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One of our absolute favorite things during the fall is hosting our friends as much as possible!
Fall always seems to be a grind before the holiday season hits, but any chance we get to host a casual get-together with all our closest friends, we take it. When it comes to hosting this time of year, there’s so many things you can do. You can host a fall movie night, a mystery game night, or our absolute favorite…a fall backyard party.
There are so many fun party foods, decorations and activities for fall backyard parties, and today we aren’t gatekeeping anything. We’re going to break down everything you need to host the fall backyard party of your dreams.
Keep reading to make sure you have everything on the list!
Want more fall activities and festive ideas? Check out these articles:
- How to Host the Ultimate Fall Movie Night + Fall Movie Bucket List
- 18 Cute October Nail Ideas to Save for Your Next Nail Appointment
- 16 Fall Hobbies That Are Perfect for Sweater Weather
How to Host a Fall Backyard Party
1. Invite Your Guests
First things first, you have to send out an invite to your guests. Whether you prefer to send a paper invitation or an invite via text, it’s totally up to you. We love sending paper invites to friends, it’s such a nostalgic, fun thing to do to make you guests anticipate the celebration to come.
FALL PARTY E-VITE
FALL PATIO PARTY PAPER INVITE
2. Set Party Guidelines
You may be wondering why “setting party guidelines” is necessary for a casual party with friends, but it’s super helpful for you and your guests to know. It’s basically outlining how you want your guests to arrive to the party.
- Is there a theme for the party?
- Is there a dress code (costume requirement)?
- Would you like them to bring any party food to help out?
If these are things you want your guests to know, make your requests known on the invitation or when your friends RSVP back. That way everyone is on the same page for the party.
3. Select a Menu
Fall is our absolute favorite season — mostly because of the cozy food we get to make. Hosting a party just gives us the biggest excuse to serve (and eat) all of the delicious fall-inspired party food.
There are so many great things to add to your menu, so planning ahead of time is a must — everything from delicious fall charcuterie boards, autumnal pasta dishes and delectable pumpkin spice desserts.
FALL APPLE CHEDDAR CHARCUTERIE BOARD
CHEESY PUMPKIN LASAGNA
PRETZEL FOCACCIA BREAD
SPOOKY FRANKESTEIN BROWNIES
BISCOFF WHITE CHOCOLATE MACADAMIA NUT COOKIES
CARAMEL APPLE DESSERT BARS
5. Set the Scene
Besides cooking yummy fall foods, decorating for the occasion might be our favorite thing. For fall, creating as cozy and warm of a setting as possible is the goal.
For the table setting, use a neutral table cloth over a table in your backyard. Set the table with gorgeous, warm-toned dinnerware and add a centerpiece made of mini pumpkins and candles.
To add some decorative elements on your backyard patio or in the yard, string lights from the trees or porch posts. Decorate with pumpkins and potted mums.
Lastly, play a cozy fall jazz playlist to set the mood for the evening.
FALL TABLE CLOTH
FALL PLASTIC PLATES
PUMPKIN & LEAF STRING LIGHTS
WOVEN PLACEMATS
CANDLE VOTIVES
FALL HOPS STEM
6. Plan Fall Games and Activities
- Pumpkin Painting: Have your guests bring a pumpkin to paint at the party. Lay out a tarp on the grass and have fun decorating your pumpkin with cute designs. In this post, we share cute mini pumpkin painting ideas you and your friends can try.
- Make S’mores: A cool fall evening calls for s’mores making. There’s so many fun s’more flavors you can try now — classic Hershey Bar, Reeses, cookies instead of graham crackers.
FIREPIT
S’MORES ROASTING STICKS
- Bunco: One of our absolute favorite games to play with a large group of people is Bunco. If you don’t know how to play, here’s a great Bunko game set to use for your party.
BUNcO GAME KIT
- Caramel Apple Bar: We absolutely love the idea of setting up a caramel apple bar. Give your guest options, like different types of apples and an array of toppings — sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, mini M&Ms, crushed Oreos and more.
- Murder Mystery Game: There’s no better time of year to play a murder mystery game than in the fall. The beautiful crisp in the air and spooky feeling around Halloween, makes this the absolute best party activity.
7. Give Guests Fall Party Favors
We absolutely love sending our guests home with something little to tell them how much it meant for them to come celebrate the evening with us. For fall we recommend giving your guests a packaged sweet treat or small diy gift as they walk out the door. Here are some of our favorites:
FALL DESSERT BAR
PUMPKIN HOT CHOCOLATE BOMB
