Fall in the Midwest is one of my favorite seasons - crisp, clear days and nights that can be enjoyed outside for a few sweet weeks. Entertaining during this weather likely means a mix of indoor and outdoor areas for guests - here are a few quick tips from around our table of seasoned hosts.
Split food and drink stations between indoors and outdoors — having a drinks station both inside and out is nice - but have the best stocked bar outside to draw folks out. I like to have appetizer platters outside (so nice not to worry about flies and mosquitos this time of year!), and the main dish inside for buffet service.
Here is a great TRAY option for ease of transporting and displaying a station.
Create an ambiance and extend the night with lighting - make sure you’ve got candles (flameless are great for the wind factor), outdoor lamps or string lights so that when dusk approaches folks can still stay outdoors.
This glass and wicker CANDLE is a great option
Stay warm - fire pits, heat lamps and baskets of blankets at the ready are a must. Plus, they add a cozy vibe that is so unique and lovely about Fall.
Here are two cozy blanket options - a CHUNKY KNIT THROW and a BRUSHED WOOL THROW to amp up the cozy vibe.
Bring the indoors out — if the weather looks predictable clear, bring some easily transported pieces outside. I have blue leather camelback sofa that we bring out every 4th of July and it’s a favorite place for folks to hang. Extra dining chairs around folding tables, ottomans or stools and even a lounge chair or two are worth the extra effort for the cozy vibe.
Even these FOLDING CHAIRS can make the outdoors feel welcoming.
Consider the menu — Adding a spiced cider, apple nachos, pumpkin dip, pot of chili or other fall favorite takes the Fall factor to a delicious level. Our team shares a few of our favorite recipes here as well.
Appetizer recipes:
Baked Brie with Walnut and Dried Cranberries - This could be both baked and shared in this Nathalie Lete Pie Dish.
PUMPKIN FLUFF DIP - served with apples slices, graham cracker or nilla waffers, this is a favorite for kids as well. It could be served in a sectioned serving platter like THIS ONE
SLOW COOKER BUFFALO CHICKEN - while this can be served with sweet potatoes (or sweet potato fries), when feeding a crowd it is also great as part of a slider bar. Slice some slider buns, have blue cheese crumbles, ranch, celery, cucumber or even just pretzels on the side and this dish brings a little heat.
Drink recipe, cold:
Apple Cider Moscow Mule - Don't forget the MOSCOW MULE MUGS.
Drink recipe, hot:
