As the weather gets cooler (or in the case of Boston, is still a sweltering 85 degrees!), we're all starting to think about gathering with our friends and family coming into the next season. Whether it's with our neighbors, moms, co-workers, or besties, it's the time of year to get your calendar out and start planning.

For those of us (brave souls) who have signed up to host, it's imperative to put on an event that both entertains and connects guests. As we all know, the first rule of party planning is to focus on the guest experience (numero uno!). That said, this year I'm going to stray from the traditional approaches and try out some new types of fall party themes. Below are a few I'm considering - take a look and let me know which one you'd like to attend! (Who knows...an invite may be coming to your inbox...)

Interactive Harvest Dinner

Theme: A cozy, rustic dinner party celebrating the harvest season.

Decor: Use hay bales, wooden crates, and seasonal foliage. Set up a long, communal table with warm-toned linens, candles, and mini pumpkins as centerpieces.

Activities: Wine tasting featuring local wines, a DIY caramel apple station (literally never gets old!), or a pumpkin decorating contest. Ask everyone to decorate a pumpkin like their favorite celebrity and have others guess who it is!

Menu: Farm-to-table dishes, including roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and apple cider cocktails. I repeat: APPLE CIDER COCKTAILS (mocktails always good too!)

Cider & S'mores Bonfire

Theme: A casual outdoor gathering around a fire pit.

Decor: String lights, plaid blankets, and a rustic firewood stack. Set up a gourmet s’mores station with various chocolate and marshmallow options. It's always fun to try several different types of chocolates, and don't forget about the recess cups and different flavors of marshmallows!

Activities: A cider-tasting flight, storytelling around the fire, or a cozy acoustic music session (thanks spotify).

Menu: Spiked apple cider, gourmet hot dogs, and a variety of s’mores ingredients.

Witches & Wine

Theme: A spooky yet sophisticated witch-themed wine party.

Decor: Black and purple color scheme, with candles, spell books, and cauldrons. Spooky music softly in the background. Set up a wine-tasting station with potion-like labels.

Activities: Tarot card readings, or a DIY spell jar crafting session.

Menu: Dark wines, charcuterie boards with a spooky twist, and themed desserts like black velvet cupcakes.

Sweater Weather Brunch

*let's be honest, this is the moment we're all waiting for. Shout-out to Dudley Stephens!

Theme: A cozy, laid-back brunch where everyone wears their favorite fall sweaters.

Decor: Soft blankets on the back of everyone's chair, chunky knit table runners, and an abundance of pillows. Decorate with pine cones, acorns, and seasonal fall flowers. Make sure everyone has their own giant hand-warming mug to drink from.

Activities: A hot chocolate bar with various toppings, or a DIY candle-making station.

Menu: Pumpkin pancakes, fancy cinnamon rolls, and spiced lattes.