Now that we have officially switched gears into full on fall celebrations, it is time to get the party planning in full swing.

One of the best parts about fall entertaining is the endless possibilities for hosting events with make-ahead food. This makes it so easy for the host or hostess to plan as much ahead of time so they can actually indulge and enjoy the event themselves.

Let’s get this party started by sharing some really fun food bar, stations, and/or buffet ideas that your guests will be craving for many falls to come.

Ever thought of hosting a soup bar? Now is the perfect time for a celebration that is worth of a soup buffet.

The good folks over at Andersruff.com hosted a soup bar at a winter event, and after we took a staff poll at Photo Booth of the Stars it was official that now is the perfect time to include this at your next soiree.

We love the way the served the soups in individual espresso cups adorned with miniature spoons for guests to dive in with. Now all you need is a bread roll buffet to dip into all of the delicious soups you decide to serve.

May as well pair up your soup buffet with a salad bar. No matter how casual or formal the event is, nothing goes better with a soup bar than a salad bar. These ideas are great for those trying to stay healthy while entertaining, or the perfect spread for a bridal shower for all of the brides and bridesmaids trying to fit seamlessly into their gowns and dresses.

An obvious choice to fall appropriate food is chili! Chili is such a fall staple that it is almost mandatory to host a chili party with all of your friends.

Whether you are making turkey, chicken, or good old fashioned beef chili, your topping can include:

• Chopped white onions
• Sliced Spanish olives
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced boiled hot dogs
• Avocado
• Chipotles
• Salsa Verde
• Different crushed peppers
• Sliced black olives
• Corn Chips
• Scallions
• Sliced jalapeno
• Bacon
• Chopped green peppers
• Cheese

Bonfire season is upon us now, and what pairs with nice toasty fire? s’mores of course. This classic has been around for years and is not going anywhere. This timeless dessert is so simple and yet oh so good.

Hosting an indoor only event? Fear not. You can make s’mores right in the oven and make a large amount each batch which makes this treat pretty entertaining friendly.

Just pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees. Then place a single layer of graham crackers on a cookie sheet. Once the graham crackers are in place, simply place a marshmallow or several if you are using minis, onto each graham cracker. Place in the oven for around 5 minutes, or until the marshmallows have a nice poof to them. Take them out of the oven and place a slice of chocolate on top of the gooey marshmallow and top off with the other graham cracker. There you have it – Indoor s’mores at your service.

Author – L. Fulton-EventsbyL

Photo Credit:

• Soup Buffet Image – Andersruff.com
• Salad Bar Image – GirlWalksIntoABarbell
• Chili Bar- HWTM
• S’mores – SpaceShipsandLaserBeams
• Strawberry and Chocolate S’mores – Sunset.com