Fall Entertaining at Home: 3 Tips to Make it a Success

The leaves are changing, the air is getting crisp, and pumpkin spice lattes are back at Starbucks. That can only mean one thing: it's time to start thinking about entertaining at home this fall! From Halloween parties to Thanksgiving dinner, there are plenty of opportunities to get friends and family together in your own home. But if you're new to entertaining or just need a refresher, never fear! Here are three tips to help make your fall entertaining a success.

1. Plan ahead and be organized.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's worth repeating. When you're hosting any kind of event, big or small, planning ahead is key to making sure everything goes off without a hitch. If you're hosting a dinner party, for example, start by making a guest list and then sending out invitations (or creating a Facebook or Eventbrite  event) a few weeks in advance. This will give your guests plenty of time to RSVP and also give you time to make any necessary adjustments to your plans. Once you have your guest list finalized, start thinking about the menu. Will you be cooking everything from scratch or ordering in? What kinds of dishes will you prepare? And most importantly, what can you make ahead of time so that you're not stressed out on the day of the party? Planning ahead will save you a lot of headaches (and potential disasters!) in the long run.

2. Create an inviting atmosphere.

One of the best things about entertaining at home is that you have complete control over the mood and atmosphere of your event. So take advantage of that! If you want your guests to feel cozy and relaxed, light some candles and turn on some mellow music. If you're throwing a Halloween party for kids, stream some spooky tunes and decorate with spooky (but not too scary!) decorations. Creating an inviting atmosphere will help ensure that your guests have a good time and want to come back for future events. Add to your home's décor using muted or jewel tones, mix in warmth and softness, add interest with texture.

3. Be a gracious host/hostess.

Last but not least, don't forget the importance of being a gracious host or hostess! This means being attentive to your guests' needs throughout the event and doing whatever you can to make sure they're comfortable and having a good time. Offer them something to drink as soon as they arrive, introduce them to other guests if they're new faces, and continuously check in with them throughout the event to see if they need anything else. And when the event is over, don't forget to thank them for coming! A little courtesy goes a long way towards making your guests feel valued—and more likely to RSVP "yes" next time you invite them over.

Entertaining at home this fall doesn't have to be stressful—just follow these three simple tips! With a little planning and attention to detail, you can throw a successful party that everyone will enjoy—and maybe even want to come back for next year! So go forth and entertain with confidence this autumn season!