| Aaaah, autumn! It's the perfect time to entertain | | | | other squash and fit them with containers of |
| outdoors -- most of the bugs are gone, the sun | | | | water to make vases. Mass potted mums in vivid |
| isn't scorching even though it's warm enough to | | | | colors. Use orange Chinese lanterns, bright |
| enjoy an afternoon or evening al fresco, and | | | | rosehips, stems of red or orange berries, or |
| there's a bounty of good things to serve for an | | | | chilies. Wrap vibrant maple or sumac leaves |
| outdoor meal.Because the days are shorter in the | | | | around votive candleholders or napkin rings. |
| autumn, outdoor entertaining in the fall calls for | | | | Sunflower heads can be strewn on the tabletop, |
| special attention to lighting and | | | | or left on the flower stalks in a |
| temperature.LightingThe earlier sunset will afford | | | | container.TextureThe textures of fall are earthy |
| you an ideal opportunity to bathe your outdoor | | | | and rustic. Especially play these up if your |
| space in evening lights. Use soft light, but use | | | | gathering is informal -- a corn roast, a bonfire, a |
| plenty of it. Try dozens of votive candles in jars | | | | jeans and sweater evening. Use burlap or rough |
| and glasses to protect the flame from the wind, | | | | cotton to cover your buffet table, and dish |
| hurricane lamps, or kerosene lanterns set on low. | | | | towels as napkins. Weigh down your tablecloth |
| Create cozy seating areas and equip each with a | | | | with apples or pears hung on rough twine. Or use |
| glowing light source.HeatingThe method you'll use | | | | rattan placemats and wicker baskets. Terracotta |
| to chase the chill from the night will vary | | | | pot saucers make great paper plate holders.If |
| depending on your climate and your outdoor | | | | you're hosting a fancy sit-down outdoor dinner, |
| space. If you have a yard (and community | | | | use the subtler textures of hydrangea blossoms |
| by-laws allow), a campfire is a wonderful informal | | | | and colored leaves on a linen tablecloth. Try |
| party setting. In smaller gardens, consider | | | | bringing your indoor dining table outdoors for the |
| self-contained fire pits or a chimenea.For a more | | | | evening-it will add unexpected elegance to your |
| formal affair, you can install a propane-powered | | | | setting. Paint gold lettering on small gourds to use |
| heater. These units are available in a range of | | | | as place cards. Grace your table with |
| heating powers and prices. Or, drape attractive | | | | late-blooming roses in crystal vases.Whether you |
| throws or quilts on each chair for your guests to | | | | hold a harvest hoedown or a stylish sit-down |
| wrap around their shoulders to ward off the night | | | | dinner party for eight, fall for outside entertaining |
| air.Of course, you'll want to take advantage of | | | | this autumn!Debbie Rodgers, the haven maven, |
| the wonderful colors and textures of autumn in | | | | owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is |
| your decorating scheme and table | | | | dedicated to helping people create outdoor living |
| settings.ColorAutumn's colors are deep and rich -- | | | | spaces that nurture and enrich them. Her latest |
| russet, crimson, burnt orange, gold, dark green, | | | | how-to guide "Attracting Butterflies to Your Home |
| and the color of hay. Use these hues repeatedly | | | | and Garden" is now available on her web site. Visit |
| in tablecloths and settings, flowers, centerpieces, | | | | her at and get a free report on "Eight easy ways |
| and even the food. Scoop out pumpkins and | | | | to create privacy in your outdoor space". |