Dear Jacquelyn,

I am planning ahead and would like to celebrate the upcoming fall season with an outdoor party. Can you please offer suggestions for a fall-inspired gathering?

Dear Reader,

As the nights slowly grow longer, an outdoor gathering is a fantastic idea to usher in the new season.

While the temperatures eventually will be getting cooler, you can still enjoy entertaining outdoors. When planning a fall party, it’s all about the autumn-centric theme. Think pumpkins, gourds and cinnamon.

Some of the best decorations for fall are found in nature. The grocery store or farm stand are great places to find seasonally-appropriate decor. Simply use apples, gourds, and hay bales as décor to create interest and ambiance.

You can also use items like candles and a variety of different textiles such as burlap or gingham to add interesting color and texture to your tables or sitting areas. Incorporate the rich colors of fall, orange, burgundy and yellows, into your décor to set the tone for the party.

When it comes to fall outdoor entertaining and unpredictable weather, a clever host will have a basket station filled with blankets, hats and gloves nearby. Having these items on hand allows guests to stay cozy for longer in the cooler air.

The cool dishes of summer should be swapped with savory recipes that feature hearty ingredients. Harvest-themed food is all about soups, spicy flavors and things that generally warm you up. It’s all about embracing the seasonal trends like roasting marshmallows, hot apple cider and hot chocolate.

As the fall really kicks off, gathering with friends and family before the winter arrives is the perfect way to get excited for the holiday season ahead while still taking in the stunning fall weather.

Once you try autumn entertaining it might become your favorite time of year to host friends and family.

Respectfully Yours,

Jacquelyn

Have a question? Email: jacquelyn@ptd.net. Jacquelyn Youst is owner of the Pennsylvania Academy of Protocol, specializing in etiquette training. She is on the board of directors of the National Civility Foundation.

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