45 Fall Harvest Party Ideas

Gather friends and family to celebrate the season with our favorite autumnal activities, decorating ideas and seasonal recipes.

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September 30, 2022

By: Maria Conti and H. Camille Smith

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Host the Ultimate Autumn Fête

Dust off your fire pit, slip on some plaid and pull out your favorite charcuterie board because fall is here, friend. And what better way to welcome the season than with a festive harvest fête with your family and friends? Whether you’re planning a laidback get-together or an elegant autumn soirée, we’re dishing all our best harvest-themed decor, recipes and activities to make your event unforgettable. Keep clicking to check out our top 30 fall harvest party ideas to recreate at home.

Get More Ideas: 36 Outdoor Get-Together Themes and Ideas for Fall Entertaining

Prepare for Bushels of Fun

Treat family and friends to bushels of fun this fall with an apple orchard-inspired harvest party. Drape your patio table with a cozy plaid picnic blanket and top with a centerpiece of golden sunflowers, dried hydrangeas and trailing fall fruits. For a final apple-inspired touch: Make our DIY apple garlands using an upholstery needle to thread jute twine through five glossy red apples.

See More Photos: Celebrate Fall With an Apple-Themed Outdoor Get-Together

From: Marian Parsons

Gather Around a Fire PIt

Invite your loved ones around the fire pit for cozy conversation at your fall harvest party. Sweeten the fireside hangout with plenty of cozy outdoor throw blankets, spiked cider and s’mores supplies for guests of all ages to enjoy.

Get the Recipe: 3 New Ways to Make Campfire S'mores

Put On Your Best Plaid

Celebrate the harvest in style with a mad-for-plaid party. Invite your guests to sport their favorite plaid button-downs, checked tops and tartan skirts. Don't forget the pattern-clad decor; dress your picnic table in an autumnal plaid throw and finish off with a rustic apple, pear and artichoke centerpiece.

Get More Ideas: 5 DIY Ways to Go Mad for Plaid This Winter

From: HGTV Magazine

And, Use Your Prettiest Plates

This is a party after all so dust off those hand-me-down or thrifted beauties and put them to work. Setting the table with vintage dishes and glassware (especially if they're family heirlooms) is a sure way to make any get-together feel more special. But, don't worry if you only have a few dishes from a particular set — mismatched place settings are super trendy so just use what you have.

See More Photos: Love Wins: Wow Guests With a Rainbow-Themed Vintage Table Setting

From: H. Camille Smith

Make It a Pot Luck

Reduce the pressure of hosting by asking your guests to bring their go-to fall recipes to share with the crowd. Another fun idea: Assign your friends with a unique harvest-inspired ingredient and ask them to create a dish revolving around that particular fruit or vegetable.

Cozy Up Your Table With Faux Fur Throws

Warm up chilly outdoor (or even indoor) events with a few faux-fur throws. Adding these irresistibly fluffy, fuzzy throws will keep your harvest party guests warm throughout dinner and add a soft, autumnal flair to the table design.

See More Photos: Rustic + Refined: Set a Stunning Fall or Winter Table Setting

From: H. Camille Smith

Or, Go Mad for Plaid

Faux fur not your cup of cider? No sweat, friend. Achieve the same cozy harvest-ready look with plaid blankets instead. Drape folded tartan throws over each of your outdoor chairbacks for a tidy, tailored look.

Get the How-To: Make This Waterproof Picnic Blanket + Carrying Handle

Cue the Charcuterie

‘Tis the season for charcuterie boards. Celebrate accordingly at your harvest party by serving a mix of seasonal cheeses, meats and fruits. Some of our favorite fall delights include figs, dates, pomegranates, slivered pear, cranberry goat cheese, prosciutto and dried salami. Don't forget to pile on a few fresh-from-the-oven baguettes and lots of crunchy crackers and nuts.

See More Photos: How to Stock a Party-Perfect Charcuterie + Cheese Board

From: James Farmer

Or, Take the Vegetarian Route Instead

Move over, charcuterie. For a no-cooking-needed feast that'll satisfy vegetarians and carnivores alike, try this super hearty spread that pairs garden-fresh veggies with a variety of light and spreadable cheeses.

get the recipe: The Ultimate Vegetarian Cheese Board

From: Heather Baird

Mix Up a Seasonal Sangria

Leave your guests feeling warm and cozy from the inside out with our famous fall sangria recipe. The boozy libation starts with a pinot noir and bourbon base and is layered with autumn flavors by way of oranges, nectarines, pears, plums, figs and fresh mint. Get your buzz on with the full recipe, below.

Get the Recipe: Fall Sangria Recipe

Bring the Biergarten to Your Backyard

Entertaining Rule #124: Everyone loves a themed soirée. Give your guests something festive to look forward to and turn your backyard into an Oktoberfest biergarten for your fall harvest party this year. We have you covered with festive decor, costume and recipe ideas to recreate for your shindig, below.

Get the How-To: Throw the Ultimate Backyard Oktoberfest Party

From: Heather Baird

Or, Host a Fall Open House

Fall marks the beginning of the holiday entertaining season and it's also a great time to entertain outdoors. Enjoy all the fall feels with a few of your favorite people by inviting over family, friends, coworkers and neighbors for a casual, outdoor get-together before the weather takes a turn for the chilly.

See More Photos: Entertain Outdoors: Host a Rustic Fall Open House Party

From: Marian Parsons

Have a Hay Day With a Tailgate Buffet

When was the last time you went on a hayride? Bring the fall’s favorite farm pastime to your harvest party by backing up a hay-stacked tailgate into your backyard for the night. Set up a self-serve buffet full of autumnal delights like a charcuterie or cheese spread, homemade chili, spiked cider and cinnamon-spiced desserts.

See More Photos: 10 Tips for Hosting a Winning Tailgate Party

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Or, Stack Hay for Hopping

Don’t let your pretty porch hay bales go to waste! Put your golden stacks to use and create a miniature obstacle course or play area for your littlest guests. But don’t be surprised if some of the grown-ups start taking turns hopping over the stacks after our fall sangria takes effect.

Get More Ideas: 3 Pumpkin-Themed Lawn Games

Pull Out Your Picnic Blanket

If you don’t have enough chairs to go around, we say, skip them altogether. You can create a cozy, intimate fall harvest dinner for all your friends and family by swapping patio chairs for a festive plaid picnic blanket. Balance the laid-back seating with an elegant floral arrangement (or two!) ablaze with autumn hues at the center of your table.

Get the How-To: Make This Waterproof Picnic Blanket + Carrying Handle

Then, Pop Some Bottles

Pinot, merlot and cabernet — oh, yay! Turn your fall harvest fête into a wine-tasting event by asking each guest to bring a bottle of their favorite fall vino to share. The best part? A wine-tasting event offers a perfect excuse to show off your charcuterie board chops.

See More Photos: Inviting Table Settings Made for Outdoor Entertaining

But, Also Include Some Non-Alcoholic Sips

Kids and non-drinkers alike will appreciate non-alcoholic offerings like hot or cold tea, coffee, cocoa and mocktails. But, mocktails don't have to be boring. Try Germany's favorite booze-free bevvy: apfelschorle which is equal parts apple juice and sparkling water. Bubbly and not too sweet, it's a tasty sip everyone will enjoy. Get more tips for throwing fall's other favorite celebration: Oktoberfest, below.

See More Photos: Throw the Ultimate Backyard Oktoberfest Party

From: H. Camille Smith

Pile Pumpkins on the Table

What would a fall harvest be without fall's favorite fruit: the pumpkin? (Yes, pumpkins are technically classified as a fruit!) Head to your local farmer's market to find a variety of pretty pumpkins to deck out your party table. From pastel-hued heirloom varieties to bright orange pie pumpkins, mix a few of these gorgeous gourds into your tablescape to signal the season.

See More Photos: Pumpkin-palooza! 10 Pumpkin Varieties

From: HGTV Magazine

And, Put Pinecones to Work

Take a stroll outdoors to gather dropped pinecones to use as a handy place card holder. But, before adding the sticky pinecones to your table, bake them in a 200-degree oven for 1-2 hours. This kills off any possible hitchhikers and will dry the sap, leaving a glossy hard finish — and, bonus: the heat will also cause the pinecone's scales to fully open up. Leave the pinecones their natural shade or hit them with a bit of gold or copper spraypaint.

From: H. Camille Smith

Designate Space for Fun + Games

Get harvest party guests mingling and chatting by holding a cornhole tournament in the backyard. With a minimal learning curve, this classic backyard game is fun for all ages and is sure to bring out everyone’s competitive spirit. If you’re after some variety, mix in a few other lawn games to keep everyone entertained.

See More Photos: 36 Outdoor Get-Together Themes and Ideas for Fall Entertaining

There's Always Room for S'mores

Seriously, who doesn't love sinking their teeth into an ooey-gooey s'more? And, best of all: making them is almost as much fun as eating them. Need a little inspo to take your s'more game up a notch? Check out our ideas, below.

See More Photos: 19 Easy, Creative Recipes & DIYs for S'mores Lovers

No Fire Pit? Fake One

If s'mores are on your fall harvest party menu — but you don't have a fire pit or outdoor fireplace, give this easy DIY a try. Our tutorial, below, will show you how to turn a ceramic pot into a tabletop fire pit.

Serve Seasonal Spirits

Equip your bar cart with crowd-pleasing fall harvest flavors. Mix up a batch of our mouthwatering caramel apple martini recipe to wow the crowd and get the party started. Serve in a glass with a cinnamon sugar rim and a wooden stir stick or sliced apple garnish.

Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Martini Recipe

From: Kim Stoegbauer

Or, Brew Up a Cozy Coffee Bar

Is there anything better than a plaid-clad outdoor coffee bar on a brisk fall day? No, no, there isn’t. Make your own caffeination station with a buffet or console table you already have on hand, a self-serve coffee dispenser, seasonal syrups, sweet toppings and to-go cup stacks.

Get the Recipe: Warm Up With a Maple Nut Goodie Cocktail

Add Fall Finery Indoors

Give areas guests will see — like the foyer, living room, dining room and guest bath — a quick fall fix-up with fresh or faux pumpkins, dried seed pods and vases filled with backyard clippings. For an added rustic touch, follow our tutorial, below, to turn a wood board into a hand-lettered sign.

get the how-to: How to Make a Hand-Lettered Farmhouse-Style Tray

From: H. Camille Smith

And, Deck Out Outdoor Spaces Too

Give your deck some fall flair by dangling our DIY magnolia leaf and acorn garland overhead. This budget-friendly craft calls for jute twine, preserved magnolia leaves, metallic craft paint, acorns, seed pods, craft feathers and wooden beads. Check out the link, below, for the materials list and our step-by-step tutorial to get started on your own.

Get the How-To: Go Boho With a Metallic Magnolia Garland for Fall

Embrace an Abundance Mindset

Literally display the harvest at your harvest party with pumpkin piles scattered throughout the entertaining space. Follow our lead and fill your fireplace with a mountain of cascading gourds in all shapes and sizes. Then, create similar bountiful vignettes on your dining table, flanking your front door and in bare corners of your deck or patio. Tip: Create height and minimize the number of pumpkins you'll need by strategically stashing pillows or rolls of bubble wrap under the mound of pumpkins.

Get the How-To: DIY Trash Pumpkin: Turn Your Garbage Into This Unique Farmhouse-Style Decoration

Create a Candied Apple Bar

Satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth with a fall harvest favorite: our candied apple bar. Set up a DIY candied apple bar with a platter of skewered apples and sweet hazelnut, caramel and chocolate sauces. Lay out sweet and salty toppings galore: rainbow sprinkles, pretzel bits, mini marshmallows, coconut, walnuts and roasted pumpkin seeds.

Get the How-To: Create the Ultimate DIY Candied Apple Bar for Fall

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Host a Pumpkin Paint-and-Sip Party

Embrace your inner Picasso by hosting your peeps for a pumpkin paint-and-sip party. Brew our wicked spiked apple cider cocktails to encourage guests to leave inhibitions at the door and set up an activity station with fresh or faux pumpkins, dollar store paint palettes, autumnal acrylics and craft paint brushes. Throw on your fave feel-good fall flick or a hair-raising horror film for some background noise.

Get the How-To: Paint Farmhouse Pumpkins With Homemade Chalk-Style Paint

Fill the Table With Backyard Blooms

Even a casual get-together can use a colorful fresh flower boost — but it doesn't have to be complicated. Just fill a vase with water and a collection of late-summer blooms, like celosia and dahlias, that often put on their heartiest show in early fall. For greenery, slide in cold-weather veggies like chard, cabbage and kale.

learn more: Host a Fall Farm-to-Table Dinner Party

And, Mix In Seasonal Fruits + Veggies

Leave fluffy floral centerpieces behind in summer and celebrate the harvest with a bountiful fruit table runner. Take cues from this jewel-toned table and create a base of seeded eucalyptus leaves down the center of your table. Layer the minty-green leaves with vibrant red apples, burgundy figs, brown pears and shapely artichokes, then finish the display with gilded acorns.

Get More Ideas: Create a Rustic Fall Centerpiece in a Dough Bowl

From: HGTV Magazine

Make It Easy for Guests to Help Themselves

Buffet service not only frees the host from spending the entire party in the kitchen, it also creates a more casual feel that promotes mingling and conversation. Be sure to provide a variety of options so guests with food allergies or dietary restrictions will be satisfied, too.

See More Photos: 11 Easy Ways to Arrange a Festive Fall Table

Make Your Own Pumpkin Patch

Turn your backyard into a festive pumpkin patch for your fall harvest part. Invest in one pumpkin per guest and invite them to pick their favorite to take home as a parting gift. Keep it budget-friendly and stick to miniature pumpkins or splurge for the occasion with a mix of classic orange gourds and fairytale Cinderella pumpkins.

Take Our Fun Quiz: Test Your Pumpkin Prowess

Or, Play Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe

This festive twist on the classic game replaces letters with contrasting orange and white pumpkins to represent each player. Follow the link, below, for the step-by-step guide to making a pumpkin tic-tac-toe game for your fall harvest fête.

Get the How-To: 3 DIY Pumpkin-Themed Yard Games for Fall Fun

Set Up a Cider + Sweets Station

Give your backyard an elegant appeal and create cohesion between your indoor and outdoor spaces in one fell swoop with this genius sweet station. Use a forgotten sideboard or dresser to create a gathering point and anchor for your alfresco locale. Dress your server in autumnal blooms or texture-rich cotton and use it to serve guests hot cider and homemade pie.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Cozy Up Patio Chairs

A plush pillow and fluffy throw will make kicking back in the crisp fall weather even more enjoyable. To prevent damage and a musty smell, don't use indoor (especially down-filled) cushions. Instead, opt for durable outdoor-rated fabric filled with water-resistant polyfill inserts and be sure to bring cotton or faux-fur throws in after the party for a quick run through the wash cycle.

See More Photos: Party Like a Pro: Our 60 Fave Entertaining Ideas

From: H. Camille Smith

Pass Around Pumpkin Panna Cotta

Wow your harvest party guests with our delectable pass-around pumpkin panna cotta. The pretty, portable dessert is easy to make and sure to impress with fall-forward flavors, including pumpkin, nutmeg and dulce de leche. Snag the full recipe (and 14 other delicious pumpkin recipes) in the link below.

Get the Recipe + More Ideas: 16 Treats You Can Make With a Can of Pumpkin Pie Filling

Spell It Out

Mark the occasion with sweet seasonal signage throughout your event. Recreate this adorable harvest banner for your bar cart or buffet table using painted gift tags and metallic letter stickers. String each tag on jute twine and drape across shelves or a table ledge for a festive final touch.

See More Photos: HGTV Magazine's Best DIY Fall Decor Ideas

From: HGTV Magazine

Brighten Up With Bistro Lights

Bistro lights are a foolproof way to light up your fall get-together — but they can be tricky to hang if you don’t have trees or other tall objects to string them from. Here’s a freestanding solution for hanging lights that uses planters and wood posts. It’s totally temporary, so it’s perfect for renters.

get the how-to: String Light Solution: Hang Patio Lights Using Planters and Wood Posts

From: Sam Henderson

Or, Light It Up With Candle Lanterns

Don't let the setting sun send your harvest party guests scurrying. Place candle lanterns on and around the table for a little extra sparkle and a more intimate feel. If kids or pets will be present, swap in battery-operated candles for safety.

See More Photos: 25 Outdoor Lighting Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

Host a Pie Crust Competiton

Invite your besties for a fierce fall harvest competition to see who can create the most beautiful pie crust. Make or buy store-bought pie crust for the crowd and prepare a few fall-favorite pie fillings ahead of time so guests can build their pie when they arrive. Our favorite pie fillings include pumpkin, pecan, cranberry, sweet potato and cinnamon apple.

Get the How-To: 8 Unique + Homemade Pie Crust Designs

Or, Skip the Crust Altogether

Deliver the same delicious results as a traditional pumpkin pie in a fraction of the time it takes to make it with our pumpkin pie dip. Get the crowd-pleasing recipe to make this delightful dish at home (plus 14 more pumpkin recipes) in the link below.

Get the Recipe + More Ideas: 16 Treats You Can Make With a Can of Pumpkin Pie Filling

Go Bobbing for Apples

Looking for an activity that will appeal to guests of all ages for your fall harvest party? Never underestimate the classics, friend! Apple bobbing is a cornerstone of autumnal entertainment and a staple at fall bonfires, festivals and kids' parties. Pro tip: Set up individual galvanized buckets of apples to keep things sanitary and have fun.

Get the How-To: DIY Apple-Picking Tote Bag

Or, Turn Apples Into Candleholders

All you need to zhuzh-up white tea lights for your fall harvest tablescape is a few glossy red delicious apples and the trusty corer in your kitchen drawer. Hollow the apples, about 1/3 of the way down, then nest the candles in the center before scattering the sweet fruit down the center of your dining table, entry console or outdoor buffet.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Set Up a Pumpkin Carving Station

Invite your guests to a BYOP (bring your own pumpkin) harvest party and set up a carving station for all to enjoy while savoring seasonal snacks and sips. Pro tip: Print out our free festive carving templates to ensure everyone has a unique and beautiful pumpkin to take back home.

Get the Templates: Free Scary-Cute Halloween Pumpkin-Carving Stencils

45 Fall Harvest Party Ideas

Related To:

Shop This Look

Host the Ultimate Autumn Fête

Prepare for Bushels of Fun

Gather Around a Fire PIt

Put On Your Best Plaid

And, Use Your Prettiest Plates

Make It a Pot Luck

Cozy Up Your Table With Faux Fur Throws

Or, Go Mad for Plaid

Cue the Charcuterie

Or, Take the Vegetarian Route Instead

Mix Up a Seasonal Sangria

Bring the Biergarten to Your Backyard

Or, Host a Fall Open House

Have a Hay Day With a Tailgate Buffet

Or, Stack Hay for Hopping

Pull Out Your Picnic Blanket

Then, Pop Some Bottles

But, Also Include Some Non-Alcoholic Sips

Pile Pumpkins on the Table

And, Put Pinecones to Work

Designate Space for Fun + Games

There's Always Room for S'mores

No Fire Pit? Fake One

Serve Seasonal Spirits

Or, Brew Up a Cozy Coffee Bar

Add Fall Finery Indoors

And, Deck Out Outdoor Spaces Too

Embrace an Abundance Mindset

Create a Candied Apple Bar

Host a Pumpkin Paint-and-Sip Party

Fill the Table With Backyard Blooms

And, Mix In Seasonal Fruits + Veggies

Make It Easy for Guests to Help Themselves

Make Your Own Pumpkin Patch

Or, Play Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe

Set Up a Cider + Sweets Station

Cozy Up Patio Chairs

Pass Around Pumpkin Panna Cotta

Spell It Out

Brighten Up With Bistro Lights

Or, Light It Up With Candle Lanterns

Host a Pie Crust Competiton

Or, Skip the Crust Altogether

Go Bobbing for Apples

Or, Turn Apples Into Candleholders

Set Up a Pumpkin Carving Station

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