Celebrate Everyone's Favorite Season With Creative Fall Party Ideas
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Ree Drummond once proclaimed, "I would like to officially declare that fall is my favorite season." And she's totally right! The season is a mix of enjoying the chilly weather, visiting the best spots to see foliage, and, of course, trying pumpkin spice-flavored everything. And there's so much to celebrate, too. Between weekend tailgates and seasonal holidays, there’s always a reason to gather friends and family. If you’re looking for some inspiration on just what type of festive fête to throw, look no further than these 30 fall party ideas.
Luckily, some of autumn's best moments give way to natural themes like a costume bash for Halloween or a Friendsgiving feast. You can even host a Falloween party. (Yes, that's totally a thing.) You can also incorporate fall activities like attending football games. Throw a fun backyard tailgate before heading out or make that cornhole game a friendly tournament that will work up an appetite.
Like any party, you want to prepare in advance. Pick a theme so you know what kind of fall décor to use and what type of menu you want to serve. Then decide what sort of dress code you're thinking: cozy and casual or costumes. It is spooky season after all! And finally, send out invites with plenty of time for guests to RSVP. This will also give you the space to communicate not only date and time, but what they should bring if it's a potluck situation and how to dress. Then get ready to party it up all season long!
Plan for other autumnal celebrations:
Fall Harvest Cook-Off
There's such a bounty of delicious fruits and vegetables come fall. Challenge your friends to a cook-off to use seasonal ingredients and then taste everything to declare the winner. It's like a potluck with a delicious twist!
Mulled Drinks Tasting
When there's a chill in the air, there's nothing better than hot drinks to warm you right up. The added spice and complexity of flavors that you get when you mull cider, wine, or juice will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Cornhole Tournament
Since it's tailgate season, you're going to break out your cornhole set anyway. So why not put it to good use and host a tournament? A little friendly competition will work up an appetite and you can serve lots of seasonal foods to keep them satisfied.
Pumpkin Spice Party
Do you like pumpkin spice? We bet your friends do, too! Why not celebrate the most popular flavors of fall by hosting a party featuring all things pumpkin spice? You can make savory recipes, sweet desserts, and even bread. Don't forget the PSLs to drink!
Murder Mystery Dinner
There are so many all-in-one kits you can buy that it's easy to host your own murder mystery dinner. Choose a theme like '70s disco and make everyone dress up so they're in character and in the mood to solve a crime!
Soup Soiree
If you're anything like us, as soon as you feel that first autumn chill, all you want is a warm and hearty bowl of soup. That's why your next gathering should feature the fall favorite! From classic chicken-noodle and tomato soups to creamy potato soup, set up a soup spread (along with a DIY fall centerpiece) to give your guests all the best options.
Painting Party
It's time to let your creativity shine as bright as the harvest moon with a fun painting party! Gather all of your pals along with some craft supplies like acrylic paint, canvases, brushes, and easels, then get ready to create a fall foliage masterpiece (or two)! Need a few ideas? Cornucopias, autumn scenery, and pumpkins make for great artwork!
Candle-Making Crafternoon
There's something about the cooler seasons that just makes us want to light a fall candle and cuddle up on the couch to watch our favorite fall movies. So, a cozy candle-making event is sure to be a hit. Host a DIY workshop using mason jars and seasonal scents like pumpkin spice, apple cinnamon, butterscotch, vanilla, and so many more. You'll have the best time with friends, plus they can all take home their handmade aroma!
Stargazing Slumber Party
The only thing better than a sleepover with all of your best gal pals is a sleepover under the stars! Grab your snug knit blankets and warm flannel pajamas then set up in your backyard or even in the back of a pickup truck! The autumn sky is sure to bring exciting seasonal constellations and a range of planets for a beautiful nighttime show.
Cheese Tasting Event
As delectable harvest flavors begin to pop up at your local farmers market, it’s the perfect time to dig into a new cheese palette. Baked brie, savory cheddars, aged goudas–you really can't go wrong with any of it. So, why not have your friends over for a fun tasting? Bonus points if you pair it with wine. Bonus bonus points if your cheese slices are leaf shaped!
Game Day Bash
Even if you're not into sports, there's no denying that chicken wings and other game day foods are the best. This snack-cuterie board filled with chips, dips, and other munchies will please a crowd.
Halloween Spooktacular
Halloween treats can be super fun (and sometimes even a little scary!). Lean into the spooky season by getting friends and family together and serving them a bunch of cool treats and Halloween punches that are scary delicious.
Party for the Pups
What's better than hanging out with friends? Spending time with their cute dogs, duh! Try making these woof-worthy peanut butter dog cupcakes from Chungah at Damn Delicious and serve them alongside some human treats for an epic puppy play date.
Pumpkin Decorating Party
Sure, pumpkin carving is fun. But if you want your pumpkin to last a while, try leaving it whole and painting it! You can create tons of fun designs like these pretty florals, plus, there's no scooping seeds involved. Here are some great pumpkin painting ideas to get you started.
Floral Arranging Fette
Spring might get all the credit when it comes to beautiful blooms, but fall produces some pretty fantastic flowers (like Ree's favorite, sunflowers!). Take a flower-arranging class with friends or just gather at someone's house with supermarket bouquets and have fun freestyling. Check out these Halloween-friendly arrangements to get you started.
Cookbook Swap
People are always looking for new recipes, especially new seasonal ones. Host a cookbook swap with friends so that everyone can leave with some inspiration. Even better? Have a get-together a few weeks later and make dishes from those books. (Speaking of cookbooks, check out Ree's!)
Apple Dipping Party
You know what's more fun than bobbing for apples? Eating ones that are coated in caramel! Set up a caramel apple station, equipped with dipping sauces like caramel, candy coating, chocolate, peanut butter, Nutella, and more. Then add little bowls filled with toppings like sprinkles, pop rocks, and M&Ms.
Costume Contest
How cute does Ree's pup look in this silly costume? Throw a costume party for people or their pets (or both!), and a good time is guaranteed.
Mug Cake Madness
Everyone likes cake, but everyone will love a cake you can make in just minutes. Have a few different batters ready for people to pour, then have cute mugs they can take home at the ready. After the mug cake is cooked, hook guests up with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, toffee, you name it!
Jean Jacket Makeover Party
Everyone loves a makeover, and this fashion one is easy as pie! Have friends bring over their beat-up (or brand new) denim jackets, and have tons of iron-on patches ready so everyone can customize their coat. Ree would probably choose flowers like these roses, but there are tons of cute options out there.
Fall Flavors Brunch
Brunch has no season—it's always a welcome way to celebrate with friends. Make this one special by hosting a brunch packed with fall flavors like pumpkin pancakes, apple pie bars, and pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls.
Friendsgiving
Many people spend actual Turkey Day with family, but it's nice to be able to celebrate with friends. Throw a more casual Thanksgiving bash for those who feel just like family. Use it as an opportunity to try out new Thanksgiving recipes, too!
Movie Night
The air may be cool and crisp, but that makes it the perfect excuse to snuggle up under a cozy blanket and enjoy a flick outside. Set up a projector and a screen (or sheet!) plus cute concession snacks, and you're all set. Check out these fall-tacular movies if you don't know what to show.
Pie Bakeoff
Let yourself and your friends prove your pie prowess by hosting a bake-off with a blind tasting to encourage a little friendly competition. (For a guaranteed winner, make this caramel apple pie or pumpkin cream pie.) Winner gets this adorable pie plate!
Yard Game Fun
How fun does this giant Jenga game look? Ree's daughter, Alex, and her friends definitely had a great time, and they're onto something! With the weather still warm enough to enjoy time in the yard, set up your favorite outdoor games and embrace the last of the great weather.
Campfire Fun
Did someone say s'mores? Set up your fire pit, put out some graham crackers and marshmallows, and watch people toast away. You can also move the party inside with this no-fail s'mores recipe.
Oktoberfest Beer Tasting
Get into the fall spirit at home with your very own Oktoberfest. Buy different varieties of beer (including some pumpkin beers) and have a tasting with friends. Soft pretzels are encouraged.
Wreath Crafting Session
You've probably heard of wine-and-painting classes, so create your own fall version with wine or beer as well as some wreath-making supplies like a wire wreath form, glue gun, and faux folliage. Check out these 35 fall wreaths for some great inspiration!
Mixology Class
Have you ever wanted to know how to make a killer pumpkin cocktail? Have friends over and try out a recipe or two. If there's a mixology expert in your friend group, have them give some tips and pointers as you mix.
Leaf Peeping Picnic
Checking out the vibrant colors of changing leaves is one of the most iconic fall activities. Host a leaf-appreciation picnic by setting up camp in a pretty park or yard that has great autumnal vibes. Pack seasonal, portable dishes like these simple fall salads.
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