Fireside Cocktail Party
The Scene
Getting your deck party ready is as simple as bringing the indoors out. Lay out a rug, top benches with fluffy pillows, and drape plenty of blankets for cozy evening cuddling. A blazing fire brings the whole party together.
Fresh Flowers
Moroccan tea glasses serve as vases for blazing fall arrangements. Stick to in-season colors like rich reds, yellows, and oranges.
Erin's Entertaining Tip: Go for a mix of purchased flowers and from-the-yard foliage. It's the best way to showcase the natural beauty of fall.
Fabulous Fire Pit
Cozy up to the fire with comfy blankets and a warming bourbon-spiked cocktail.
Erin's Entertaining Tip: There are two fire-pit musts: Keep it covered, and be sure to have an extinguisher close by.
The Food: Endive Bar
Skip the silverware and plates -- a DIY endive bar is a delicious (and easy!) way to feed guests. We love a combination of butternut, ricotta, and thyme, or Gorgonzola, sunflower seeds, and onion.
Erin's Entertaining Tip: Keep your party food on trays for moveable feasting. As party-goers hang out by the fire, no one has to get up to refill their plates!
The Food: Spiced Nuts
This super simple appetizer comes together in an instant. A pinch of smoked paprika gives it bold flavor.
Erin's Entertaining Tip: Mix up this whole batch in a plastic bag, shake, and serve. It's that easy -- and cleanup is a snap.
The Drinks: Hot Pear Toddies
This warm spiked drink hits the spot as the sun goes down. To make, simply fill your slow cooker with a totally seasonal blend of pear nectar, bourbon, and cinnamon.
Erin's Entertaining Tip: Set out mugs and a ladle so guests can help themselves. Gorgeous garnishes like cinnamon sticks, pear slices, and star anise let guests customize each glass.
The Food: Grab-and-Go Desserts
No need for over-the-top desserts at this boho-chic party. Chocolates and caramels are easy-grab nibbles.
Erin's Entertaining Tip: Set a mini flower arrangement in the center of a plate and surround it with a pile of candy.
Meet Erin
"I like to keep things simple and self-serve so I can enjoy my guests," says Erin. She, a California foodie, photographer, and artist, is the blogger behind The Forest Feast.
