Wedding Showcase

10 Clever Fall Party Ideas for Your Cozy Outdoor Event

Cozy bonfires. Warm toasty marshmallows. Good friends and great times. The right outdoor fall party ideas can help you take your event from casual get together to an unforgettable and Insta-worthy night.

Need some inspiration for your holiday party catering, theme and ambiance? Consider these fall outdoor party ideas for décor and food for your next gathering. From hot chocolate to rustic décor, these fall outdoor party ideas will set the tone (and make for some striking photos too.)

1. Chalkboard Pumpkin Menus

Pumpkins don’t just make great centerpieces – you can also put them to work. A little bit of chalkboard paint can turn a plain pumpkin into a functional menu board.

Since pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes, you can find extra-large ones if needed. Or, pick up several for each portion of your menu, including drinks, appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

2. Hot Chocolate Bar or Cider Bar

Is there anything better on a crisp fall night than curling up around a bonfire with a piping hot mug of hot chocolate? Bring some excitement to your outdoor fall party with a custom crafted hot chocolate bar. Guests will love choosing between different mix-ins and toppings.

You could also go the same route with cider. Start with a jug of hot cider and set up a table filled with cinnamon sticks, mini rum shots, apple slices, dried cranberries, whipped cream, salted caramel, and mini donuts. Or have your bartender prepare a cinnamon infused cider cocktail!

3. Hay Bale Seating

Play up the fall theme with a rustic hay bale seating arrangement. You can make these bales extra comfortable by stacking them into couch shapes with backrests, and cementing them into place with stakes.

Throw some comfy quilts over the hay, and you’ve got picturesque and practical seating for plenty of guests!

4. Branch Out with Your Color Scheme

Orange, brown, and black – these are the holiday standby colors. Instead of sticking with the same old fall color scheme, expand your décor with trendy options.

Bold colors work well for the colder fall nights. Royal blue, deep purple, emerald green, burgundy, bronze, and mustard all put a fresh spin on traditional fall themes. Don’t worry, you can still include some bright orange pumpkins or squash with your outdoor fall party ideas.

5. Keep Cozy Blankets Nearby

Blankets are a must for fall backyard party ideas. You could add to the décor by draping blankets over tree branches, fence posts, and anywhere else you think a guest may reach for one.

You could also pick up a galvanized steel bucket and heat bricks in an open fire. Place the hot bricks at the bottom of the bucket topped with a layer of aluminum foil, roll up the blankets, and fill the bucket.

Instant warm blankets!

6. Design a Hearty Fall Menu

Isn’t food the best part of any unforgettable get-together? A mac n’ cheese bar filled with BBQ pulled pork, sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, jalapenos, truffle oil, parmesan, and blistered potatoes has a little something for everyone.

You could also opt for a pumpkin or squash-themed spread. Ham and swiss sliders with spiced pumpkin sauce for dipping are sure to get people talking. For a meatless choice, try butternut squash chimichangas with roasted corn, sugar carrot, ranchero sauce, cheese, and black beans. Don’t feel like you have to come up with all the menu options yourself. Your professional holiday party catering team will have ideas to share!7. Candy Corn Décor

Plenty of people aren’t fond of candy corn but it still makes a great focal point for your décor. Fill the bottoms of clear glass vases and bowls with candy corn and use them to prop-up your utensils or other decorations.

8. Play Up a Dessert Spread

Fall party ideas wouldn’t be complete without some sweet treats. A ‘smores station fits the occasion nicely. Let guests put together their own marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate bars, and peanut butter cups.

9. Go All-Out with the Centerpiece and Décor

Autumn provides great themes for centerpiece options so there’s no need to be shy here. Pumpkins, ribbon, candy, leaves, candles, twinkling lights – pick a theme and run with it.

Since the days are shorter, consider including unique lighting into your fall outdoor party ideas like white, gold, or orange Christmas lights, hanging lanterns, or flameless candles.

10. Don’t Forget the Late-Night Snacks

For parties that run through the late evening hours, consider serving guests a late-night snack before wrapping up the event.

You don’t need to make every effort to impress here – just offer a little something to hit the spot. All-American sliders with American cheese, secret sauce, and pickles should do the trick. You can’t go wrong with classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with smooth chocolate milk either.

Follow that up with a round of donuts and ice-cold milk or warm cider to send your guests off satisfied.

Start Planning Your Outdoor Fall Party

All great fall party ideas start with amazing food. Our company, Personal Touch Dining, sits atop the list of trusted catering companies in the San Diego area. From themed gatherings at event spaces, venues, and private locations, we’re prepared to handle anything you can dream up with an incredible fall menu and an expert event team.

Start planning your outdoor fall party now with Personal Touch Dining.