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Keep Your Theme Specific:

Okay, yes, technically “fall” could be a theme all on it’s own. But, when you think about all of the festivities that this season has to offer, why group them all into the same catch-all category? You could have a spooky affair complete with caramel apples for dessert or a Oktoberfest bash that showcases Germany’s finest brews. Whether you choose to have a rustic harvest celebration or something more upscale, use your theme to help dictate the menu and décor.

Image Via: Hostess With The Mostess

Serve Food Family Style:

Fall is absolutely ideal for rustic dining. Make the party prep easier on yourself by serving up a huge dishes piled high with food and let your guests serve themselves. This type of dining instantly creates a intimate atmosphere. As far as the menu is concerned, stick to comfort food classics like melty baked brie, steaming bowls of beef stew, and warm apple crisp. Bring the heartiness to your bar menu as well by offering mulled wine or a warm cider cocktail in addition to the usual selection of wine and beer.

Image Via: Simply Delicious

Go Big With Tablescape:

As far as dinner parties are concerned, the design of your table is key. After all, you want your guests to be centered around the table for hours. It needs to be both festive and functional. Choose two colors and a neutral to create the base of your table and feel free to draw inspiration from nature – pumpkins, apples, leaves, acorns. Collect things that fit your color scheme and use them to create an artful arrangement in the center of your table. Stagger these items at varying heights and groupings to create visual interest, but check to make sure that each guest has a clear line of vision!

Image Via: Driven By Décor

Don’t Forget The Favors:

Favors are that extra special touch that help make your gathering into something that is truly memorable. Fall provides an abundance of easy (and budget-friendly) options that look amazing, but can be thrown together in just a few minutes. Buy a bag of miniature candies and break them up into baggies for a sweet treat that everyone can enjoy at home. Alternatively, small monogrammed guards could serve as place settings now and decorations later.

Image Via: Etsy

Anyone can throw a great dinner party. While fall entertaining may come with its own set of seasonal tips, keep these basic dinner party rules in mind as well. Remember to plan your gathering well in advance, embrace make-ahead dishes that will give you plenty of breathing room, and – as always – don’t forget to have fun! Keep our tips in mind as you put your dinner party together and we guarantee that your guests will be begging for weekly invitations.

Do you have any fall dinner party tips to share? Which autumn theme would you choose? Tell us in the comments!

For more fall entertaining suggestions, head on over to Stagetecture’s archives.

Summer Entertaining: Planning The Perfect Picnic

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Plan a Portable Menu:

Picnics are the perfect excuse for no-fuss entertaining. Make things easy on yourself by going for classic comfort foods that your guests will love. Aim for hand-held recipes that can be left out at room temperature, so you don’t have to worry about lugging extra equipment. Consider hearty sandwiches, chips, and dessert bars to feed a big crowd. For a more romantic feel, try crackers, cheese, and decadent truffles – and don’t forget the wine. If you need summer recipe ideas, look here!

Image Via: Tapiture 

Pack With a Goal in Mind:

A wicker basket, though lovely, is not a requirement. Consider using two carrying containers when packing: one for food and another for accessories like a blanket, nets to protect your food from insects, and sun screen, if necessary. When storing food, try to make the meal items as self-contained as possible for easy serving. Use single-serving Tupperware or consider getting some disposable to-go containers. As you pack everything up, try to leave the items you know you’ll need first on top of the bag to avoid having to set anything directly on the ground. Remember to pack something to hold your trash once you’ve finished. 

Image Via: Mid-West Living

Set Up Your Spot:

You can choose whatever spot your heart desires, just make sure it works for your group. If you have anyone with mobility issues, feel free to ditch the ground and find a picnic table. If you plan to be out for hours, try to seek some shade from a tree. Once you’ve found your perfect spot, lay down enough blankets or tablecloths for everyone to spread out. Think about putting down a few pillows for people to lounge on. Spread out the food so that everyone has a chance to take their fill.

Image Via: Country Living

Break Out the Activities:

A picnic is as much about socializing as it is about eating. While some groups are content to just chat amongst themselves, others need a bit more stimuli. A deck of cards will work great for smaller groups. If you’re in charge of keeping a herd of kids occupied, a soccer ball or a football is a great way to have them run off some of that boundless energy. For big groups, consider breaking that bocce or croquet set out from the back of the garage.

Image Via: The Domestic Curator

The best tip we can give is to tailor your picnic to your friends and family. If you can’t stand the thought of potato salad without mayo, there’s no shame in swapping the basket for a cooler. If you love the thought of picnicking, but don’t want to sit on the ground, throw a few foldable chairs in the trunk. As long as you get outside to enjoy this lovely weather you’re doing summer entertaining right.

What are some of your favorite summer picnic tips to share?

For more outdoor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.