Outdoor Fall Decorating Ideas: Serving Hors d’Oeuvres on the Patio
In this post: Try these outdoor fall decorating ideas for a wonderful way to begin your Thanksgiving celebration by serving hors d’oeuvres on the patio.⇒
I’m not a football fan.
But I absolutely love the sound of football on TV in the fall! There’s just something about it that reminds me of how homey and family oriented this season is. And then I realize, no matter how much I prefer the warm weather, fall really is my favorite season. I love that it’s about the ingathering of family and launches several months of home-centered celebrations.
I’ve styled my patio to share with you my outdoor fall decorating ideas for when you’re lucky enough to have nice weather at your next fall gathering.
Outdoor Fall Decorating Ideas
If you love eating outdoors as much as I do, you would no doubt relish the opportunity to serve outside for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering. But here in the northeast it begins to get cold as we move through the fall season.
Still, when blessed with a sunny autumn day, there are a few things you can do to spend time outside with family.
I like to set up hors d’oeuvres on the patio and begin at the warmest part of the day. I always do the main meal inside but serving drinks on the patio is a lovely way to get started. It’s shorter than a full meal and people can breeze in and out as they please.
I like to set the mood with seasonal flowers, starting with mums in my chinoiserie planters. Early in the season I use softer almost neutral colors, but as I get closer to Thanksgiving I’m often embracing a rich fall palette.
Here I’ve used blue and russet, an unusual color palette for me, but I found the blue to be a nice balance for the boldness of the orange tones.
For my floral arrangement I softened the stronger colors by mixing in bits of blush pink.
For added seating I brought a few of our tufted kitchen chairs out to the patio. I love the mini pumpkin branches in our Italian pottery vase.
There’s nothing more welcoming for guests than a couch that’s loaded with pillows. I try to make sure there are enough for comfort but not too many so that there’s nowhere to sit. The key is to know the depth of your seating and be sure they’re there to offer support for people of various heights.
A nice large tray makes it easy to carry food and drinks out from the kitchen.
Most important for this time of year is a nice selection of blankets. I love to curl up with a soft wool throw and sip a glass of wine to warm up. An outdoor rug under foot also helps keep away the cold.
Tiny appetizer plates are all that’s needs for serving hors d’oeuvres in this setting. I leave the large plates for the meal inside and serve mostly finger foods outside.
It’s delightful to spend a relaxed holiday enjoying fresh air with our loved ones.
Once we move inside for the meal, we know that’s where we’ll likely spend the next few months, so I enjoy this last cozy opportunity to celebrate my favorite season with family!
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What a beautiful setting Lory! Every detail is fabulous! I wish I could come over and “listen” to football with you! xo
Thanks, Randi! And lol about the football. I actually feel the same way about golf in the spring. I have no interest in the game whatsoever, but I love the sound of it on TV when hubby is watching… 🙂
Lory this is gorgeous! I absolutely love your blue and white and your outdoor space is so welcoming and inviting! This is such great way to break up the day! I love it! Thank you for hosting, as always! I’m very happy to join in on the fun!
Thanks, Tamara! Yes, of all people, I would think the blue and white would resonate with you… 😉 I always love yours too!!
Oh my I love your setting as always beautiful
Thank you, Norma! I always look forward to your sweet comments… 🙂
Oh my gosh I adore all the blue! It’s such a welcoming space…I hope we have some more nice days so you can enjoy it!
Thanks! I hope so too!! At the rate we’re going, we can celebrate Christmas out there… 😉 I’ve actually always wanted to get heaters, but not sure we’re allowed. (We live in a townhouse.)
So beautiful Lory! I’m like you, I love to “hear” football in the background, but would most like to join you outside for a nice long chat! Every detail is gorgeous. xo
That sounds like a great plan, Lidy!! It’s funny I’m not the only one who loves the sound of football (but couldn’t care less about the game… ;-)).
Those blues!! I love the pop of blue and how you set the OUTside table so beautifully! Great ideas in this post, Lory!
Thank you so much, Erin!! I really love sitting outside as much as possible… 🙂
Love the idea of appetizers outside – and your flower arrangement is gorgeous. That vase!!
Thanks, Jennifer!! If I wouldn’t freeze, I’d eat the whole meal outside… 😉
I love how you incorporated so much color into your fall decor. It adds so much character to the space! The blue is so vibrant and beautiful!
Your couch looks like the perfect spot to lounge while sipping wine. This year I’ve seen more blue for autumn and I think it’s lovely. I always find inspiration here and look forward to your holiday posts.
Lory, that blue and orange was BORN to go together! Wow- I think you just gave me my next fall color scheme haha. Fabulous job, as always, and I love that you focused on outdoor fall entertaining. Thank you so much for having me on this tour- I loved being a part of it!
Lory this is gorgeous and I love how you used the color blue throughout! Such a fun idea to do appetizers outdoors… thanks for hosting a wonderful tour as always! xo
Oh you are a girl after my own heart (I couldn’t care less about football but love to hear it too!) Your warm flower colors and cozy outdoor setting are just perfect for a nice start to a fall dinner party or Thanksgiving. And Lord knows, it’s usually warm enough here to do that! Thanks for doing an outdoor theme – I think I might try that!
And thank you again for having me as part of the tour. It’s so fun to be part of such a talented and wonderful group of women!
Happy Fall sweet friend!
Sheila
xo
I love your beautiful porch. It’s almost too pretty to be outside!
Lol, thanks!! Actually, outside it the best place for a pretty space… since I love being outdoors… 🙂
Can I copy and paste your porch to my house? Love all the little touches, especially the champagne! lol #MerryMonday
That’s cute! Thanks!!
Your outdoor area looks so inviting, the colors are perfect, and that vase! Thank you for sharing.
Patti
Thanks so much, Patti!
It looks so nice and inviting on your patio. I’m off to sweep the back porch now! Maybe have some time to relax this afternoon! Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you for your beautiful inspiration! I always look so forward to your posts! Great ideas!!!
What a lovely thing to hear! It’s my pleasure to share… 🙂