Fall is such a beautiful season and the perfect time for warm get-togethers like backyard bonfires, pumpkin carving parties, and chili cook-offs. From food to decor to activities, we have some creative fall party ideas to make your autumn celebrations unforgettable!
Use a natural palette
Embrace the rustic side of the season with your fall party decor! Use natural elements like pumpkins, apples, hay bales, leaves, and more to create your centerpieces and other decorations. Buffalo plaid, burlap, and even glitter can all be integrated depending on your color scheme and theme.
Craft a gourd centerpiece
This time of year, there is an abundance of natural elements to include in your ideas for a fall party. Use a mix of white pumpkins and gourds with a runner to create a beautiful and rustic centerpiece that is perfect for Thanksgiving or a fall dinner party. You can even add glass pumpkins and candles to raise the sophistication factor!
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Pick some apple candles
Simple can be so stunning! This unique twist on a traditional centerpiece is an easy DIY project. Or, if you’d rather, just leave the apples intact and add candles around them. Include pieces of wood slices or reclaimed wood for just the right amount of rustic for your fall-themed party.
Add unbe-leaf-able glitter garland
Fall party ideas can be glam, too! While fall foliage can be beautiful on its own, you can also revamp it with some glitter and glue for a sparkly aesthetic. String up your leaves on some twine, then hang them on the wall, your mantle, a dessert table — anywhere that needs a little extra touch!
Plan a festive menu
The perfect fall party foods are made with lots of warm spices and colorful flavors. Your menu should definitely include comfort food favorites like cheese and crumbles, plus festive drinks like cider and punch. We’ve gathered a few recipes to get you started!
Crockpot Apple Butter and Bourbon Meatballs
Start your party with a unique take on classic meatballs! Made in the crockpot (and you can cheat with frozen meatballs), this appetizer is sure to turn heads. With just a few ingredients, these are easy to toss in the pot and let simmer until guests arrive.
Fall Crostini Bar
This might be the best idea we’ve heard in ages! Move over cheese boards; there’s a new obsession in town — a crostini bar. By combining the best of the food worlds, like cheese and bread, you can let your guests build their own perfect appetizers.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
It’s not autumn until the caramel makes an appearance! Blend the best of all the fall flavors with some sweet caramel apple bars. It may take a bit longer than other recipes, but your friends and family will thank you.
Vanilla Chai Tea White Russian
You were probably expecting some sort of pumpkin spice recommendation in our ideas for a fall party, but why not shake things up? The humble chai tea cocktail gets a kick of warmth with vodka and is perfect for fun fall brunches and bridal showers.
Organize some fall party activities
The stifling heat of summer has passed, so enjoy the crisp outdoor air with some backyard activities. Spend time with your friends and family with these cozy fall party ideas.
Gather ’round the fire pit
It’s a fall party favorite for good reason — bonfires and autumn go together like chocolate and marshmallows! Take your backyard bonfire to the next level by passing out cuddly flannel blankets and scented votive candles as party favors. This fall party theme is perfect for birthdays, engagement parties, and Friendsgiving.
Set up a self-serve s’mores bar (or the crostini bar from above) and let your guests settle in around the fire. Add some ambiance with a singing guitarist to lead a chill sing-along. An outdoor movie night is another option for your backyard party that puts your cozy party favors to good use!
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Host a pumpkin party
If you throw your fall party before Halloween, why not make it a pumpkin carving party? Set up tables complete with everything guests need to create something special for their front porch. Download some pumpkin carving templates to help those who aren’t pros.
Pumpkin painting is a great alternative if you’d rather not deal with the mess (and sharp objects). Painting works well for fall party ideas, too since you can tailor the designs to match your decor. You can even get creative with hot glue and add sequins, buttons, ribbons, and more!
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Keep it kid-friendly
While the kiddos would certainly enjoy pumpkin carving and s’mores, you can make it even more memorable for them with some kid-friendly activities. For parties with lots of little ones, invite some cuddly critters like a petting zoo or pony rides. A face painter or balloon twister are both easy entertainment ideas as well that are family-friendly, making them perfect for a family reunion or community event.
Whatever you choose to do for your fall party, the point is to enjoy spending special time with your loved ones before the holiday craze hits. Happy fall, y’all! 🍂
Megan is the Director of Customer Experience at GigSalad and has gained 9+ years of insight on what makes a great event on both sides of the booking process. Her favorite things include books, true crime podcasts, coffee, hiking, puns, and making people laugh.