.V.P.!

2. Ask each of your guests to bring their favorite fall-themed dish. You can provide the main dish, while guests bring their favorite fall side dishes, salads, breads or desserts. With a potluck style fall party you'll have a bigger variety of food to choose from, and guest participation takes some of the party pressure off you, the host, so you can have a great time as well.

3. Decorate your party space in beautiful fall colors; rich oranges, red, browns and golds. Purchase fall leaf garland, cups, paper plates, and other fall-themed decorations from your local dollar or party supply store. Scent your home with pumpkin spice or cinnamon candles, oil, potpourri, or scented pine cones to really set the mood.

4. Serve chili in a pumpkin. Nothing is better than warm chili on a well, chilly, evening. Cook up a pot of your favorite chili recipe and let it simmer for a couple of hours on the stove. Clean an approximately 10 pound pumpkin and preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Set your pumpkin on a cookie sheet and pour the chili into it. Bake for one and a half hours or until the pumpkin is tender. Then serve the chili to your guests right out of the pumpkin!

5. Sip some spiced cider. Spiced cider is another one of those refreshments that just evokes great fall season memories. Whether you're serving a premixed cider or spicing a jug of orchard cider yourself, your guests are sure to enjoy. For your adult party guests, Captain Morgan rum is a great way to jazz up traditional cider.

Tips & Warnings

• Call each of your guests a couple of days before the party to confirm plans and see what dish they plan to bring. Coordinating beforehand will help you avoid disasters like having several people show up with the same dish.

• If you are going to be serving alcohol at your fall-themed party, be sure your guests are safe to drive before they head home.

Resources

• Party America