How to Elevate Any Fall Event

Fall is here! We're embracing the sights, smells, flavors, and cooler temperatures of the season as we dream up new ways to gather with our neighbors. Autumn events are the perfect opportunity to embrace all the senses as we circle around bonfires for s'mores nights, pick out pumpkins to decorate our front doors, and sip on hot apple cider. As you plan and host your fall events, here are our tips and hacks to help you make the most of this magical season!

Think Outside the Orange Box

Orange is the trademark color that most of us associate with fall. From pumpkins to falling leaves, it's everywhere you look. Our tip? Complement your set-up with bursts of orange, but anchor your event display with neutral colors, like warm beige or brown, and accent with rich jewel tones and earthly colors like deep maroon, gold, and forest green. Check out this fall color wheel for some fresh inspiration.

Even better are patterns and color combinations that you can use again for future events. 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. Burlap and beige offer a natural 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!

riverside fall picnic 1

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 also the smells 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

How to Elevate Any Fall Event

Create an Experience for All the Senses