Hosting a stylish party in your yard isn't hard at all

By Stacey-Ann Blake Correspondent

Now that the mosquitoes have disappeared and the weather has cooled, entertaining outside is a much more pleasant experience.

I recently hosted an impromptu, casual get-together that required very little planning, and we all had a great time. Here are some tips to help make your fall soiree a hit.

Select a theme

A theme helps keep your look cohesive. I like to use color palettes as themes. For this party, I incorporated predominantly blue and white with splashes of black and gold. I chose those colors because our handmade outdoor table is predominantly blue with pink details, and the color scheme would look beautiful against it. It also allowed me to use items I already had.

Table Details

Don't be afraid to mix old and new. I mixed vintage pieces such as the candlesticks, scored from thrift stores, with more modern pieces for an eclectic and fun look. Pumpkins are readily available this time of year, so I added them in the center and randomly placed some at different areas of the table. Add some gourds, pinecones and succulents for texture and more color.

The Food

We love to grill, and also enjoy shopping at our local farmers market for fresh produce. You can get whatever vegetables are in season and pair them with a meat of your choice. Everything can be prepared on the grill. Our grill master, my husband, prepared Jamaican jerk chicken, grilled asparagus and bell peppers with grilled sweet potatoes.

Sliced baguette with cheese made a great appetizer while the main course was being grilled.

Caramel apples covered in almonds made the perfect, mouth-watering dessert.

Beverages

Wine was our drink of choice, but spiced apple cider is a fall favorite and makes a great alternative or addition. It can be served hot or cold.

Music

Beautiful music in the background helps create the perfect ambiance. Since we wanted a mellow vibe, our playlist had the likes of Sade, Bob Marley and The Wailers, Amy Winehouse, Yuna, Adele and Frank Sinatra filling the air with melodious tunes.

Getting Cozy by The Fire

Fire pits set the stage for a cozy and warm gathering. If you don't have an in-ground fire pit, portable fire pits are a great alternative. They are available at stores like Lowes and Home Depot, and prices start as low as $99. Add some marshmallows in the mix, and the experience is simply magical.