10 Tips for an Outdoor Fall Party

Host a cozy outdoor gathering this fall using an abundance of seasonal recipes, warm textures and relaxed seating your guests will love.

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these links.

August 25, 2020

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Related To:

Host a Cozy Fall Gathering

To turn an everyday deck into a rich, warm spot to enjoy the autumnal weather, this outdoor space is furnished with comfy seating, a modern fire pit and creature comforts in shades of cranberry and forest green.

Add a Handmade Welcoming

Bring a modern harvest vibe to your front door with a dried corn wreath. Attach corn husks and felted ball stems to a grapevine wreath with colorful yarn.

Make It: Bring a Modern Touch to a Dried Corn Wreath

Set Up Relaxed Seating Arrangements

To encourage conversation among both friends and acquaintances, position lounge chairs around a fire pit with s'mores and cocktail essentials. Encouraging guests to face one another helps facilitate easy conversation.

Keep Extra Seating on Hand

You never know which of your guests will ask to bring last-minute guests of their own. To ensure a spot for everyone, keep collapsible seating options nearby. These classic leather stools aren't just stylish, they're also durable and comfy.

Serve an (Easy!) Signature Cocktail

Put your own twist on classic cocktails to make fall gatherings more personal. Add a fall-inspired touch to a margarita with a splash of apple juice and a pinch of ground cinnamon.

Get the Recipe: Sip on Cinnamon Apple Sangria at Your Fall Gatherings

Use Trendy Fall Hues

Skip the orange and brown this fall, and choose a color scheme that's rustic and classic. The outdoor spaces of this house are decorated in shades of pine green and cranberry, a seasonally appropriate but less expected palette for autumn.

Keep It Cozy

One of the quickest and easiest ways to transform your outdoor seating spaces for fall use is to add throw blankets. Since the temperature can take a dip once the sun goes down, cozy blankets will help keep guests warm as they stick around into the evening.

Dress Up a Campfire Favorite

Put a new spin on brownies with a s'mores touch. Add graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows to a brownie recipe to create a mashup of two dessert favorites.

Get the Recipe: Make Boozy, Oven-Baked S'mores for a Grown-Up Treat

Opt for a Casual Dining Style

Formal dining can be a bit stuffy. Fall entertaining calls for casual, family-style serving. (And who said you can't start with dessert?)

Use Upcycled Serving Trays

Instead of basic serving trays, use repurposed items to serve up drinks and desserts. Here, a weathered sled keeps all of the basics for hot chocolate and s'mores within reach.

Shop This Look

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

HGTV Urban Oasis 2021

HGTV Designer of the Year Awards

Help! I Wrecked My House

Fall Decorating Ideas

Pumpkin-Carving Templates

Gorgeous Fire Pit Designs

10 Tips for an Outdoor Fall Party

Related To:

Host a Cozy Fall Gathering

Add a Handmade Welcoming

Set Up Relaxed Seating Arrangements

Keep Extra Seating on Hand

Serve an (Easy!) Signature Cocktail

Use Trendy Fall Hues

Keep It Cozy

Dress Up a Campfire Favorite

Opt for a Casual Dining Style

Use Upcycled Serving Trays

Shop This Look

HGTV Fall House 2016

50 Gorgeous Fall Container Garden & Planter Ideas 50 Photos

Celebrate Autumn With the Season's Best Porches and Patios 61 Photos

20 Gorgeous Fall Hanging Basket Ideas 20 Photos

Throw the Ultimate Backyard Oktoberfest Party 50 Photos

40 Outdoor Fall Decor Ideas to Step Up Your Seasonal Display 41 Photos

45 Warm Appetizers for Cold-Weather Entertaining 45 Photos

Related Pages