Entertain Outdoors: Host a Rustic Fall Open House Party

Fall is a beautiful season for outdoor entertaining. Bring a large table out in the yard and set up a buffet for a casual pre-Thanksgiving get-together before friends scatter to visit family.

The holiday season is stressful enough without feeling like you have to go shopping for decor for every party. Just use what you have on hand, things you love, and things that have been collected over time. Ultimately, the look created with those items will be more interesting and personal than a bunch of trendy holiday decor picked up at a store. 

Fill a jar or two with seasonal flowers picked up at a local farmer's market or grocery store (or even clip some dried hydrangeas from your own yard.) Mix those with pumpkins and in-season fruits, like apples and pears, for simple but pretty table decorations. 

Don't worry if your guests outnumber the dishes you have in a matched set, just use plates that are in the same color family or style and it'll lend an eclectic look to your spread. Tip: Vintage luncheon plates, which are smaller than standard dinner plates, are the perfect size for children.