Simplifying Fall Gatherings

I think Fall is my favorite time of year.  The leaves are changing, the weather is finally cooler, and there are lots of fresh squashes and pumpkins everywhere.  Entertaining during this time of year can be relatively simple, basing decorations, foods, and activities on seasonal things.  Here are some possibilities to keep the fuss down:

—Enjoy the beauty of this time of year — one of my favorite activities is watching the leaves change. Having a hike with some cameras to capture the bright colors and then piecing together a montage of the leaves is a fun way to celebrate.  Or, you can create a collage of different leaves.

–Use natural items for decoration — multi-colored leaves, baskets of pine cones, and small pumpkins are all great table and coffee table decorations.  If you are crafty, a wreath decorating party using leaves, branches, ribbons, and other festive items might be fun.

–Create a seasonal menu celebrating seasonal foods including pumpkin, squashes, sweet potatoes.  To simplify things a nice all day crackpot stew is a great thing.  Harvest stew and Moroccan chicken (with warming spices like cinnamon and cumin) are two good options.

–Improvise with seasonal drinks — pumpkin pie hot chocolate and spiced apple cider are two options that take advantage of autumn.

shared at Works for Me Wednesday