With calm weather and beautiful fall foliage, autumn is a wonderful time of year for a get-together. From Halloween celebrations to Oktoberfest and backyard tailgate parties to harvest festival gatherings, there are plenty of reasons to host a party this time of year. Plus, there are numerous ways to enhance a party so that it’s in tune with the fall season. If you’re searching for fall-themed party ideas to make your gathering extra special, here are four valuable tips for planning a fall party outdoors if you like celebrating in autumn.
Plan an Autumn-Inspired Menu
Those who intend on celebrating a fall party in the autumn months should provide their guests with a meal that fits the nature of the season. Caramel apples are a perfect fall flavor, and one fun way to enjoy them is by setting up a station for guests to make their own! Pumpkin and apple pie are both great dessert picks, but if you plan on having a campfire, it’s an excellent opportunity to make s’mores. If you’re planning to have your gathering around Halloween, don’t be afraid to offer candy, sweets, and other spooky treats. Additionally, squash-based meals, such as squash soup, are an appropriate menu option for the harvest season.
Of course, you shouldn’t neglect to provide autumn-inspired drinks and beverages for your guests! Some of the best fall-themed party ideas include setting up drink bars so attendees can craft their own cup of apple cider or hot chocolate. Not only will they be able to prepare their mug in a way that satisfies their own unique tastes, but it will certainly warm them up on a cool fall evening. Additionally, the best fall gathering ideas for adults involve alcohol — so don’t be afraid to incorporate rum shots and beer into your cider station. Plus, you can even have seasonal cocktail options or mulled wine available for adults to enjoy.
Participate in Fall-Themed Activities
If you plan on celebrating in the autumn season, you should find appropriate activities to entertain your guests. Pumpkin carving is one event you can offer that will allow everyone to bring home something to decorate their house for Halloween — plus, you can even host a pumpkin carving contest and award the winner with a fun prize! There are many other fall-themed party ideas that involve crafting activities, like leaf garlands or wreath making. This will also be a great opportunity to craft flower crowns if your gathering revolves around Oktoberfest.
The darkness brought about by fall’s earlier evenings is perfect for movie nights — if you’re only a few days away from Halloween, this is an ideal time to host a scary movie marathon. Hosts who are willing to go all the way for their party can transform their home into a haunted house for guests to explore. Alternatively, you can celebrate the autumn season with a harvest festival theme. There are a wide range of classic party games to consider, from sack races to cornhole competitions. If you have children attending the event and you want to take advantage of your outdoor space, booking a bounce house rental can provide a fun attraction for them.
Select Decor That Fits With Autumn
When celebrating in autumn, your fall party should look the part; that is to say, you should pick decorations that complement the autumn season. Pumpkins naturally come to mind, and they, or other kinds of squash, can be used. However, there are more fall features you shouldn’t forget, such as acorns, colored leaves, corn, and more, that you can incorporate into wreaths or other types of decor. Hay bales can be used as seating to establish a hayride feel for the event — plus, they’re able to easily seat a large number of quests, big and small.
Given that nighttime comes earlier in autumn, you can use the extra hours of darkness to your advantage when planning party decor. For instance, lighting can not only provide illumination for guests but also contribute to the ambiance of your party. Lit candles can cultivate either a rustic feeling or add to a spooky atmosphere for a Halloween party, especially if they’re inside jack-o-lanterns. Hanging lanterns and bonfires can also create an alluring glow to help give your party a warm and cozy vibe.
Prepare For Fall Weather
While many fall-themed party ideas are for fun, others are for the well-being of your guests. If you intend to host a fall party in the autumn season, it’s wise to account for the changing weather. While it may not be as cold as winter, the air is still chillier at night than it is during the summer, so you’ll want to prepare for it so your guests aren’t uncomfortable. Ask your attendees to dress for the weather so that they’ll come wearing coats, sweaters, and other attire that can help them stave off the cold.
Bring cozy blankets for others to use and set up your lanterns, candles, or a campfire, so the moon’s earlier rise doesn’t blanket the party in the darkness. However, be mindful that your warm bonfire won’t last forever — procure extra tinder, logs, and fuel so it can keep burning bright throughout the duration of the party. Of course, don’t forget to keep a bucket of water on hand in case you need to extinguish the flames.
Additionally, the shorter days of the season might influence the time of day you host the party for this reason. If you prefer to host your party while there’s still light out, then be sure to invite guests earlier so you can celebrate for longer periods of time. The date you plan the event can change based on the shortening days or if you want to have it when the leaves are starting to change color.
If you’re looking for tent rentals in Bucks County, PA, and the surrounding area for your upcoming autumn party, contact Fun For Everyone! Our Bucks County party rentals include food cart rentals and much more so that your fall-themed party ideas can be brought to life. For more information, reach out to us today!