Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Photo credit: Bartending News Flash
Early autumn is the perfect time to host a casual party for family and friends. The weather is splendid and the stress of the holidays is still several weeks away. Here are a few simple ideas to host a fabulous fall party and celebrate the change in seasons with friends and family.
1. Shop locally. Make your party a breeze and skip the handmade hors d?oeuvres. Instead, visit a specialty food store in your area and purchase fresh fruit, roasted nuts, artisanal cheese and crackers to serve to guests. Display the items on a beautifully decorated tray or table. Keep it easy but elegant. Opt for a nice tablecloth and beautiful platters. For a little extra fun and a pop of color, provide fall-themed napkins and some fall leaves.
2. Create a unique specialty drink. A ?house drink? is a simple way to make your party exceptional. Make sure your refreshment reflects the season. Your signature cocktail could be something like apple cider mixed with with whiskey or dark rum. Or you could provide an apple and cranberry sangria. Make the cocktails ahead of time and serve them in glass pitchers. Be sure the refreshment table has plenty of glasses and extra ice. It?s a good idea to provide additional refreshments like soda and bottled water for guests who prefer not to drink alcohol.
3. Decorate for fall. Create a harvest theme with pumpkins, squash and gourds. For outdoor lighting, place unscented candles in mason jars or hang strings of lights in trees. Baskets are rustic and charming when filled with napkins, utensils and extra cups. A pumpkin can be hallowed out and used as a vase. Bails of hay covered in warm blankets provide extra outdoor seating. Let your creative side shine.
4. Serve a decadent dessert. Autumn has no shortage of delicious desserts. Whether you make it from scratch or purchase a pre-made treat, keep it seasonal. The options are endless: caramel apple cupcakes, pumpkin spice cake, apple pie, butter pecan cheesecake or ginger cookies. If you have an outdoor fire pit, embrace your inner child and have guests roast marshmallows over the fire.
To get some great decorating and entertaining ideas for fall, visit my
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How to Host a Fabulous Fall Party appeared first on
Jacqueline Whitmore.