10 MUST HAVES THIS FALL

The new seasons are the perfect excuse to throw a party. Winter wonderlands, Spring fever, Summer pool parties, and hot chocolate bars around the campfire! I'm super excited to announce that on the first day of EACH new season I am going to feature an entire blog post dedicated to a party for that season! Yay! Each of the blog posts will be laid out the same highlighting 10 must haves for your party!

That being said, it's September 22 and that means it's the first day of fall!

Fall is my favorite time of the year because, not only is it beautiful, but I finally get to wear boots and scarves again. However…there is one down side to fall. Winter comes after. Yes, the first snow fall is beautiful, but I am NOT a fan of Wisconsin winters. Who is?! So at this party we are NOT going to think or worry about Winter coming. We’re going to focus on the beauty of fall and "Leaf our worries at the door." (see what I did there? heh) Let’s get started and go through 10 “must haves” at your party this fall.

#10. Squash Centerpieces.

Seriously, come on--how creative are these? And they are simple to make. They will look great on your table around the food. Better Homes and Gardens featured them last year and you can click on the picture for the full directions.

#9. Fussy socks in a basket. Throw a couple fuzzy warm sock slippers in a basket with a cute little sign that ways "Stay Cozy" for your guests to wear around your house. Your guests can take them home too so they double as a perfect favor idea! Amazon.com has 6 pairs for only 8.99. You can also get the Stay Cozy sign I made here.

#8. Apple Candles

Have you ever heard of apple candles? Simply scoop out half of the core of an apple, just enough to stick a tea light in. Place the tea light in the apple and light it! If you're not feeling crafty...bath & body works has amazing smelling apple candles all season long.

#7. Caramel Pop Corn Guests can snack on caramel popcorn before or after dinner in individual cups. You can also scoop the popcorn in mason jars with a cloth covering to send them home as a favor. Want to make your own caramel pop corn? See the recipe here.

#6. Flowers

Mums are a great addition to the outside of your home when hosting your fall party. Partnered with a cute welcome sign. Sun Flowers are good to use too. Put them in a vase around your house and I hear they add some warmth. *wink wink*

#5. Non Traditional Colors

Traditionally fall colors are red, purples, yellows and oranges. What about adding a pop of a rustic blue in the mix? Or even balance it with white? Wedding Ideas Magazine styled this beautiful table setting and it's totally on my "to steal" list! Look at all those cute pumpkins!!

#4. Chili Bar

Throw your favorite chili recipe in the crock pot in the morning and you won't have to worry about it all day! Lay out all your toppings in cute little bowls. I got these you see above at Crate & Barrel. They are colorful and hold just the right amount of toppings! Also, don't forget the corn bread!

#3.Autumn Sangria

A Fall themed party isn't complete without Apple Pie. Instead of the traditional apple pie, why not serve this Apple Pie Autumn Sangria? I made this last year for my family and everyone loved it.

All you need is:

4 Apples and 3 Pears

5 Cups Apple Cider

2 Cups Club Soda

Caramel Flavored Volkda (I'll let you decide how much to add)

#2. Outdoor lights around your bonfire (if possible) Hang up lights around the campfire and provide hay bales or chairs while everyone sits around the fire with their cozy (or boozy) hot chocolate and smores. James and I live in a high-rise condo so we do not have a yard by any means, but I hang up lights around our patio doors and it sets the mood just right!

#1. Hot chocolate Bar

The #1 thing you can add to your fall party is a spectacular hot chocolate bar! All you need to do is set up a little station somewhere in your home - kitchen, living room, wherever, and let your guests create their own delicious chocolatey goodness. You can set out different shaped mugs and either have your Keurig available or you can warm up some milk (almond for me) in a crockpot with a ladle. You can also create different hot cocoa flavors like red velvet, pumpkin spice, or gingersnap. As for the toppings, how about adding chocolate chips, marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, caramel, and don't forget the whipped cream!!