Fall Party Ideas & Birthday Essentials

‍

When the leaves start to change to gorgeous shades of red, yellow, and orange, you know it’s fall. If you have a loved one that celebrates their birthday during this beautiful time of year, there are plenty of seasonal party ideas to choose from. Below are a few fabulous fall birthday party ideas for adults and kids to help get you started!

‍

Fall Party Ideas for Adults 

‍

Tailgating Party

‍

Are you ready for some football? Whether it’s the NFL or your college alma mater, check your team’s schedule for a home game that falls close to your birthday and invite a few friends to join you. 

‍

Be sure to bring plenty of chairs, utensils, trash bags, coolers, and finger foods like small sandwiches, wings, and chips and dip. Have beer, water, and soft drinks on hand along with beverages that will keep everyone warm like hot chocolate, Irish Coffee, and Spiked Apple Cider. Finally, skip the birthday cake and opt for easy–to-eat football cupcakes instead. 

‍

Not a fan of the cold weather? Stay warm and cozy with a game-watching party at your home instead! 

‍

Oktoberfest Party

‍

Celebrate your birthday with your very own Oktoberfest! Decorate your space with the festival’s traditional blue and white colors and serve German dishes such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, soft pretzels, and (of course) beer. Hefeweizen, pilsner, Kölsch, and Märzen are all popular German beers that should be served in steins or large, glass beer mugs. 

‍

No Oktoberfest is complete without music and dancing. Whether you hire a live band, set up a playlist of polka and folk bands, or just play the latest pop hits, be sure to set up a space large enough for your guests to dance and let loose. Lastly, end the celebration with an authentic German dessert like Black Forest Cake topped with birthday candles.

Murder Mystery Party

‍

This is the perfect celebration idea for Halloween lovers who enjoy costumes and getting into character. To start, find a storyline with a character list and solution to a murder mystery. Get inspired by a favorite whodunit book, scary movie, or check out these free murder mystery games. 

‍

Once you have a storyline, send out invitations with the game rules and a detailed description of the character each guest will play and dress up as. Here’s an in-depth guide on how to host a murder mystery dinner with clues and the final big reveal of the murderer. 

‍

Be sure to decorate your space to match your storyline and add cobwebs, LED candlesticks, and black streamers and balloons to create a spooky, eerie scene. At the end of the evening, gather round a Bloody Red Velvet Cake to sing “Happy Birthday!” 

‍

Fall Party Ideas for Tweens & Kids

Apple Picking & Baking Party

‍

Enjoy the crisp weather and a much-loved fall fruit! Invite a few of the birthday kid’s friends to a local orchard to pick apples for a fun outing and baking extravaganza. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the orchard or treat everyone to cider doughnuts and apple juice if they’re available for purchase. 

Once everyone has eaten and picked their apples, continue the party back home. Have the kids use their apples to bake Apple Spice Cupcakes and, while cupcakes are in the oven, make caramel dipped apples everyone can take home after when the party’s over. 

‍

Costume Party

‍

Get the birthday kid and their friends into the holiday spirit with a Halloween costume party. Encourage guests to come dressed as their favorite superhero, ghost, or goblin and get ready to boogie on down to fun Halloween songs for kids and strut their stuff in a costume contest. Award small prizes for Best Overall Costume, Most Creative Costume, Best Homemade Costume, Scariest Costume, and Funniest Costume.  

‍

Spruce up your space with Halloween decorations of course! Include orange and black streamers, balloons, and tableware and serve spooky-themed fare like Bubbly Witches Brew, Ghost Pizzas, Mummy Hotdogs and Monster Eye Birthday Cake.

‍

Spooky Movie Slumber Party

‍

Set the stage for a Halloween movie marathon and sleepover with a comfy space for guests. Provide warm blankets, pillows, and set up string lights and artificial candles throughout the room. Be sure to have fun, holiday-inspired food and drinks on hand like Pumpkin Soda, Bewitched Halloween Popcorn, and lots of candy to munch on. 

‍

For movies, consider playing Halloween classics like Hocus Pocus (PG), The Nightmare Before Christmas (PG) Goosebumps (PG), Beetlejuice (PG), and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (not rated). After a fun night, treat the birthday kid and guests to colorful Halloween Pancakes in the morning.

‍

Fall Birthday Essentials

‍

Digital Birthday Invites

‍

No matter what type of fall party you host, be sure to use online birthday invitations to share important details with guests and easily track RSVPs anytime and from any device. Browse designs that will match any party theme — a fancy birthday bash, a casual get-together, and more. Once you choose the perfect design, customize your invite and send it to your guests from your phone in minutes. 

‍

Digital Greeting Cards

‍

Send the birthday honoree heartfelt wishes for a wonderful day with a gorgeous birthday eCard. Customize everything from the written message inside, the fonts and text colors, to the stamp and the liner on the envelope. Add a short video message, include a thoughtful gift card, and schedule to send at a future date or send right away via text or email.  

Group Video Gift

‍

For an unforgettable birthday, create a group video gift from party guests and others who might not be able to attend. Collect a birthday video message from each person and easily combine them into a final group video that can be played on a big screen at the party. Simply connect your computer to your TV or projection screen using an HDMI cable, or use a SmartTV or casting device to play the group video. 

The recipient will be so surprised and touched to hear thoughtful birthday wishes while surrounded by family and friends. Bonus: loved ones will get to witness the guest of honor’s reaction firsthand!

‍

Autumn is chock-full of birthday party ideas for any age. Enjoy these themes and tips for fun and easy party planning!

‍