Thursday, October 11, 2007

Fall Party Planning

Fall party plans are in full swing. October is a great month to entertain. The air is cool and crisp, nature has done a great deal of the decorating for you, and pumpkins, hay bales and gourds, natural decorations for a fall party, are in abundance. Plus, the hustle and bustle of the holidays has not yet begun, so your guests are not as likely to have packed schedules. I love to entertain outside this time of year. Several years ago we added a back porch to our house, and it has become a prime spot for entertaining. We love to serve guests appetizers on the porch, and then move into the house for the main course. Eventually, we always end up back on the porch for dessert and coffee. If you don’t have a porch, a patio or a balcony will serve as well. Even if it’s just a spot on the lawn, being outside is a wonderful way to entertain in the fall.

Be sure to provide guests with an inexpensive fleece throw in a bright fall color-you can make them yourself from a yard of fleece, or purchase them at dollar and discount stores for under $5.00 each. Autumn nights can get chilly. Another great addition is a fire pit or chiminea. Now is a great time to pick one up at end of summer closeouts. And, of course, food is always the star of the show, no matter the season. Consider serving a cup of hot soup with some crackers or bread for an appetizer. Greet your guests with a mug filled with tomato, chicken or French onion soup. Have a pasta night and make spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread and an apple cobbler for dessert. There are tons of recipes for all on the web. If you don’t want to spend a lot of time cooking, make a no cook appetizer, order a killer dessert from your favorite bakery, and call for pizza. What matters most is the camaraderie and the atmosphere. Make everyone feel at home and comfortable, and your fall party is bound to be a success, whether it’s inside or out, gourmet or takeout!
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