I’m excited to share this wonderful Rustic Fall Party from Courtney of Joyful Weddings & Events with you today – full great inspiration for Thanksgiving decor too! There are so many fantasic and affordable DIY ideas to be found here – from the creative (& easy!) burlap wreath to the mason jar drinking glasses embellished with brown paper bags, to the market produce vase fillers, which added a perfect pop of color in all the right places.

Read on for lots more pics and party details, as told by Courtney…

“Two years ago, my husband and I started the tradition of having a party at the beginning of each season to celebrate our favorite things about that time of year. Fall was our first party, so this party is always extra special for us. You can see photos of our past seasonal parties here and here.

This year, I got much of my inspiration while shopping during a trip to New York. I fell in love with a super soft tan and white striped yarn at Purl Soho and knew that it had to be incorporated into the party. I also found a great fabric there with a neutral leaf print and brought some home with me. I went with a more neutral feel, bringing in burlap fabric and ribbon along with my New York finds and accenting with color from fall produce.

My goal was to use things that I already had for decor – no buying flowers this year. Only items already in my supply as well as produce from the market that I could reuse.

Guests were welcomed with white pumpkins from Trader Joes, stacked on vintage crates. (pictured at top, image #1) I also made a garland out of the yarn and paper circles and hung it on our front porch.

I lined our window sill with large mason jar candles accented with yarn.

At the last minute, I decided to throw together a quick wreath. I wrapped a cardboard wreath form with strips of burlap and then added a yarn bow and hung it with the same yarn. Super quick!

For drinks, I used mason jars and cut strips of brown paper shopping bags to wrap around them. I added a little yarn and then had guests write their names on the paper to claim their glasses. Essentially free and way cuter than sharpie on a red plastic cup! I also wrapped glass water jugs from Ikea to match. The green striped paper straws are from etsy seller HeyYoYo.

Our seasonal parties are always potlucks, so it is fun to see what seasonal inspired creations our friends bring. I have a recipe for my favorite apple dip, which I made for the party, and you can find it right here on my blog.

At each party, we give out a mix of songs that fit with that season. In addition, we gave out little sachets of mulling spices this year. This is such an easy and cheap favor! I bought mulling spices from Trader Joes, wrapped a small amount in cheesecloth and then wrapped that in a piece of burlap and tied with yarn.

We set up a photobooth for our guests to take photos, which was a fun addition to the night! To create the backdrop for the booth, I hung burlap and made fabric letters that read “FALL“.

You can see more of our fall party on my blog. Our seasonal parties are so much fun and we love sharing this special tradition with our friends. I already cannot wait for Winter!“