The leaves are changing into lovely shades of orange, red and brown. A slight chill in the air has everyone reaching for their scarves and hats. Scents of apple, cinnamon and, of course, pumpkin are beginning to filter their way into décor and food. Yes, fall has officially arrived at the Twin City.
From celebrating the kids-beloved holiday of Halloween to enjoying the change of weather, many in our city love this season and for a good reason. Fall, also affectionately called autumn, comes in as the third season of the year, and is a welcome relief from summer’s sweltering temperatures. The term “autumn” can also be used metaphorically to talk about the seasons of a person’s life, like a well-known older singer who is in the “autumn” of her career and isn’t singing in nursing homes, but not entertaining for teens.
Consider this to be your favorite season out of the four? Looking for a way to pay homage to all things fall this year? These are reasons enough to host one’s own Adult Pumpkin Carving Party. No, we are not referring to a party for the little ones, although they most certainly would enjoy this as well. This is a celebration of fall through providing adult activities, mixed with just a few for the younger lot.
What exactly would an Adult Pumpkin Carving Party look like? Very similar to the more familiar ones hosted for the tykes, yet with a few key changes. Excited to learn how to throw your own? Read on for five sure-fire tips, sure to make this celebration such a joyous festivity, many guests will be requesting a repeat party next year!
Step #1:Find the perfect autumn location. One of the main reasons why this season is so beloved is because the miserable summer heat is over! Now all can enjoy heading back outside. This said, consider hosting your party outside. This can be on your own back or front porch, where all can witness the magnificence of the changing leaves, or a local park, where participants can enjoy the activities while in the midst of the stunning autumn weather!
Step #2:Create fall-themed invitations. These can either be through an email invite or a traditional paper invitation. Whichever medium you choose, make sure to decorate the invitation with fall colors and images, as well as include the location, time, and of course, the activities!
Step #3:Activities, activities, activities! While the majority of this party will be centered around one main mission (carving the perfect pumpkin), this is not to say you cannot provide a few additional fall activities. Some to consider, are having a caramel apple center, where friends can create their own delicious apple snack; or a fun game of touch football for the athletes of your crew; or maybe a DIY chili bar, where guest can create a hearty bowl of chili.
Step #4:Bringing autumn to your décor: One can easily craft their own fall banners with scissors and twine or go to a local hobby shop and purchase fall plates, cups, napkins, tableware, and banners to truly create a pumpkin-themed party.
Step #5: Speaking of pumpkins…: Yes, this party does have one guest of honor, the pumpkin! Make sure guests know that they will need to bring their own, while you provide the pumpkin carving supplies. Many of these supplies can be bought online or at local shops.
Step #6: Create the perfect pumpkin carving center: Make sure that the area designated for carving first has some type of newspaper/trash bags down, as this activity will get messy. Next, provide ample supplies for guests to use. Have cleaning supplies and bathrooms accessible, for cleaning their hands afterward. Finally, provide stencils for those wanting to follow a guide.
Step #7:“Yes, I will have that Autumn Cocktail!” Guests will love the delicious fall adult beverages provided at your soiree. Whether you simply provide friends with an array of pumpkin spiced ale or get more creative with your drinks, this is the perfect occasion to experiment with fun recipes. Try the following two!
Autumn Mimosa
Ingredients:
- 3oz Apple Cider
- 3oz Champagne
- Cinnamon & Sugar
- Apple Slice
Directions:
- Dip the rim of a champagne flute in water, then in a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Fill half full with apple cider, then the rest of the way with champagne.
- Garnish with an apple slice.
Pumpkin Punch
Ingredients:
- 750 ml bottle of spiced rum
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup spiced syrup
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 1/2 cups sparkling water
- cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
- large pumpkin or punch bowl
Directions:
- In a large bowl, add spiced rum, orange juice, lemon juice, spiced syrup and pumpkin puree. Stir to combine.
- Once combined, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large pitcher and chill until ready to serve.
- Meanwhile, place a large bowl into a hollowed pumpkin.
- Pour the mixture into the punchbowl. Add the sparkling water and stir to combine.
- Guests can ladle the punch into their glasses and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Remember to stir it as you serve, as the ingredients will naturally separate over time.
