The Ultimate Cosy Autumn Party: Firepits, Fondue & Fun With Friends
Planning an autumn get-together? From firepits and fondue to warming drinks, hearty food and cosy film nights, here’s how to throw a relaxed autumn party your friends will love – without making yourself stressed.
Autumn: basically nature’s permission slip to put everyone in blankets and feed them carbs.
The end of summer and those blue skies and warm, sunny days (if we’ve been lucky!) turning to lower temperatures, grey skies and leaves turning brown always makes my heart sink a little.
I mean, English winters are looooong!
But it shouldn’t, because first we have Autumn – and it’s beautiful in its own right. Cosy nights by an open fire, wrapped up in blankets, toasting marshmallows over a firepit with the stars overhead, hearty stews, warming drinks and all those wonky yet glorious root vegetables.
So rather than mourning the end of summer, let’s make the most of autumn – and use it as a very good excuse to get our friends round for a cosy seasonal evening together.
Cosy Autumn Party At A Glance
The Quick Plan
(for those short on time and energy!)
- Firepit + chairs + snuggly blankets + mulled cider + marshmallows
That’s it. You’ve created an autumn evening.
If the weather isn’t cooperating, move indoors, light some candles, put on a saucepan of mulled wine (or just the kettle) and carry on.
Fun Food & Drink For Autumn
Option #1 – Firepit
There’s something so primally satisfying about sitting around a crackling, hot fire, the only light in the darkness, with a glass in your hand, chatting to friends. If you have a firepit or open fire, light it up!
Heat up a suitably warming drink, such as mulled wine, mulled cider or hot chocolate – or just have normal beers, wine and soft drinks available.
Then spend the evening like a cavewoman (or man): staring into the fire, star-gazing (and contemplating how tiny we are in the Universe if you’re me!), and chatting with your friends. The surrounding darkness, the glowing fire, and sparkling heavens all combine to create a wonderfully cosy, relaxing evening where friends open up to each other and share challenges, hopes and dreams.
And obviously: marshmallows. There’s something about toasting them over a fire that turns perfectly sensible adults into very excited children having fun! And we all need a bit more of that in our lives.
Top Tip
If you’re outside and the nights are getting colder, make sure you provide (or everyone brings) cosy blankets, a thick coat – or both! Cold guests are not happy guests.
Option #2 – Fondue
Have fun hosting a fondue evening. A fondue set is surprisingly affordable (£30-50) and once you’ve got one you can use it again and again.
Go savoury with melted cheese, bread, vegetables, meats and anything else you fancy dipping in gooey cheese. Or go sweet with melted chocolate and strawberries, banana, marshmallows and other fruits to dip. Either way you’ve got a fun central activity that everyone gathers around – and the inevitable laughter when someone loses their food in the fondue (it always happens).
Top Tip
Keep an eye on the heat and stir regularly so your fondue doesn’t burn on the bottom.
Option #3 – Autumnal Spread
If you’re into hearty autumn fare, now’s the time to break out a relaxed dinner party! Think pies, stews, roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, crusty bread, all things pumpkin, and plenty of root vegetables that are all in season this time of year.
And you don’t need to spend hours creating a complicated menu. One big dish in the middle of the table is absolutely fine.
If you really want to go for the theme, decorate your table with pumpkins, gourds and orange autumnal leaves, with candlelight adding a little extra atmosphere.
Top Tip
Make it a help-yourself dinner for less stress. Put everything in the middle of the table and let everyone just tuck in. Much less stressful than trying to serve a restaurant-style dinner.
What to Wear For Your Autumn Party
Whatever you like!
Although this is probably the season to embrace chunky jumpers and fleeces, boots and anything else that makes you feel like a human version of a cosy blanket. And if you’re having a firepit evening, then layers are your friend – wrap up warm!
Set A Cosy Mood With Music
Think cosy rather than club night. Acoustic covers, mellow jazz, or your favourite pop tracks all work brilliantly in the background. Don’t make the music too loud though – this is an evening for actually talking to your friends.
For a bit of fun, ask everyone to contribute three songs to the playlist before they arrive. You’ll likely end up with a very random – but very personal – soundtrack to the evening that provokes conversation (‘who picked this song?!’).
Autumnal Extras
You don’t need organised entertainment; the whole point is to relax and catch up with your friends. But if you want a few things to keep the conversation flowing:
- Autumn bucket list: what does everyone want to do this Autumn? Bonfire night, a woodland walk as the trees turn colourful, a weekend away, trying something new?
- Marshmallow competition: who can create the most perfectly toasted marshmallow without setting it on fire? Who can eat the most marshmallow without feeling sick? And, of course, laughing at the amateur toaster who a) sets their marshmallow on fire being too impatient or b) drops their marshmallow in the fire or on the floor…
- Bring a board game: if your group likes board games, then get everyone to bring their current favourite and see how the evening progresses.
- Autumn film afterwards: if you’re indoors, finish the evening with a cosy movie and another drink. Films like The Holiday, Fantastic Mr Fox, Knives Out, Sleepy Hollow, or The Nightmare Before Christmas all make for excellent cosy viewing. We have lots of autumn movie suggestions here.
Hosting Timeline
- One month (to one week) before: decide whether you’re going for firepit, fondue, or autumnal dinner; invite your friends and check for dietary requirements.
If you’re going outdoors, check your firepit is safe to use and plan seating, blankets, shelter… and a rain back-up plan! - One day before: Buy the food and drinks; make anything that can be prepped in advance – soup, stews, dessert etc.
Get your blankets, candles and outdoor lights ready. - Two hours before: do the minimum necessary. Set the table (if needed), chill cold drinks, prepare the food. Don’t spend three hours making your house look like an Instagram photoshoot. Your friends are coming to see you.
- Guests arrive: give everyone a drink, point them towards the food, and get the fire going. Then relax and enjoy your own party!
Our Top Tips For This Theme
Because summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Maybe autumn is just giving us a different excuse to get our favourite people together.
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