Fall Parties Are Fabulous!

I love fall - it just may be my favorite time of the year. The weather is outstanding, the leaves are changing into fantastically rich colors and the air (yes, even in the valley) smells "fallish". I love parties, but perhaps even more so in the fall; they tend to feel a little more cozy.

A few tips to help you on the way to making your fall fest all that it can be:

1. Introduce fall vegetables into your party recipes. The fresh harvest really lends itself to delicious dishes with pumpkin, squash, and even broccoli.
2. Plan your autumn parties outside on the deck or patio when you can. Enjoy the lovely weather that is neither too hot nor too cold whenever possible.
3. Save yourself the trouble of cooking and running around. Contact your favorite local restaurant and find out about any catering offerings.
4. Decorate with fall elegance in mind. Consider colors for your linens like rich burgundy, chocolate brown, and spiced pumpkin.
5. Freshen up the scene with fall flowers. Make a statement with bold sunflowers or place potted mums around the party scene.
6. Carry the fall theme into your dessert spread. Offer guests a taste of apple cider, pumpkin pie, and other fall favorites. 

If you would like to throw an autumn party this year - be it a birthday party, anniversary party, retirement party, baby shower, bridal shower, or even a corporate event - you can have a lot of fun planning with the fall season in mind. The fall can taper into your menu choices, decorations, party location (inside or out), and so much more.