30 Best Fall Party Ideas for a Cozy Celebration

There's such a bounty of delicious fruits and vegetables come fall. Challenge your friends to a cook-off to use seasonal ingredients and then taste everything to declare the winner. It's like a potluck with a delicious twist!

SHOP COOKWARE

When there's a chill in the air, there's nothing better than hot drinks to warm you right up. The added spice and complexity of flavors that you get when you mull cider, wine, or juice will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Since it's tailgate season, you're going to break out your cornhole set anyway. So why not put it to good use and host a tournament? A little friendly competition will work up an appetite and you can serve lots of seasonal foods to keep them satisfied.

Do you like pumpkin spice? We bet your friends do, too! Why not celebrate the most popular flavors of fall by hosting a party featuring all things pumpkin spice? You can make savory recipes, sweet desserts, and even bread. Don't forget the PSLs to drink!

There are so many all-in-one kits you can buy that it's easy to host your own murder mystery dinner. Choose a theme like '70s disco and make everyone dress up so they're in character and in the mood to solve a crime!

SHOP MURDER MYSTERY GAMES

If you're anything like us, as soon as you feel that first autumn chill, all you want is a warm and hearty bowl of soup. That's why your next gathering should feature the fall favorite! From classic chicken-noodle and tomato soups to creamy potato soup, set up a soup spread (along with a DIY fall centerpiece) to give your guests all the best options.

It's time to let your creativity shine as bright as the harvest moon with a fun painting party! Gather all of your pals along with some craft supplies like acrylic paint, canvases, brushes, and easels, then get ready to create a fall foliage masterpiece (or two)! Need a few ideas? Cornucopias, autumn scenery, and pumpkins make for great artwork!

There's something about the cooler seasons that just makes us want to light a fall candle and cuddle up on the couch to watch our favorite fall movies. So, a cozy candle-making event is sure to be a hit. Host a DIY workshop using mason jars and seasonal scents like pumpkin spice, apple cinnamon, butterscotch, vanilla, and so many more. You'll have the best time with friends, plus they can all take home their handmade aroma!

The only thing better than a sleepover with all of your best gal pals is a sleepover under the stars! Grab your snug knit blankets and warm flannel pajamas then set up in your backyard or even in the back of a pickup truck! The autumn sky is sure to bring exciting seasonal constellations and a range of planets for a beautiful nighttime show.

As delectable harvest flavors begin to pop up at your local farmers market, it’s the perfect time to dig into a new cheese palette. Baked brie, savory cheddars, aged goudas–you really can't go wrong with any of it. So, why not have your friends over for a fun tasting? Bonus points if you pair it with wine. Bonus bonus points if your cheese slices are leaf shaped!

SHOP LEAF-SHAPED CUTTERS

Even if you're not into sports, there's no denying that chicken wings and other game day foods are the best. This snack-cuterie board filled with chips, dips, and other munchies will please a crowd.

Halloween treats can be super fun (and sometimes even a little scary!). Lean into the spooky season by getting friends and family together and serving them a bunch of cool treats and Halloween punches that are scary delicious.

What's better than hanging out with friends? Spending time with their cute dogs, duh! Try making these woof-worthy peanut butter dog cupcakes from Chungah at Damn Delicious and serve them alongside some human treats for an epic puppy play date.

Sure, pumpkin carving is fun. But if you want your pumpkin to last a while, try leaving it whole and painting it! You can create tons of fun designs like these pretty florals, plus, there's no scooping seeds involved. Here are some great pumpkin painting ideas to get you started.

Spring might get all the credit when it comes to beautiful blooms, but fall produces some pretty fantastic flowers (like Ree's favorite, sunflowers!). Take a flower-arranging class with friends or just gather at someone's house with supermarket bouquets and have fun freestyling. Check out these Halloween-friendly arrangements to get you started.

SHOP PUMPKIN PLANTERS

People are always looking for new recipes, especially new seasonal ones. Host a cookbook swap with friends so that everyone can leave with some inspiration. Even better? Have a get-together a few weeks later and make dishes from those books. (Speaking of cookbooks, check out Ree's!)

You know what's more fun than bobbing for apples? Eating ones that are coated in caramel! Set up a caramel apple station, equipped with dipping sauces like caramel, candy coating, chocolate, peanut butter, Nutella, and more. Then add little bowls filled with toppings like sprinkles, pop rocks, and M&Ms.

How cute does Ree's pup look in this silly costume? Throw a costume party for people or their pets (or both!), and a good time is guaranteed.

Everyone likes cake, but everyone will love a cake you can make in just minutes. Have a few different batters ready for people to pour, then have cute mugs they can take home at the ready. After the mug cake is cooked, hook guests up with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, toffee, you name it!

Everyone loves a makeover, and this fashion one is easy as pie! Have friends bring over their beat-up (or brand new) denim jackets, and have tons of iron-on patches ready so everyone can customize their coat. Ree would probably choose flowers like these roses, but there are tons of cute options out there.

SHOP DENIM JACKETS