This post provides fall gathering ideas and details for everything you’ll need to have a fun and unique party with your friends this season.
Fall is here, and if you’re not gathering with loved ones, then what are you doing?! This season is the time for enjoying each other’s company and eating GOOD food.
While the overall fall vibes are certainly enough to inspire a get-together, perhaps you’re looking for a fun and unique theme besides just “pumpkin” or “Halloween.” If that’s the case, this post has you covered.
But first, let’s get into the essentials for getting festive and going all out:
- THEME: Obviously you need a theme – that’s what this post is all about! Whether it’s classic or unique, picking a theme can really elevate your gathering. Logistically it will also help in determining what the rest of your party looks like, from food to activities. Once you check this off the list, you can focus on the following…
- ATTIRE: Depending on your theme, you’ll want to determine a dress code that will get everyone in the festive spirit. For a fall party, maybe you tell everyone to wear fall colors like browns, reds, and greens. Or you may be more specific and tell everyone to wear a sweater or festive hat. It’s up to you – have fun with it!
- DECORATIONS: Your gathering needs some fun decor to elevate the festive vibes. For a fall gathering, you’ll probably want some pumpkins and fall garlands, and perhaps even throw pillows and lights. Depending on your theme, you can get more specific.
- FOOD: Delicious food is a must and can really get everyone in the festive mood. There are so many delicious recipes to try for the fall season. Pumpkin and apple desserts as well as warm soups and chilis are always a hit. Your theme may also inspire you to find a new recipe.
- ACTIVITY: To really up your gathering-game, consider thinking of an activity or two to do with your guests. If it’s a smaller gathering you may do a craft or watch-party. With a bigger group you may think of games to play. Again, the theme of your party will help to determine what fun things you and your friends can do.
- INVITATION: If you want to be a little extra or you’re feeling artsy, make some invitations for this special gathering! Pull up Canva or any other platform of your choosing to create and send out digital invitations. It is so simple to make beautiful graphics these days! Or, if you’re feeling a bit old-fashioned, pull out some craft supplies like paper, markers, paint, watercolor and brushes and create handmade invitations. You can be super creative with these and your guests will surely appreciate it.
- PARTY FAVOR: A nice little touch to the gathering is a party favor. Now these do not need to be expensive by any means. It’s just a little gesture for you and your guests to remember the event by. It can be a piece of jewelry or an ornament, or as simple as a baked good or a bath product. Your whole group will love it.
So, now you have a fundamental checklist for your fall gathering. From food to decorations to activities, you’ll be ready to host a party in no time.
Let’s get to the fun themes now! All of these are sure to get your group in the fall spirit. Depending on your party size, you may adjust accordingly. But what matters is good company and a good time!
9 FALL GATHERING IDEAS
1. OKTOBERFEST
THEME: You don’t have to go all the way to Germany for Oktoberfest – consider hosting your own at home! Eat hearty food, dress up in fun costumes, and drink beer! You and your friends will definitely love this unique fall gathering idea.
ATTIRE: If you know anything about Oktoberfest then you probably know the costumes are quite distinct. For women, they’re traditionally called “dirndls“, and for men, “lederhosens.” But don’t stress about the specifics; get inspiration online and on Pinterest, find pieces you can reuse, and put together a cute fit!
DECORATIONS: Get table cloths, banners, flags, props, and paper goods to bring your Oktoberfest to life. There are so many affordable options that will really elevate your party.
FOOD: Make schnitzels, soft pretzels and mustard, potato pancakes, bratwurst sausages, and of course, stock up on beer! Find inspiration online – there are so many fun, delicious recipes to try.
ACTIVITY: Feel free to look up some fun games to play during your gathering. Popular ones include keg rolling and seeing who can hold up a liter of beer parallel to the ground the longest. No matter what you choose, you and your friends will be sure to have a good laugh. And make sure to take photos throughout the night – you’re going to want to remember it!
INVITATION: Create fun invitations with Oktoberfest-inspired graphics. Include the time and place, and don’t forget to tell your friends about the dress code!
PARTY FAVOR: Send your friends home with big beer mugs to commemorate the wonderful night. If you set up a photo booth, you and your guests will also have pictures to keep. Or, give them little Oktoberfest-inspired keepsakes, such as a beer ornament or a pretzel sticker.
Related: 30 Fun and Unique Fall Bucket List Ideas to Romanticize This Season
2. GILMORE GIRLS
THEME: Oh, Stars Hollow. The epitome of a cozy, small-town fall. This iconic show provides extensive inspiration to create a gathering around – and there’s so many different directions you can go in! From Luke’s Diner and coffee to junk food, Dragonfly Inn, and Sookie’s baked goods, there are countless ways to bring the Gilmore Girls vibes to life.
ATTIRE: Re-watch a few episodes and get inspiration from the characters’ clothing. If your guests are up for it, have them choose a character to dress like. Lorelai wears everything from suits and button-ups for work, funky, vintage graphic tees and flare jeans, and wrap dresses. For a Rory-inspired fit, you could wear a cozy, chunky sweater and tights, a Chilton uniform-inspired fit, or a turtle neck and skirt. If you’re more of Luke’s vibe, grab a baseball cap and some plaid!
Take a look at this blog to get the run-down on all things Gilmore Girls fashion: So You Want to Dress Like a Gilmore Girl: A Get-the-Look Guide by Character
DECORATIONS: Depending on which direction you go, the decor may change. If Luke’s Diner specifically is your focus, perhaps you take inspiration from there. Or if it’s generally Stars Hollow, get some fairy lights, fall leaves, garlands, and pumpkins to decorate the space.
FOOD: Again, the food will depend on what you focus on, but if it’s Luke’s Diner, make burgers, fries, pumpkin waffles, or coffee. You can also make Sookie’s risotto, rocky road cookies, jalapeno-chipotle mac & cheese, or muffin tops. If you’re channeling Lorelai and Rory, have a junk-food menu! Make (or buy!) pizza, Chinese food, or ice cream, and get ALL the candy.
ACTIVITY: Watch a film like the famous mother-daughter duo loves to do. Or, make a Jeopardy game based on Gilmore Girls knowledge. If you’re feeling artsy, paint coffee mugs or glasses to go along with a coffee theme. You can even make a bingo game or do a drinking game while watching the series. Be creative!
INVITATION: Use a Gilmore Girls-like font here and create digital invitations. Find fun graphics like fall leaves, a gazebo, books, and coffee to decorate it. Or, do it all by hand and mail them out! Include the date, time, dress code, theme, and any other important information for your guests.
PARTY FAVOR: Like Lorelai and Rory are best friends, make friendship bracelets for (or with!) your friends with terms or expressions from the show. Or, make a goodie bag with candies to represent all the junk food the mother-daughter duo loves to eat. You can even find stickers, a tote bag, or get a mug and a bag of coffee beans or capsules for your friends to take home.
3. SOUP/CHILI CONTEST
THEME: This fall gathering idea is for the (aspiring) chefs and competitors. Everyone knows soups and chilis are the ultimate fall comfort food. Cozy up to a big bowl of delicious-ness and you’re instantly in a fall mood! You and your guests can all cook up different soups and chilis to make a buffet. Then, your group can determine the judging criteria (taste, presentation, creativity, etc.) and have a friendly competition!
ATTIRE: For this gathering, attire is probably not the priority. However, a fun idea is to have everyone bring/wear their favorite apron since you all were chefs for the night!
DECORATIONS: Perhaps for this gathering you can focus on dishware and paper goods since the focus is on food. Find fall-themed bowls, spoons, cups, napkins, and more!
FOOD: Obviously the soups and chilis will be the star of the show. But to complement the delicious main courses, make some side dishes such as cornbread or dinner rolls, and something sweet like an apple pie or pumpkin bars to end the night. You can also make some fun fall drinks to wash everything down.
ACTIVITY: The activity is the theme! The soup/chili contest will be the talk of the night. But, after the taste testing is done, play some board games or chill around a fire pit to continue the ultimate, cozy night.
INVITATION: Find soup/chili related graphics and make a fun digital invitation to send out. If you’re feeling crafty, do it by hand! Be sure to include the date, time, and attire, as well as the guidelines for the competition.
PARTY FAVOR: To thank your guest for participating in this friendly competition and to remember this night, have everyone, if willing, bring recipe cards with the recipe for their soup or chili that they made, and provide some sort of recipe card book/binder they can put these cards in.
4. FALL BATH & BODY WORKS
THEME: Bath & Body Works is a STAPLE during the fall and holiday season. Their scents are iconic and every year they introduce new things to try. Ever think about using their products as inspiration for a gathering? This fall gathering idea will certainly be a hit.
ATTIRE: There are many ways you could go about this. One way is to wear blue aprons or blue gingham clothing to represent the Bath & Body Works employees. Another way is for each guest to pick a certain scent and packaging to inspire their outfits. For instance, someone might pick the scent “Together Weather“, which has light/bright red, white, and copper packaging. They can then base their outfit on the name, colors, and style of the scent and packaging.
DECORATIONS: You can go the blue gingham direction or you can draw inspiration from colors, scents, and names of the Bath & Body Works fall collection. And of course, you have to have candles, wallflowers, or some sort of B&BW scent circulating the space!
FOOD: There are countless yummy fall scents at Bath & Body Works; make dishes inspired by them! For instance, there are scents like “Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin“, “Blueberry Pumpkin Patch“, “Apple Macchiato“, “Bourbon Maple“, and “Fresh Vanilla Blossoms.” Make anything from a pumpkin cinnamon cocktail and pumpkin blueberry cupcakes to a maple bourbon glazed Turkey and vanilla cheesecake. If it’s a potluck, you can have your guests each choose a scent to base a dish on, and even bring a product in that scent. Feel free to then trade products amongst guests!
ACTIVITY: The food and outfits will probably steel the show for this gathering, but if you’re a crafty group, make homemade candles together! Or, you can come up with some fun games and activities like “guess that scent” or a “fall scent bracket.”
INVITATION: You can make the invitation look like the Bath & Body Works logo or find pictures of actual products to put as graphics. You can also pick a certain scent to inspire your invitation. If you do want your guests to make a dish based on a scent, be sure to include that information along with the other logistics.
PARTY FAVOR: This may be obvious, but get Bath & Body Works products! Whether it’s hand sanitizer, body lotion, or a candle, your guests will certainly appreciate it. If you decide to make candles with your guests, that itself can certainly be the party favor!
5. FALL FOODS AT SUPERMARKETS/RESTAURANTS
THEME: Supermarkets and Restaurants go all out for the fall season – you can truly find pumpkin at every corner! This is an easy, unique fall gathering idea that you and your friends will love.
ATTIRE: Attire probably won’t be at the forefront of this gathering, but assuming the menu will veer towards junk food and snacks, wear your favorite, cozy loungewear to resemble a cozy night in with takeout food.
DECORATIONS: Keep it simple for this one. We’re channeling a cozy night in, which means fairy lights, candles, throw blankets, and pumpkins. You can also find some fun fall-themed paper goods to eat all your foods on.
FOOD: The obvious thing to do here is pick up fall-inspired foods and snacks from your favorite brands and restaurants. We’re talking Krispy Kreme, Oreos, Cheesecake Factory, Pillsbury, Ben & Jerry’s, and Trader Joe’s. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, try your hand at making these items at home!
ACTIVITY: Find some easy, low-key activities to do with your friends. You can do a puzzle, a fall paint by numbers, or find/make fun print-outs like a fall edition of “this or that.” For a bit more hectic fun, do the “chubby bunny” game (stuff as many marshmallows in your mouth as you can!) with pumpkin spice marshmallows or the “face the cookie” game (put a cookie on your face while looking up and try to get it in your mouth without using your hands) with a fall cookie.
INVITATION: Find your favorite brand logos and decorate your invitations with them. Be sure to explain the theme so people understand the vibe! If it’s potluck style, clarify if you want people to buy directly from the source, recreate a certain product, or do either one. Perhaps you can provide a link to a spreadsheet for guests to “sign up” for a particular brand or restaurant so people don’t come with the same things.
PARTY FAVOR: Pick up a fall-flavored treat from the supermarket for your guest to take home, and feel free to personalize them or put finishing touches, if you want. If you get the pumpkin spice Oreos, for instance, you can dip them in chocolate and package them. Or maybe you get everyone a Starbucks gift card; write a little note with it thanking them for coming.
6. CORN
THEME: I feel like corn straddles both summer and fall… but either way it deserves the attention. Corn is so versatile – why not make a whole party around it?! This is definitely a unique fall gathering idea your guests will remember.
ATTIRE: I’m not saying you have to find a corn costume! For simplicity’s sake, go with yellows and/or greens. Throw in some denim accents to bring the corn-farm vibe to life. But remember, corn also comes in many different colors, so feel free to be creative. You can also go the candy-corn route and do yellows and oranges.
DECORATIONS: If you don’t want to go too overboard, get inspired by the corn-husk vibe – that is, beige neutrals. Then, you can add pops of color like yellow, red, and green. Find a cute table cloth, garland, ornaments, and put some kernels in your candle holder!
FOOD: This is the part that really matters! There are SO many foods you can make with corn: corn tortillas, corn salsa, cornbread, white chicken chili with corn, corn chowder, cornflake cookies… need I go on? Whether you’re planning to make the food all yourself or have your guests contribute, curate a menu with all things corn.
ACTIVITY: Make some fun friendship bracelets – after all, the beads look just like kernels! You can also do a “guess how many in the jar” game using kernels or candy corn, and provide a prize for whoever guesses the closest. Another idea is to make the gathering into a movie night and have a popcorn bar with all the fixings.
INVITATION: Make a corn-themed invitation – simple as that! Make it digital or handmade, and along with the date and time, don’t forget to tell your guests if you have a dress code and whether to bring a corn-themed dish. You may want to send out a sign-up sheet so people don’t bring the same things.
PARTY FAVOR: You can go as simple as giving a bag of candy corn or packet of microwavable popcorn and some candy. You can also find a cute corn keychain or get your friends the corn Jellycat.
7. FALL FESTIVAL
THEME: Fall festivals are a must during this season. If you have a bigger group, consider hosting one at home! It certainly doesn’t have to be elaborate, but you can make foods and do activities reminiscent of a fall festival. You may even have your guests be in charge of a certain “booth” to really make the festival come to life. If you’re feeling bougie, hire vendors to make it happen. Everyone will have a blast with this fall gathering idea.
ATTIRE: Whatever you’d wear to a fall festival! Make it comfy and casual. Or, if your guests have a certain “booth”, perhaps they can wear something related to that specifically. For instance, one guest may operate apple-bobbing, in which case they can wear something apple related.
DECORATIONS: Depending on the scale of the gathering, there are many ways you could decorate your space. If it’s a large party and you’re planning to go all out, do the whole shebang: fall leaves, haystacks, lights, pumpkin patch, cute signs, photo op prop, etc. Look on Pinterest to get inspired! If it’s a smaller group, find some garland, put out a couple pumpkins, hang some lights, and you’re good to go.
FOOD: Think easy bites you could get at a festival; basically, channel fun desserts and appetizer-style dishes! You can make donut holes, kettle corn, corn on the cob, caramel apples, sliders, meatballs, or bacon-wrapped sweet potato bites. If you want, have your guests bring a dish to share. If your group wants to go all out, have them run their “booth” and come up with a quirky name, bring some decorations, and make a fun sign. Or, cater everything or hire vendors for your big party.
ACTIVITY: The activities are a very important part of a fall festival. Do a pumpkin carving contest, set up a photo booth, put out a craft station, bob for apples, organize a scavenger hunt, do a potato sack race, or simply put a fall twist on some lawn games like ring toss or corn hole.
INVITATION: Create a cute fall festival invitation digitally or by hand, and include all the logistics: time, place, attire. And if you’re having your guests bring something or “host a booth,” be sure to include those details.
PARTY FAVOR: Have a candy bar with plastic bags and ties, where guests can fill up a bag and take it home. If you set up a photo booth, they’ll also have those pictures to keep as memories. For your games and activities, prizes can also act as a form of a party favor.
8. FALL SWEATERS
THEME: If you’re looking for a cozy fall gathering idea, this one’s for you. While sweaters are a staple for the fall season, it seems like “ugly Christmas sweater” parties get all the sweater attention during the holidays. Put a spin on this popular theme and make it fall-focused.
ATTIRE: Find your favorite, coziest sweater that screams fall! Or, make the theme more specific by determining a certain style or color of sweater, such as red sweater, oversized sweater, cardigan, patterned sweater, etc.
DECORATIONS: Think cozy. Find sweater ornaments to hang up, sweater garland, felt decorations, knit pumpkins, and cozy throw pillows. You want to make the space feel warm and soft.
FOOD: Comfort food is the way to go here. Get out your favorite soup, chili, or pasta recipe that you can whip up and scoop into a bowl. And of course, dessert is a must! Anything warm and gooey + à la mode will do: cookie skillet, apple pie, bread pudding, cinnamon rolls… Feel free to have a warm drink like hot cocoa or a cup of coffee, as well.
ACTIVITY: You have to set up a photo booth using a polaroid camera, disposable camera, film camera, or even your phone! Just make sure to capture the memories and cute fits. If you’re a crafty group, buy sweaters or sweatshirts and embroider them together. You can embroider a fun expression, a fall icon, and even the date of the event.
INVITATION: Find some sweater graphics and make your invitation cute and cozy. In addition to the date, time, and location, include any specifics regarding the theme and dress code.
PARTY FAVOR: If you end up embroidering sweaters, that can definitely be a party favor in and of itself. Or, get everyone a cute mug – what pairs better than sweaters and mugs? You can also find quirky trinkets like sweater ornaments or sweater stickers.
Related: 10 Essentials to Make Your Fall Night in Super Cozy
9. MAPLE
THEME: I feel like maple is an often over-looked flavor profile compared to pumpkin and apple. There are so many sweet and savory dishes you can make with maple, and maple leaves are the perfect fall symbol. Consider having a maple-focused party! This fall gathering idea will make maple your new go-to flavor.
ATTIRE: Perhaps you have your guests wear all brown or a piece of red clothing, or simply the warm colors of fall. Attire doesn’t have to mean a full on costume – it can be super simple!
DECORATIONS: Find a maple scented candle or wallflower to make the space smell sweet. You can also find maple leaf garlands, maple leaf paper goods, or maple leaf lights to up the maple vibes!
FOOD: Obviously the food will be maple inspired. Maple is a great complement for proteins and vegetables – make a glaze, sauce, or marinade. You can also do maple butter, maple bacon, or maple sweet potato bites. And of course, make maple desserts! From maple cookies to maple cakes, there are so many possibilities.
ACTIVITY: Maple can also be great in drinks! Host a cocktail (or mocktail) competition with your group and see who can whip up the best maple-inspired drink. Since it’s Thanksgiving season as well, another idea is to make homemade cards with maple and fall leaves. You can use actual leaves and paint to make prints, use watercolors, or find any other materials to make your vision come to life.
INVITATION: Decorate your invitation with all the warm colored maple leaves. Be sure to let your guests know when and where the gathering will be, and also to prepare for any activities, such as the cocktail competition.
PARTY FAVOR: You can get your guests a maple scented product, maple candy, or make a baked good. Or, if you end up making cards, that can be a perfect party favor for your friends to take home.
Have FUN!
Hopefully this list provided some unique fall gathering idea inspiration. There are so many fun ways to bring your loved ones together during this season. Think outside the box and get creative! You and your friends will have a blast dressing up, cooking, doing crafts, and decorating.
