As the leaves start turning, it’s the perfect time of year to do a little fall entertaining and get your friends and family together. Fall brings cool weather, hot cocoa, and lots of ways to have cold weather fun—and you don’t have to spend a lot to host a great party. From DIY decorations to creative snacks, there are plenty of ways to entertain in style without spending a ton.
Here are some affordable, fun fall entertaining ideas that will have your guests feeling all the cozy vibes without you feeling squeezed financially.
1. Host a harvest potluck
If there’s one thing fall is known for, it’s comfort food. Instead of taking on all the food prep yourself, make your party a potluck! Ask guests to bring their favorite fall dish—whether it’s a classic like pumpkin pie or a seasonal salad with apples and cranberries. It saves you money and also makes for an interesting and varied menu.
Brigit tip: Create a themed dish sign-up sheet so you don’t end up with five pumpkin desserts (unless of course that’s your goal!). That way you can be sure all bases are covered and there’s something for everyone.
2. DIY hot chocolate bar
Hot drinks are basically required for fall gatherings, and nothing says cozy like a hot chocolate bar. Set up a simple station with a big pot of homemade hot chocolate (or just heat up store-bought mix in bulk) and lay out toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, candy canes, cinnamon, and chocolate chips. You can even add a splash of coffee or flavored syrups for adults who want a mocha twist.
Brigit tip: Raid your pantry for toppings, and use inexpensive mason jars or mugs from around the house to put them in. You can also ask guests to bring their favorite mugs for a personalized touch.
3. Pumpkin decorating station
Instead of carving pumpkins (which can get messy—pumpkin guts, ugh!), set up a pumpkin decorating station where guests can paint, glitter, or use markers to create their fall masterpiece. Mini pumpkins are affordable and make for cute keepsakes. (For a while, anyway. They won’t last forever, but they’ll last a lot longer than if you carve them!)
Brigit tip: Pick up mini pumpkins from a local farm or grocery store—they’re usually inexpensive if you buy them in bulk. Stock up on craft supplies like paint, stickers, and markers from a dollar store. You could even have a friendly competition with categories. Think “Most Creative” or “Best Use of Glitter.”
4. Fall-themed movie night
Transform your living room or backyard into a cozy movie theater for a fall-themed movie marathon. Think family-friendly Halloween staples like Hocus Pocus, The Addams Family, or a cartoon classic like It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Grab some blankets, make popcorn, and let the nostalgia roll.
Brigit tip: If you’re outside, string up some fairy lights to create ambiance, and use sheets or blankets as extra seating. Have guests bring their own blankets or chairs, and set out free popcorn with autumn-themed toppings like cinnamon sugar or caramel drizzle.
5. Chili cook-off
Nothing warms you up like a good bowl of chili. A chili cook-off is a great way to feed a crowd on the cheap while making it fun and competitive. Ask a few guests to bring their best chili recipes for fall entertaining and let everyone vote on their favorite.
Brigit tip: Have a few simple sides like cornbread, sour cream, green onions, shredded cheese, and tortilla chips to round out the meal. Most chili recipes are made from affordable, staple ingredients like beans, tomatoes, and ground beef, so it’s a great budget-friendly option.
6. Apple cider tasting
Take advantage of the season’s iconic beverage by hosting an apple cider tasting. Pick up a few different varieties of cider (sparkling, spiced, hard cider for the adults) and set up a tasting station with small cups so guests can sample them all. Add fresh apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and maybe a dash of nutmeg for garnish.
Brigit tip: Lots of grocery stores carry several types of cider at a reasonable price. You can elevate the whole thing by offering simple homemade add-ins like cinnamon sugar rims or apple slices infused with a dash of lemon and cinnamon.
7. Backyard bonfire & s’mores
Nothing screams fall like gathering around a crackling fire. If you have a backyard fire pit, you’re all set for the perfect low-cost fall entertaining option. Stock up on marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate to make s’mores, and let guests take turns toasting their treats.
Brigit tip: If you don’t have a fire pit, you can still enjoy s’mores by making them indoors with a s’mores station or using your stovetop or microwave. Grab some skewers, and add a creative twist with extra toppings like peanut butter cups or sliced bananas.
8. Scavenger hunt
Add some excitement to your fall gathering with a scavenger hunt! Hide fall-themed items around your yard or neighborhood and create a list of clues. This is a fun, interactive game for kids and adults alike, it’s a perfect idea for fall entertaining.
Brigit tip: Use items you already have—like pinecones, or colorful leaves—as the scavenger hunt treasures. Offer small prizes like homemade cookies or a fall candle for the winners.
9. Seasonal photo booth
Everyone loves a good photo opp, especially with a backdrop of fall colors. Set up a DIY photo booth in your backyard with a simple background made from leaves, hay bales, or pumpkins. You can even create fun, fall-themed props like scarecrow hats, faux mustaches, or signs that say “Sweater weather” or “Pumpkin spice everything.”
Brigit tip: Use what you already have—blankets, pillows, or fall-themed home décor can all make great props. A smartphone on a tripod works well for snapping photos, and you can create a party hashtag for guests to share their pics on social media.
10. Host a fall game day
If your crew loves a little friendly competition (and what crew doesn’t?), organize some classic outdoor games with a fall twist. Think pumpkin bowling (use pumpkins as pins and a small gourd as the ball), sack races, or bobbing for apples (or, maybe not that one… because ew. Why are people still doing it?). These games are fun for everyone and only take a few inexpensive supplies.
Brigit tip: Most of these games can be set up with items you already have at home or can find at a local dollar store. Plus, they’re great for kids and adults alike, making it a family-friendly party idea.
