Fall Harvest Party Ideas | Country Hoedown

Theme: Country

Concept: Country Hoedown

Reference: Think...farmer’s market meets backyard fall festival

Party Title: Country Harvest Hoedown

Whether you hearken from the hills of Appalachia or the wild Western plains, autumn festival customs of outdoor food and fun are at the core of keeping good company. Recreate the spirit of the old-fashioned harvest feast in your own backyard with seasonal country food selections and country dancing to traditional regional tunes.

Highlights:

Create an autumn season walkway lined with pumpkins and an archway of vines and fall leaves.
Incorporate a wheelbarrow or baskets of autumn gourds, squashes, pumpkins, berries, apples and corn stalks for a show of seasonal bounty.
Be sure to provide plenty of electric outlets for the sound system, band, and/or DJ.
Construct or designate a flat, hard surface as the dance floor so guests won’t lose their footing on uneven ground.
Ensure adequate lighting for an evening event with electric string lights, hanging lanterns, and flameless votive candles.
Accent barn rafters, railings and tents with fall-colored sashes in orange, olive, plum, cream, scarlet, toffee and/or mustard.
Set up outdoor stations for food, drinks, and other activities to form a circle with tent and activity area entrances facing inward.
Arrange draped hay bale seating around the periphery so revelers can take a breath without losing momentum.
At the center of the outdoor area, construct more bench seating out of hay bales draped with red gingham cloth or plaid blankets and adorned with fall-themed throw pillows.

Use free-standing barrels, cross-sectional logs, or wooden crates as side tables.
Erect a rustic wooden directional sign pointing the way to key party areas.
Position a friendly scarecrow holding a chalkboard “Welcome” sign announcing food, drink, and activity selections.
Add accent lighting with sand-weighted mason jars holding flickering votive candles (battery-powered recommended).
Decorate food areas with red gingham tablecloths and sumptuous bouquets of fall-colored blooms.
Group pillar candlesticks and candy dishes of different heights with pumpkins instead of candles to create a unique fall table centerpiece.
Build a mini maze of hay bales.