Flowers + Plants 101
Hosting Autumn Gatherings
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
Fall is in the air, and that means it’s time to enjoy that fresh air! Spending time outside is one of the best things about Autumn. Whether that means tailgating at the big game, taking long walks outside, going camping in the great outdoors or merely sitting outside and enjoying a cup of coffee, you cannot deny how nice it is to spend time outside during Autumn.
And, although Summertime pool parties are a lot of fun, there’s something so wonderful about enjoying the Fall air by hanging out with friends at a Fall gathering.
Whether you are hosting an outdoor dinner party, grilling out for the big game or just hanging out enjoying drinks and conversation with friends, there are plenty of things you can do to make your Autumn gathering amazing.
Flowers
One of the quickest and easiest ways to really give off that Fall vibe is to use flowers. Mixing up flower arrangements is always a good route to take and gives the gathering a rustic vibe. Use mason jars, mismatched bud vases, even recycled bottles as vessels for DIY flower arrangements. You can even use floral foam if you’d like to make you arrangement last longer or are using a vessel that isn’t suited for holding water. For a more rustic Fall look, use flowers like sunflowers, mums and daisies in your flower arrangements.
For a more sophisticated Autumn vibe, use more of the larger arrangements instead of all small groupings. Integrate more flowers like hydrangeas and roses in fall colors like orange, red and yellow into your Fall flower arrangements. Instead of using charming vases like those mentioned above, try using more elegant vases like trumpet vases.
Remember, for groupings used for a dinner table, make sure to trim them down so your guests aren’t able to see across the table or hold conversations.
Table settings
Creating a tablescape for any gathering is a fun way to set the mood of your gathering. Instead of using boring paper napkins or paper towels, use cloth napkins. This adds an instant touch of class to your table. Using cute napkin rings that give off that Autumn vibe is such a quick way to add a seasonal touch. Examples are using napkin rings made out of wood or bamboo.
For individual table settings, touches like a pretty place setting name card, placemats with a Fall vibe and scattering greenery on the table can add to the rustic vibe.
When it comes to flower arrangements for the actual table, think about it strategically. Although the table’s centerpiece can take up more room, it should still be low. For the various arrangements on the table, keep the arrangements very small--even a couple of stems in bud vases works well. If your gathering is more rustic than luxe, use mismatched vases for your table flower arrangements.
For more tips on how to set a table, check out this link.
Food
Time to pig out! When hosting an Autumn get together, especially outside, it is best to keep things simple. Consider sticking to grilling on your BBQ, or cooking recipes that are easy. When hosting a gathering, you don’t want to be stressed out making complicated recipes while everyone else is having fun!
Recipes that work really well for Autumn get togethers are those that really capture the season and the bounty of the Fall harvest. Use ingredients like pumpkin and squash in your recipes, like a butternut squash soup.
You can also make fun appetizers that give off that Fall vibe, such as bacon wrapped dates. For your menu, soups and chili are great to add to the menu.
You can also considering cooking things that are “set it and forget it” -- like slow cooker stews or smoked pork shoulders cooked in a smoker.
For more main course ideas, check out this page.
Drinks
Cocktail--or mocktail--time! Set the mood with fun Fall drinks like hot cider, spiced wine, sangria, and cranberry apple mimosas. For cocktail inspiration, check out this page. For non-alcoholic beverages, drinks like sparkling cider are festive and delicious. For more inspiration, take a look here.
Decor
Everyone loves to decorate! By integrating Fall mainstay decor pieces like pumpkins, leaves, cute banners, burlap and of course Fall flowers, your house will truly give off a fun Autumn vibe and let your guests know Fall has arrived.
We hope these ideas have provided some inspiration for you! Happy Fall, y’all!
For a more sophisticated Autumn vibe, use more of the larger arrangements instead of all small groupings. Integrate more flowers like hydrangeas and roses in fall colors like orange, red and yellow into your Fall flower arrangements. Instead of using charming vases like those mentioned above, try using more elegant vases like trumpet vases.
