Tomorrow marks the one–week anniversary of Fall 2011.
Time to par-tay!
My college roommate was constantly looking for a reason to host weekend get-togethers, and her autumn harvest parties were legendary on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. I thought about her seasonal shindigs last Friday when we officially ushered in the fall season.
My former roommate now lives in Arizona, so I don’t get to partake in her annual autumn celebrations as much as I did when I was a college co-ed. However, the first day of fall is not the only time you can have fun fêting the season.
These simple steps will help you honor autumn with a special someone or an entire houseful of friends and family:
Colors: Stick with traditional earth tones, such as orange, red yellow, burgundy and gold. Fall foliage colors can be incorporated into the decor, such as tablecloths, placemats or disposable plates and napkins.
Decorations: Basic fall decorations include pumpkins, pears, apples and gourds. However, since autumn is also harvest season, don’t forget to add some Indian corn and corn husks, as well as acorns, pine cones and leaves to your party venue.
Party favors: If money is tight, then consider making your own party favors. Head outside and collect as many colorful leaves as possible. Next, arrange them in a rectangle shape about the size of a place mat. Use contact paper or laminating sheets to sandwich the leaves. Then, peel the back off of one sheet and carefully place the leaves on the sticky side. When you are done, peel the back off the second sheet and carefully stick them together to create a stunning seasonal place mat.
Menu: Suitable celebratory foods include early fall fruits and vegetables such as squash, which can be made into soup or baked in a casserole. Apples are also a fall staple. You can make them into pies, muffins or cider. Finally, root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, jicama, turnips and radishes are healthy additions to fall stews and soups.
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