Fall Party

Before you put your grill away, plan a fall party! Gather your neighbors, call your friends, and use this as an excuse to have an easy seasonal celebration in the cool, crisp weather. Ask guests to bring an appetizer, side dish, or dessert to share.

You'll probably want to schedule your fall party to begin in the afternoon, so you'll have plenty of daylight. It will also ensure that the kids can see well enough to be safe and have fun.

Here's the easy menu.We've made this really simple, so the hosts can also enjoy the party. Of course, you can also make something different or more involved, but to keep with the spirit of the party, try to use the grill! Light Dinner

Hot dogs or hamburgers Corn on the cob, or sliced vegetables to grill Baked beans, potato salad, or tossed salad—whatever sounds good and is easy. All of these items can be prepared ahead of time or purchased already made. Snacks

Marshmallows for roasting Marshmallow & chocolate grahams—made from graham crackers, chocolate bars, and more marshmallows Other snacks, such as bagged snack food Apple cider, juice, or other drinks Festive seasonal decorationsDecorate tables and the entryway with little pumpkins, miniature Indian corn, decorative gourds, and pretty fall leaves.

A little carved pumpkin with a tealite makes a nice candle for the bathroom during a fall party.

You can also use small or large carved pumpkins with candles to line the drive or walkway.

Fun & frolicThese ideas will take a bit of preparation, but it will be fun to get ready for these games or to create your own. Little prizes are always fun to have. Inexpensive prizes might consist of toy cars, bubbles, paddle balls, small containers of candy, yo-yos, super balls, markers, stickers, coloring books, and crayons. Try these fun activities with the kids even if you aren't having a fall festival.

Pin the nose on the pumpkin. Scavenger hunt—try having the kids search for missing little pumpkins or gourds that have the next clue written on them; they can also be written on leaves that have been cut out of construction paper. Jump rope, skip-it, or hula hoop contests or relay races. A "marathon" of events where the fastest team wins. Kids have to work together to win. A contest where kids draw faces on pumpkins. Prizes can be awarded for the funniest, scariest, prettiest, and so on. Everyone can win. Kids mold pumpkins from clay and decorate them. Guess how many pieces of candy corn are in the jar. Croquet, or your own miniature golf course using plastic cups held down with rocks. Water balloon toss—if the weather is warm enough.

After dinner is over, use the warm grill to roast marshmallows. The marshmallows can also be placed on top of a piece of chocolate bar, sandwiched between graham crackers, and eaten. Yum. Be sure to get enough for the adults also. This is a perfect complement to any fall party.

Of course, keep the kids away from the fire, and be sure the grilled treats are cool enough for little ones to eat.