5 Fall Party Theme Ideas — Entertain the Idea

Fall is the perfect time to throw a party! Not only does it have some of the arguably best holidays, like Halloween and Thanksgiving, but it’s also some of the best weather of the year IMO. Not too hot and not too cold. So it’s the perfect time to host a crisp autumnal patio dinner party. Or a cozy girl’s night bonfire in your backyard. Or even a spooky outdoor movie night would be so fun!

If you are looking to add a little something extra to your next fall festivities, might I suggest one of these 5 fall party theme ideas?! I’ve got a mix of ideas that are both spooky and autumnal so you are sure to find something that fits your fall vibe! And if you need more inspiration, be sure to check out some of my past fall themed party posts, like Throwing a Fall Harvest Celebration! or Host a Vintage Apothecary Inspired Halloween Dinner Party!

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FIVE FALL PARTY THEME IDEAS (FOR YOUR NEXT GIRLS NIGHT OR DINNER PARTY!)

WOODLAND FOREST PARTY THEME

I’ve been going back and forth on whether mushrooms are an iconic element of spring or fall, but I think paired with these cute woodland elements, they are definitely leaning into the fall vibes! Nothing says cozy like a woodland forest theme. Think Folklore, think flannel shirts. Add in a bunch of natural elements (like leaves, acorns, pine cones, mushrooms, etc.) and you’ve got yourself a whimsical fall fairy-tale party.

Give your space a magical glow with these acorn string lights.
Serve a fall-themed charcuterie spread on this cute acorn wood cheese board.
These lace-trimmed napkins would make such a whimsical touch to your tablescape!
And pair the napkins with this sweet taupe gingham tablecloth.
I’m in love with these colored glass mushroom bud vases to display with mini arrangements around your space.
Add a touch of woodland elements with these cute pine cone paper plates.
Bring the outdoors inside by hanging up some of these gold leaf garlands around your party space!
Serve a cozy fall drink (maybe a hot apple cider or a chai tea latte!?) in these brown gradient paper cups.
Use these wood rounds to create a woodland dessert display by layering at different heights.

PRACTICAL MAGIC PARTY THEME

I FINALLY got around to watching Practical Magic for the first time this year, and it was just as iconic as everyone says it is. I loved it! And it gave me all the witchy, east coast, magic vibes that I’m just dying to add into my Halloween decor this year. I think Practical Magic would make for such a fun girls night theme, or better yet, host a movie night to screen this film and dress up your space with some of these magical decor elements inspired by the movie.

Create a magical ambiance with these flickering flameless pillar candles.
Decorate your space with hanging dried florals — the perfect ingredients for whipping up your own potions.
I love this wicker witch hat!
Hang up this magical paper star garland or make your own by cutting out some star shapes from old book pages.
Set your witchy tablescape with these velvet napkins in dusty rose.
Add a fun detail from the movie by displaying a few plastic bullfrogs around your space.
This black fringe tablecloth looks like it belongs in the iconic Practical Magic house.
Serve food on these witchy moon plates.
You obviously need to serve your guests midnight margaritas (while dancing around your kitchen) in these vintage-inspired purple glasses.

CIDER MILL PARTY THEME

I grew up going to the cider mill every fall in the Midwest, so it just isn’t autumn to me without a taste of the perfect combination of cider and donuts. So why not theme your next celebration a day at the cider mill? Be sure to include lots of pumpkin and apple orchard-inspired decor!

Set your table with these harvest brown gingham paper plates.
Decorate your space to look like an apple orchard with wooden baskets filled with your favorites apples.
Gift your guests an apple-shaped votive candle as a cute party favor.
Stack up wooden crates to decorate your space like an orchard. Or use them as risers to display snacks or desserts.
Serve your apple cider in these copper mugs!
Guests can pour their own cider from this fun pumpkin drink dispenser.
Decorate your tablescape with these burlap table runners for a rustic look.
Cozy up your space with a mix of plaid blankets for guests to use if they get chilly! Or open them up as picnic blankets around your yard for a casual dining experience.
And, of course, you need to serve apple cider donuts! These wood donut stands are the perfect addition to make a fun display.

VINTAGE HALLOWEEN PARTY THEME

Halloween decor these days just doesn’t hit the same as the old Nostalgic (and dare I say tacky??) decor of the 90s and early 2000s. So bring back a fun and nostalgic twist on Halloween with some of these elements mixed with even more retro & vintage inspired designs. I love the classic black and orange color palette. Basically anything that isn’t like a sad beige pumpkin will fit the look!

First rule, pumpkins everywhere! Starting with these cute pumpkin taper candles.
This paper cat actually looks really vintage and would make the perfect wall decor.
Serve food on these vintage-inspired jack-o-lantern paper plates.
A pennant banner is always a great way to pack a big punch when decorating without spending a fortune.
Cover your table in a classic black tablecloth.
Serve drinks in these cute orange glass pumpkin mugs or give them out as a fun (& useful) party favor!
Bats are such a fun and easy way to decorate for a Halloween party.
These striped cloth napkins really add to the vintage-Halloween vibe of the party.
Jack-o-lantern lanterns feel super nostalgic to me!

APOTHECARY SHOP PARTY THEME

If you are more into the spookier side of the season, this Apothecary Shop theme might be the perfect idea for you! Mix together the old antique vibes of an apothecary or an oddity shop with some Halloween elements like skeletons and spiderwebs. I would also highly recommend making these Apothecary Potion Bottle Favors for the cutest take-aways for your guests.

These grey goblets look antique!
Display things like faux bugs, butterflies, or bones in these glass cloches for the perfect oddity centerpiece.
Serve food on these decorative black disposable plates.
Skulls and skeletons would make the perfect spooky decor around an apothecary shop!
Add another spooky elements by draping some black creepy netting around your space.
An assortment of glass bottles, like these amber bottles, are a must for displaying “potion” bottles around the apothecary shop.
This set of drawers is straight out of an old world apothecary!
Decorate your space by thrifting lots of stacks of old dusty books or buy these decorate faux storage boxes.
Display snacks or candies in these assorted glass jars.

I hope you find a theme to try out this season if you are thinking about doing any hosting or entertaining. And I would love to hear what other ideas you have that would make for a unique fall festivity?

Happy hosting! xo Rachael