Lastly, I topped each salad plate with alternating pears and mini-white pumpkins, using them as place cards. I created simple “I am thankful for” name tags with antlers to pair with the fall table decor, added guest names in a script font and printed six per page on an off-white pearlized heavy weight card stock. I cut the cards into 2” x 2” squares, with a hole punch, I punched a hole in the left corner of each tag, and tied them to the stems of the pears and pumpkins with a medium weight twine. It's a simple DIY that adds a personal touch to your table, will make your guests feel extra-special and can be done weeks ahead of time.
I'm a firm believer guests should be greeted with a glass of champagne or a signature cocktail. After that, it's fun to set up a self-service bar with recipe cards for your signature drink and other fall-inspired cocktails, so that guests can help themselves. Include ice, mixers, the perfect glasses, oh, and the booze. Our signature go-to cocktail this year is Apple Cider & Champagne Sangria. Don't worry, we didn't leave you hanging. The recipe is below.