Leaves are falling and so are temperatures, signaling the end of some of our favorite outdoor activities—from soaking up the summer to swimming and enjoying water sports. Yet, while the end of summer often signals less time outdoors, there’s still some room for outdoor living, and entertaining. The start of autumn is the perfect time to host a fall evening with friends, enjoying some of the best things about the season: conversation around a glowing fire table, warm drinks and tasty treats!

Fire table chat sets

Crisp fall evenings are the perfect time to enjoy good conversation with all your favorites around a warm fire, and a fire table chat set makes hosting an autumn get-together easier than ever. Choose a chat set that includes the appropriate number of chairs for both your space and your entertaining habits. Common options include four or six chairs, but you can always purchase extra patio seating to pull out when you have more company. Make sure to select chairs that will be comfortable for as long as you are enjoying the warm glow of the fire, such as high-back cushion swivel rockers.

Today’s gas fire tables are designed for easy operation and care, creating stress-free entertaining. A match light design ignition offers an easy start for instant fire, and they are easy to turn-off when evening festivities wind down. No waiting for wood logs to catch or waiting for logs to burn down and making sure the wood fire is out before bed. Plus, there is no woody, smoky smell to worry about. Many tables work with a standard 20 lb LP fuel tank for simple operation over time, and some models are compatible with a natural gas conversion kit as well.

Fall treats

You have the conversation area set. Now, it’s time to plan food and drinks. For evening entertaining, there’s no need to plan a full dinner. Keep things simple by preparing a choice of snacks and a couple of beverage options. Try celebrating fall with some of the season’s best flavors. A pitcher of a pumpkin- or apple-flavored mixed drink will help set the tone for your fall gathering.

For food, include a savory option and a sweet treat. You can showcase that last of your garden’s tomato crop with simple tomato and basil crostini. On the sweet side of the evening, plan a s’mores tray to allow your guests to make their own snacks around the fire. Include graham crackers, chocolate bars, marshmallows and roasting sticks for a classic sweet treat your guests are sure to enjoy making, and eating. For an added twist, include flavored chocolates to liven up the traditional dessert.

The extras

Be the hostess with the mostess by preparing for the cooler autumn evenings and the comfort of your guests. Fill a basket with a few comfy throws for guests to wrap up in as the temperatures drop. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be ready to host a perfect fall evening with friends that can last as long as the fire is glowing, drinks are flowing and the stars are sparkling!