It’s that time of year again when Starbucks adds Pumpkin Spice Latte to the menu, you start unpacking your cozy sweaters, apple picking trips are on Saturdays agenda and football takes up your Sunday afternoon (whether you like it or not). Autumn is one of my all time favorite times of year, especially when the weather really starts to become crisp and you can hear the leaves crunching under your Uggs. It’s also the perfect time to throw a party, a harvest fest to be precise.
Think apples, pumpkins, hayrides and cider to get this party underway. You can really take this type of party in a few different directions, it would be absolutely perfect for a Saturday afternoon party ending with a campfire or an evening party in the house. If your going with the afternoon harvest fest I have some ideas that are going to be better than your pumpkin spice latte. Set the yard/deck/barn whatever area you have to work with as a rustic fall theme, to do that I would suggest getting a few barrels of hay as your seating for your guests. If you have the access to some picnic tables that would help add to the theme as well. If you really want to go all out see if you can get your hands on some whiskey barrels to make some really creative high top tables for guests to enjoy their cocktails and food at. Speaking of food and drink, I just tried a new fall drink…apple cider sangria, DELICIous!!
Here is the recipe I tried and fell in love with:
- 1 btl pinot grigio (standard size of)
- 21/2 cups apple cider (fresh)
- 1 cup club soda
- 1/2 cup brandy (ginger)
- 3 apples (honey crisp, chopped)
- 3 pears (chopped)
Oh, how sweet it is. Food-wise be creative, and think pumpkin, and apple for dessert. How about setting up a apple dipping bar? Cut apples into wedges, put on popsicle sticks and have dipping stations with carmel, chocolate and any other sauces you may want your guests to indulge in. 
Once you’ve served food, cocktails and played some games (think cornhole) setup a nice campfire and let your guests FALL in love with your party.
Party on. xoxo,
jd
Don't Be Tardy For My Party 