Fall has finally arrived, making a great time to celebrate the new season. This is the perfect time of year to host a festive luncheon with family or colleagues.

Here are a few ideas on hosting the perfect fall luncheon, which is a great excuse to relax with good company and catch up after a busy summer –

1~ Use Themed Invitations. Make your invitations to this gathering fun and festive. Create something using dark, rich fall colors for the font and with leaves, pumpkins or other fall inspired images as the backdrop.

2~ Decorate Your Entryway. The first thing that your guests will see, when arriving at your home, is the entryway. Decorate your door or walkway with a festive wreath, a fall colored rug and some mums or decorative pumpkins.

3~ Don’t Forget the Details. Don’t stop the fall decorating at the door. Be sure to add some extra details to the table and sitting area too. Placing some candles and fall leaf garland around the place settings brings the warm fall theme to your home instantly.

4~ Remember the Extras. When you are planning the menu for the day, don’t forget to add a nice appetizer such as a warm dip, served with a variety of snacks. Also add fall drink favorites such as cider, warm tea, flavored coffee or champagne – ensuring that each guest is satisfied.

5~ Place Cards. Putting place cards on the table is an excellent idea and a way to avoid awkward moments when guests are trying to find a place to sit. Continue with the fall theme by stenciling a pumpkin on the cards – or using dark colored paper and cutting each card into the shape of a fall leaf.

6~ Use Good Table Wear. Make sure to put out the good dishes and linen napkins at the luncheon.  Also remember to keep the table decorations short so that guests can see over the top of them, ensuring good conversation.

7~ Menu. What’s better to serve at a fall luncheon than season food? One idea is butternut squash soup with a nice salad and glazed ham with roasted apples.

8~ Dessert. Although it is only a luncheon, you should still always finish the meal by offering dessert. Pumpkin or apple pie and fall shaped cut-out cookies are an excellent way to finish things.

Remember as the host, you should keep the conversation light and positive and enjoy time talking with each guest. Walk everyone individually to the door and be sure to thank them for coming.

With cooling temperatures, fall marks an excellent time of year to gather together. Make your event memorable for everyone by taking the extra steps for the perfect themed luncheon they will remember.