Our Top Fall Event Hacks and Tips

You may still be in summer mode, but stroll the aisles of your local Target or Home Goods, and you're likely to notice pumpkin-lined shelves and fall-scented candles making their appearance. Autumn is coming, along with all the fun flavors, colors, scents, and activities it brings. While you're out shopping for that end-of-summer pool party, this is a great time to get a head start on your fall plans and decor. Here are our tips and hacks to help you prep for a festive and fabulous fall event season!

Think Outside the Orange Box

Orange is the trademark color for fall. From pumpkins to falling leaves, it's everywhere you look. So, it might sound counterintuitive when we encourage you to steer clear of orange decor. But if you want to make event planning more efficient, opt for neutral decor pieces to anchor your event display. If you'd like to sprinkle in touches of orange, you can do this through your food, flowers, balloons, or other accessories, but don't be shy about leaning into other fall colors, like gold or deep maroon, to brighten your display. We love this fall color wheel (pictured left) for some fresh inspiration.

For example, black and white checkered tablecloths and runners are perfect for a Halloween-themed event or Thanksgiving potluck but can be stored away and used again for a spring picnic. Opting for deep red plates, platters, and decor pieces may give you items that you can use into winter and through the holiday season. Burlap and beige offer a natural, earthy aesthetic that is perfect for fall but translates to any event year-round. Color options for fall can be endless with a little creativity, so don't be afraid to think outside the orange box!

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Look to Nature for Inspiration

Fall is Mother Nature's time to shine, as leaves take on bold colors and fall to the ground to crunch beneath our feet. Temperatures dip, and somehow the crisp, cool air just feels cleaner. As you set up for events, remember that nature is also a great source of inspiration.

If you need centerpieces, a bowl full of fresh apples might just do the trick. White vases with spindly, brown branches capture an elegance that far exceeds the cost of putting them together. We're big fans of this 100 pcs fall bouquet on Amazon, and others like it, that will bring a gorgeous and natural feel to any event you host. Cranberries, squash, gourds, and of course, pumpkins, are a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing way to decorate with nature's bounty.

Create an Experience for All the Senses

One of the best things about fall is not just the sights, but the smells, we have associated with it. Take your event to the next level by creating an aromatic experience that will truly make it feel like fall, no matter where you are.

If you're hosting an event in a space with a kitchen, put on a simmer pot of simple items like apple slices, cinnamon, and cloves. Hang a garland of dried oranges, bay leaves, and cinnamon for a decor piece that doubles as a fragrant welcome to your guests. Put together simple centerpieces of pumpkin-scented candles atop dark roast coffee beans.

Or simply light your favorite fall-scented candle! Familiar smells are a powerful way to access old memories and make new ones. This simple touch will take your event from fun to unforgettable.

We'd love to hear your ideas, so share them with us in the comment section below! As we head into fall, we want to see your event photos as you create engaging experiences in your community. For more inspiration, check out our fall Pinterest board , and be sure to follow us on social media @aptlife to follow along with the fun.

Apartment Life Blog

Our Top Fall Event Hacks and Tips

Create an Experience for All the Senses