Just because the weather is starting to get cool doesn’t mean that you have to move your entertaining space inside. There is still plenty of time to use your outdoor space to your advantage. The beauty of the season and the crisp autumn weather can provide a fantastic backdrop for hosting an outdoor gathering. Just use a little ingenuity, imagination, and follow these fall outdoor entertaining tips for a fabulous fall festival. You’ll be sure to find some inspirational outdoor entertaining ideas.
1. Decorate for the season
If you are going to entertain outdoors in the fall, it is the perfect excuse to go all-out with your decor. Line the walkway to your backyard with illuminated pumpkin lights. Deck out your yard for the season with scarecrows and hay bales. Be imaginative with your decor. Repurposing household items is a great way to add flair to your decor without having to spend too much (if any) money. For example, you can turn an old wash tub into a small table or even an outdoor bar. Pumpkins and other gourds have endless possibilities as part of your fall decorations. You can hollow them out and turn them into a vase or even a serving dish.
2. Set up a relaxed seating arrangement
This time of year is perfect for sitting in a big comfy chair underneath a warm and cozy blanket. Make sure your guests have sufficient room to sit and make themselves comfortable. Large wicker chairs and loveseats with oversized cushions are the perfect choices for a cool autumn evening. Be sure to have plenty of blankets for guests who need a little extra warmth. It is also a great idea to set up a fire pit. Not only do fire pits add warmth to a cool evening, but they are also ideal for creating ambiance and have a tendency to be wonderful gathering spaces for quiet conversations. Make sure you have some extra seats and blankets available for unexpected guests!
3. Beverages
A gathering is not complete without beverages. When you plan an outdoor event in the fall, it is essential to have both cold and hot drinks available. For your guests who either do not drink or are the evening’s designated drivers, have an assortment of soft drinks and water. Also, have some warm choices such as hot chocolate or warm cider. You can even serve a non-alcoholic seasonal punch. For the guests who do like to imbibe, try to keep your drink menu simple, Have some seasonal beers available and choose one or two liquors for mixed drinks. Go with the more common and versatile choices such as bourbon and vodka, which should appeal to the masses. Choose one or two signature, seasonal drinks for the evening, such as a Blood Orange Margarita or a Hot Cider Toddy. Your guests will love trying something new, and some will perhaps discover a new favorite.
4. Opt for casual dining
Save your formal fall dining for the Thanksgiving feast. When you entertain outside in the fall, keep the event casual. When you are dining outside, there is no to use fine china. Not only is your everyday dishware sufficient, but you can also even opt for ultra-casual and go with sturdy disposable plates. However, if you choose the latter route, be sure you purchase dinnerware that is durable and will hold up to the food you are serving. Using disposable plates, flatware, and napkins with an autumn color palette will help to add to the festive feel of the party.
Keep your menu simple as well. Stick with seasonal dishes that are savory and soothing. For a main course consider a serve-yourself soup bar. Another option is to make a variety of casseroles using autumnal ingredients. For a side dish, a roasted mixture of root vegetables is the perfect accompaniment to any fall table. Ditch the tired, old pumpkin pie for dessert and opt for something succulent such as pumpkin bread pudding with vanilla-rum custard sauce.
5. Take advantage of the landscape
There is season more beautiful than fall. So, take advantage of the wondrous landscape nature has provided. Set up some games in your yard and let guests play amongst the backdrop of the auburn trees in your yard. If the leaves have started to fall, initiate a leaf-raking contest. Not only will everyone have fun, one of your chores will get completed without you having to lift a finger.
Do not let the changing of the seasons discourage you from entertaining outside. There is still plenty of time to enjoy the great outdoors, right in your own backyard. Don’t forget to keep your outdoor fall event casual and fun. Let Design Furnishings help bring comfort and style to your backyard entertaining. Contact us to see what we have to offer.
If you would like more information, visit our website and speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff at Design Furnishings today!