Fall is the ideal time to host an outdoor party. Depending on the location, temperatures are beginning to come down, and the beauty of autumn beckons people to get out of the house and enjoy visiting with family and friends. No matter the occasion, use these easy outdoor fall party ideas and turn the day or evening into a real celebration. Whether the party is in honor of a special person, couple, or an event, these ideas for food, drinks, and outdoor fall décor will be a big hit.
Create Clever Pumpkin Shell Coolers for an Outdoor Fall Party
When looking for something truly different and creative for an outdoor fall party, get the party started with cold canned or bottled drinks in a large pumpkin shell cooler. Select an extra-large pumpkin, and cut off the top while leaving two-thirds of the pumpkin intact. Scoop out the seeds and membranes, and drill a few small holes in the base for drainage. If desired, create fancy edges with a serrated knife.
Fill the pumpkin shell with cubes of ice just before the guests arrive. Place canned and bottled drinks in this clever pumpkin shell cooler instead of using a standard plastic cooler. It will receive many compliments and comments while serving a practical purpose.
The same concept can be used when trying to keep salads and other cold foods adequately cool. Create a large shallow dish using a carved-out pumpkin, and create small holes in the bottom for drainage. Place covered dishes on top of the ice, and replace the cubes as they melt away. Make as many pumpkin coolers as necessary, and create an eye-catching outdoor fall party table especially for holding chilled foods and drinks.
Decorate Outdoor Fall Party Tables with Potted Crotons
When looking for unique and impressive ways to decorate for an outdoor fall party, decorate the tables with live plants that are iconic of fall. Select beautiful crotons, and display them in clay pots with raffia tied just below the planter rims. Other outdoor plants that are perfect for a fall party are pansies and fall crocuses. They can tolerate cooler temps, and they will decorate the party tables with a splash of color beyond the typical hues of autumn.
Grilled Pork for an Outdoor Autumn Party
Planning food for an outdoor fall party can be as easy as planning a menu for a summer celebration, but instead of choosing typical summer fare, how about grilling boneless pork steak or chops and serving delectable fall side dishes? Pork is an excellent main dish for an outdoor fall party, and it is the ideal accompaniment to fall side dishes containing fresh-picked apples or tasty summer squash. Try this recipe for Caramel Apple Salad instead of buying it from a local deli. Kids and adults alike love the tart crisp cubes of fresh fall apples covered in sweet creamy sauce. It can be enjoyed as a side dish or a tasty fall dessert.
Zucchini also makes a fantastic side dish for an outdoor fall celebration. Try these New Ways to Make Zucchini. The article offers many easy and tasty recipes that go beyond the usual greasy fried varieties and the typical nut bread. Zucchini is one of the most versatile types of garden produce, and it is ideal for an outdoor fall party when the last of the zucchini is picked fresh from the vine.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes for an Outdoor Fall Party Side Dish
While grilling pork for an outdoor fall party, consider grilling thick slices of flavorful sweet potatoes as well. Sweet potatoes are also ideal for an outdoor fall celebration, and they are one of the healthiest choices. Simply wash and sliced the sweet potatoes lengthwise, leaving the skin intact. As the slices slowly grill, brush on melted garlic butter. Add freshly ground sea salt and pepper shortly before serving.
Unique Lighted Gourds for an Outdoor Autumn Party
Planning an outdoor fall party can be a lot of fun, especially when decorating the party tables. Pumpkins are not the only hard-shelled squash that can be carved and used in unique and practical ways. Fall gourds make fantastic outdoor party décor, and they are good for more than just displaying in bowls or across the centers of tables. They can be used to make candle holders especially for an outdoor fall party, and they are perfect for day or night.
Begin by selecting colorful autumn gourds that are large enough to accommodate votive candles. Cut off the narrow tops of the gourds, and scoop out the seeds and membranes. Use a serrated knife to create a decorate edge. Poke holes in the gourds using a metal skewer or a small screwdriver to create a pattern that will show up with the candles are lit. Position the gourds over balls of colorful clay to hold them in place on the party tables, and fill them with votive candles in fall colors and scents. Choose citronella candles for an outdoor fall celebration if insects are a problem.
Try these easy ideas for an outdoor fall party, and enjoy the cooler temps and the natural beauty of autumn. Party guests will be impressed with innovative pumpkin coolers, beautiful live potted plants, creative gourd candleholders, and the bounty of delicious fall food. Autumn really is one of the best times of the year to host an outdoor party, and with a little planning and ingenuity, it can be a huge success.
