I I’m so happy it’s fall. As we’ve been settling into our new house over the past few weeks, I’ve been thinking about how much I love my fall routines. It feels like we moved in just in time to nestle in and enjoy all the simple pleasures this season brings.
A couple of weeks ago, while things inside the house were still a bit disorganized as we unpacked furniture and belongings, I decided a fall picnic in the park was exactly what we needed. Even though arranging the house has been fun, a sunny afternoon outdoors felt like the perfect way to celebrate the start of autumn.
There’s something inspiring about being in nature as the first leaves begin to change color and the air turns crisp. If you love fall as much as I do, you probably want to spend as much time outside as possible — savoring the season is part of the joy.
Near our home, in a lovely spot at Discovery Park, there’s an old rustic picnic table under a twisted tree that practically begged us to come enjoy a fall meal. The park overlooks the water and is dotted with mature trees, making it an ideal setting for a simple outdoor gathering.
My daughter Courtney and I packed a couple of tote bags with crackers, cheese, salami, grapes, apple cider, and a few fall accessories for what we decided would be a “small plate picnic.” We’d been invited to set up a fall party, and it was the perfect excuse to enjoy a casual, delicious afternoon outdoors.
The rustic table felt inviting and the accessories we brought created a charming backdrop for our simple spread.
Small plate gatherings are my favorite for informal or impromptu events like this. Using small plates creates a relaxed, intentional vibe and makes simple nibbles and bites feel special and festive.
Crackers, dips, spreads and other finger foods always feel extra special on pretty small plates. I found the perfect wood plates for our picnic, which added a rustic touch I loved and will keep using throughout the season.
We added a few accessories to set the tone: a wood lantern, the small wood plates, a chalkboard ice bucket (we forgot the chalk, but it still looked cute), wood-handled utensils, a marble trivet, and woven placemats for texture.
To add personality, we chose a gold polka dot runner and navy cloth napkins that wouldn’t blow away. Hammered copper mugs added a bright contrast to the wood plates and were perfect for cider. Battery-operated glimmer string lights brought a warm glow across the table, which was charming even in daylight.
The table drew attention from passersby — people stopped to see what we were doing and admired the setup. It was a reminder that a little effort and thoughtful styling can create a warm, inviting atmosphere and spark friendly conversations even in a public park. We met several lovely people who ended up joining us and sharing the moment.
Five simple steps to host your own Autumn Small Bites Party:
1. Choose a pretty outdoor or indoor setting that fits the mood.
2. Gather fall accessories and small plates to style your table.
3. Arrange an assortment of finger foods and seasonal drinks.
4. Create a relaxed soundtrack to set the mood.
5. Sit down, relax, and enjoy time together around the table.
Below is a close look at the accessories we used for our picnic. These pieces helped pull everything together and made the experience feel special.
If you want to host your own autumn gathering, look for accessories that bring texture and warmth — wood, copper, woven elements, and soft linens all work beautifully together.
Also featured in our picnic: horn cheese knives, LED birch tree pillar candles (battery-operated), and amber glimmer string lights, which added cozy visual interest to the table.
We created a playlist of songs that suit a relaxed fall evening outdoors. Feel free to use it for your own gathering; the player above lets you preview the selection.