Good gourd: 30 ways to decorate for your next fall party
The perfect season for throwing a party doesn’t exi—
Actually, we take that back. If you’ve ever felt like hosting a get-together for no other reason than to celebrate the season you’re in, fall is really the best time to do it. People are finally back in town after all their summer vacations, and you’re no longer required to have a pool in order to convince them to spend time at your house. The food offerings get a little more hearty, the drinks get some much-desired heat, and the outfits change from linen to flannel. What a time to be alive.
Another thing we love about fall entertaining? The decor and party supplies. No offense to tropical motifs and pool floats (don’t worry, we’ll be back), but once September hits, we’re ready to get cozy. Think glowing candles, gingham dinnerware, and little gourds wherever you can squeeze ’em in. Mmm… we can smell that warm cinnamon now.
Want to get into the fall party spirit yourself? Read on for 30 easy-to-follow fall decor ideas and product suggestions for entertaining this fall.
“Folk Flowers” by Paperless Post; image credit: Caspari.
Table of Contents
How to add warmth and light to your fall party
It’s getting chilly outside, but these party supplies and fall decor ideas will warm your guests right up.
- Long-lasting taper candles: They look great, and you won’t have to worry about them burning out. 18″ Miel Dipped Tapers, Set Of 6
- Amber candle holders: For holding the taper candles. We like them staggered at different heights. Large Brass & Resin Candlestick In Tortoiseshell, Small Brass & Resin Candlestick In Tortoiseshell
- Sturdy pillar candles: Because the more candles, the better. Plus, they don’t need holders. 9″ Fancy Hexagon Pillar Candle
- Choose metallic party supplies: Look for gold or copper over silver. They feel warmer. Metallic Gold Cutlery
- Drape chairs with fuzzy blankets: Make for a cozy vibe, even if you’re dining indoors. Tartan Blanket Co. Recycled Wool Small Blanket
Image credit: Ling’s Moment; “Harvest Floral” by Rifle Paper Co. for Paperless Post.
Bring the outdoors into your fall party
The easiest way to match your party decor to the season? Borrow directly from nature.
- Rustic centerpieces: If you have a beautiful tree outside with turning leaves, cut off some smaller branches and put them in a vase (just make sure to check for any buggy stowaways).
- Evergreen table runner: To give your table outdoor vibes. Eucalyptus Garland
- Hanging foliage: Even more unexpected? Foliage that hangs from above.
- Wildflowers: Put colorful dried wildflowers into bud vases for a sweet post-summer touch.
- Pumpkins: Carve out a pumpkin to use as a vase for your fall floral arrangements.
- Rustic chargers: To keep your table setting from feeling too precious. Rattan Round Plate Charger In Dark Natural
- Rustic wine bottle coasters: Ditto—to protect said table from the elements (wine). Rattan Wine Bottle Coaster In Dark Natural
“Gourd Company” by Happy Menocal for Paperless Post; image credit: SimpleEcology.
Enhance your entryway
Let guests know they’re in for a memorable occasion the second they arrive at your front door.
- Fall flowers: Add mums to your front steps for a beautifully on-theme entrance.
- Corn garland: Hang Indian corn on your front door, or make a garland of ears to string up.
- Gourd arrangements: Stack pumpkins and gourds in an artful formation anywhere you find the space. You really can’t have too many.
- DIY Crafts: Paint pumpkins to help them match your own decor—go all white, add gold leaf; it’s up to you. You can even turn this into a craft for guests to partake in during your party.
Interior fall decor
Sometimes, the littlest autumnal touches make the biggest impact.
- Autumn knicknacks: Add little fall decorations in places that aren’t central to your party, like your china cabinet or on bookshelves. West Elm Glass Pumpkins
- Throw pillows: Swap out your usual throw pillows for more dramatic velvet versions. CB2 18″ Channeled Velvet Throw Pillow
“Fall That” Flyer by Paperless Post.
Give your table a fall makeover
The table is your party’s epicenter—make sure it looks good.
- Tablecloth in fall colors: It’s the easiest way to transform a tabletop. Paper Linen Solid Table Cover In Cranberry
- Leafy place cards: Show guests to their seats in a way that’s decidedly autumnal. Jeweled Autumn Die-Cut Place Cards
- Plates with personality: When your everyday dinner dishes aren’t pulling their weight. Chelsea Birds Paper Dinner Plates In Celadon
- Leafy placemats: Functional and just plain cute. Autumn Leaves Rectangle Paper Placemats
Image credit: Heather Taylor Home; “Sky Fall” by Paperless Post.
Don’t underestimate the power of plaid
When the shirts turn plaid, you know it’s fall.
- Checks and plaid: Whether it’s on your table, or incorporated in your dress code. Heather Taylor Home Katherine Plaid Tablecloth
- Gingham cups: Fresh apple cider belongs in these cups. Burnt Orange Gingham Cups, Pack Of 8
- Gingham pumpkin napkins: They’re just too cute. Gingham Pumpkin Napkins, Pack Of 16
“Gourd Party” Flyer by Paperless Post.
Think outside the house
If you’ve got the yard space (and the pretty trees and/or sunflowers), take full advantage.
- Outdoor backdrop: If it’s not too cool out, consider hosting outdoors among the beautiful changing leaves.
- Break-proof goblets: Serve drinks in pretty glasses that can withstand being dropped. Acrylic 8.5 Oz. Wine Goblet
- Decorative steins: Serve beer in unique German steins or mugs for major Oktoberfest points. (Extra points if you get them customized for your event.) 28 oz. Customizable Ceramic Beer Mug
Image (+ tutorial) by Driven By Decor; “Autumn Foliage” by Mr. Boddington’s Studio for Paperless Post.
Treat your guests to a little something autumn
Who doesn’t like a present? Send your friends home with something autumnal to remember your party by.
- Cute fall favors: No one goes to a fall party expecting presents, but they certainly won’t complain. Pumpkin Surprise Balls, Pack Of 6
- Turn tiny gourds into unique place cards your guests can take home at the end of the night.
“Autumn Party” by Paperless Post; image credit: Mrs. Alice.
Send invitations that hint at your fall celebration
After figuring out your own fall decor ideas, get your guests in the mood by sending them online invitations that let them know what your fall party is all about. Paperless Post has tons of beautiful fall party designs to choose from, but these are some of our favorites:
- What a Nut: It’s hard to think of anything cuter than this mischievous little squirrel joining in on the fun via a party basket.
- Fete du Jardin by Nathalie Lété: We adore these moody florals for a nighttime fall dinner party.
- Squashed: Aren’t these artful veggies just gourd-geous? We’re sure your guests will agree.
Invitations and party supplies, a match made in party heaven
Planning and hosting a fall dinner party or event is easier than ever thanks to Paperless Post. Just choose your perfect autumnal invitations, customize to your heart’s content, and send them out whichever way you choose—via email, text message, or shareable link. Choose a stationery-inspired design for a more classic look, or keep things casual with fun, animated Flyers.
Then, head to the Paperless Post Party Shop and pick up some memorable supplies and decor to bring your fall-themed party to life. No matter what look you’re going for, you’ll find something you and your guests will love at our Party Shop. There’s a reason we call our stuff “the goods that make a party great”—click the link below to see for yourself.
