As the leaves start to change color and the air becomes crisp, fall ushers in the perfect
time for cozy gatherings, festive décor, and Halloween fun! Whether you’re hosting a
spooky soirée, a casual get-together, or planning activities to enjoy with family and
friends, fall offers endless opportunities for creativity and celebration.
Here are some of our favorite ways to entertain during the fall season.
1. Host a Cozy Fall Dinner Party
Fall flavors—think roasted butternut squash, hearty soups, chicken pot-pie, and apple
desserts—are perfect for bringing people together. Set the scene with seasonal décor
like pumpkins, rustic table settings, and candles to create a warm and inviting
atmosphere. Consider pairing your dinner with a fun fall spiced cider. We recently hosted a “Friendsgiving” and everyone loved our salted caramel apple cider.
Pro tip: Incorporate mini pumpkins, autumn leaves, and fresh flowers into your tablescape for an elegant seasonal touch.
2. Throw a Halloween-Themed Movie Night
Nothing says Halloween like curling up with a scary movie! One of my all time favorite
parties to plan is for my teenagers. Each year we host a “Scary Movie” night at our
home. We set up a cozy outdoor theater with our Adirondak chairs, and they stay warm
with our firepit and warm blankets. Who says you have to miss out on the candy when
you grow up? The trick or treat bar; consisting of popcorn, homemade donuts and full
sized candy bars is always a hit. We end the evening with night games in the dark.
3. Host a Pumpkin Carving Contest
Carving pumpkins is a quintessential fall activity that everyone loves. Hosting a pumpkin
carving contest is a fantastic way to engage your guests young and old. Provide an array of tools,
templates, and decorations to inspire creativity, and have small prizes for categories like
scariest, funniest, and most creative designs.
Bonus idea: Display your carved pumpkins as outdoor décor for Halloween night!
4. Have an Outdoor Bonfire or Fire Pit Gathering
Take advantage of the cool fall evenings by hosting a cozy outdoor gathering around a
fire pit or bonfire. Provide warm blankets, s’mores kits, and hot drinks like mulled cider
or hot cocoa. The firelight creates the perfect ambiance for an intimate gathering or
storytelling session.
5. Reserve a Family Night at your local Pumpkin Patch
Need and easy no stress, no mess gathering? Each year one of our friends reserves a nearby
pumpkin patch for her friends and their families. The reservation is free because your guest pay their own
way. The family event is usually on a week night and there is a minimum head count to
attend. It has been one of our families’ favorite traditions. But who wouldn’t like hay
rides, con mazes, giant pumpkins, and smore’s roasted on an open fire.
What are your favorite fall activities?!
