Stephanie's Sweets: Fall Entertaining

There’s nothing better than getting together with your group of friends and throwing a little theme party.
Whether it is a group big or small, these helpful little tips will make your party stand out!
These easy ideas will have your guests FALL in love with autumn! (Get ready to hear the “ooh’s and ahh’s!”)

A decorative fall-themed wreath makes for a perfect, festive platter trim. Put your favorite cake stand or
plate in the circle of the wreath as a unique centerpiece. Scatter leaves around the table and even toss
around some candy corn. Don’t be surprised if you have to replenish, they are addictive!

As far as the lighting goes, here’s a simple trick for really making your table really glow! Get a few mini
pumpkins from your local nursery or grocery store. Cut the tops off and scoop out the insides just enough
so that there is a little bit of space to put a mini tea light. Scatter these around the table and go ahead
and light them! Super easy and adorable!

Let's be real, You simply cannot host a party without some food! Trader Joe’s is STOCKED with
everything and anything pumpkin! Raid their freezer section and be sure to pick up these delicious
treats…Mini Pumpkin Pies, Pumpkin Macaroons, and last but CERTAINLY not least, Pumpkin and
Ginger Molasses Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches (these are actually UNREAL).

In the mood to bake? These charming little cupcakes are fall in a bite!

Candy Corn Cupcakes

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cake mix (pumpkin is ideal)

1 container of white or vanilla frosting

mini cupcake holders (Michaels has a huge selection of cute, festive ones)

3 icing bags (Ziploc bags work just as well)

1 decorating tip for the icing bag

yellow and orange food coloring

Here's what you do:

Prepare the cupcakes as the box states

Once those little cuties are cooled, split the frosting into three small bowls.

Put a few drops of yellow dye in one of the frosting bowls and put a few drops of
orange in the other; leave one plain white.

With the icing bags, layer the three colors on top of each other creating a candy
corn icing tower. For an additional garnish, top your creations with a piece of candy corn!

 

Some Extra Snack Ideas

Create your own fall trail mix. Throw in pretzels, marshmallows, candy corn, chocolate covered
raisins, roasted pumpkin seeds, and whatever else your heart desires! People will go nuts over this!
If guests are going to be drinking a little bit, the salty and sweet combination is a crowd favorite!

Fall is all about flavor! Even drinks are autumn inspired. Use these ideas at your party to create
a “wow” moment among your guests!

This time of the year, it’s all about the pumpkin beers! Get a few cases of this stuff and you’ll think its dessert.
Serve the brews in mason jars to give a unique, crafty alternative to regular drinking mugs. Wet the rim
of the jar and in a bowl or plate, dip and twist it around with cinnamon and sugar for a yummy garnish.
Mhmmm.. be careful, they are dangerously delicious!

For your guests who aren’t exactly beer lovers, this cocktail is perfect!

Spiked Cider

The Recipe:

A Jug or two of Apple Cider

Your choice of Rum, Bourbon, or Fireball

Cinnamon schnapps

Candy Corn (for garnish)

Cinnamon and Sugar (for garnish)

Combine the ingredients above. Same goes for the cider, wet and twist the rim in the cinnamon-sugar.
Cut just a little line on the candy corn and carefully place on the top of the cinnamon-sugar
rimmed glass. This added little touch makes for an adorable cocktail! Pour over ice and serve!

 

Don’t forget, hosting a party is definitely a lot of work, but remember to enjoy yourself as well!