Hosting the Perfect Autumn Gathering

When you’re planning to host a gathering with your friends, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to create the perfect atmosphere and set the mood for the evening. Use these simple tricks to leave your guests saying “WOW!” when they visit this fall season.

Decorating your home for the season is the perfect place to start! Did you know that certain colors in your home can promote different moods in you and your guests? Encourage a happy mood with green and yellow colors. Jewel tones such as red or deep purples/violet promote liveliness & energy whereas blue colors promote calmness. Use this to your advantage in your living room by incorporating these colors through velvet throw pillows, footstools or even an accent chair. Also, to make your guests more comfortable - we recommend hanging your favorite blankets on a rustic ladder in-reach from the couch – It’s a good way to store your cozy fall throws while still giving your room style a cohesive look.

When your guests begin to arrive, greet them at the door with a smile and lead them to the living room where a small appetizer is displayed on a coffee table – We suggest a cheese platter featuring different kinds of cheeses, crackers, pepper jelly, prosciutto, salami, olives, and fresh fruit. Easy, simple, and delicious plus this dish pairs quite nicely with wine. Don’t hesitate to move furniture around in a way that encourages conversation amongst the group, creating more Feng shui in the space. This takes the main focus away from the fireplace or television.

Prep your dining table with the perfect fall centerpiece by setting a few different heighted candles then placing a green garland around them. Choose to accent the centerpiece with different fall items like autumn leaves, pinecones or even apples and pears, if you wish. Another nice touch would be to set the table with mini pumpkins on each place setting, tying burlap string around the stem with their name card and a nicely scripted menu for the evening’s dinner.

If the Louisiana weather permits, plan to take your friends outside for dessert to cap off the night. Have a s’ mores platter ready to take out after dinner, complete with graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate and a few unexpected treats like peanut butter or even pumpkin spice Kisses or marshmallows as a way to say “Cheers” to the season! Arrange chairs around a fire pit, warm blankets within reach, and string lights over-head for an extra touch. Fall time is all about family and friends! Take advantage of this season to open your home for an eventful gathering. Use this article as inspiration, but make it your own with your personal touches!