The Feel of Crisp Air...   the taste of warm cider...the smell of blazing bonfires....the sound of cheering fans at football games.....Signs of Fall.  While I haven't encountered these yet, I'm convinced they're right around the corner.  With fall officially gracing our calendars as of this coming Tuesday, it's  time to tuck away thoughts of sand and seersucker; instead embrace longer hours of darkness and clothing that keeps us completely covered. Though I love Halloween, I believe it sometime steals the attention away from the season that contains so much beauty and charm; or then again, maybe Halloween is just a headliner for Autumn.   

        Either way, celebrating Fall, aside from Halloween is a great way to get your friends and family together.    We always hear about wine and cheese tastings, but I suggest leaving the dress or tie at home.  Instead grab your cable knit sweater and opt for a more casual soiree:  A craft beer and cheese party.   Craft beers have become ever-so-popular and there are some fantastic seasonal autumn picks to provide!

For your Fall Party, you may want to pick a game day!  Pick a football game that is central to your location so everyone has a common interest in front of the big screen!  Fill your house with autumn-scented candles to set the seasonal  mood.   Yankee Candle Co. has some Amazing fall scents!  Provide 3-4 different autumn beer selections. I suggest Buffalo Bill's Pumpkin Ale (pictured above left) or Sam Adam's October Fest.  Check out your grocery's beer selection. You'll be surprised at the variety of fall seasonals.   Set a few bottles of each type out and have frosted beer tumblers available.  This way your guests can sample a little of each beer.  Near your tasting table fill large metal drink caddy's or buckets with the selected beers and ice so everyone can easily continue to drink their favorite seasonal.  

Cheese blocks on wooden trays or platters will look great near your bottles of "tester beers".  Whole Food's has an incredible selection of Cheese.   You can't go wrong with Smoked Gouda, Sharp Cheddar and Pepper Jack with these fall ales.  Choose 4-5 different kinds of cheese and provide wheat or multi grain crackers.   Fill large glass bowls with Caramel Pop Corn and Shelled Peanuts for gameday.   For your non-alcoholic beverage drinkers,  have warm cinnamon cider available .  When the big game is over, move outside into cool air if you can provide a bonfire or have a large chimenea.  Not an option?  Light a fire in the fireplace and put on some good music.   Try something fun like Louis Armstrong's All Tim Greatest Hits or Ray LaMontage's "Trouble" while everyone is mingling.  Both are fun and engaging for calmer casual get-to-gethers. 

   Keep decorations low key.  Opt for uncarved pumpkins-Try Blue and White or different shapes; which you can find at your local garden nurseries.  Set large white candles in hurricane jars and fill with cranberries or Pears.   

     This type of party is easy to pull off.  You'll have rave reviews and all the while you'll be sitting by the fire sipping an ice cold beer.   WELL HELLLLO FALL!