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It’s square dance meets country fair with boot-scootin’ tunes and seasonal food, all set against a symphony of fall foliage. Start with a long harvest table decorated with pumpkins, gourds, and mini pots of seasonal blooms snipped short. Gather flea-market chairs and bales of hay so you have plenty of landing spots, and remember to put out warm and woolly blankets for those who choose to sit out a dance or two.
For a guaranteed good time, focus on two things: the food and the music. You’ll want live music—it’s picking and spinning at its very best. Fiddlers often play with a band and will be able to connect you with a caller who can teach traditional steps to new stompers. Keep the party menu simple for host and guests alike. A hearty beef stew laden with root vegetables is easy to make ahead and perfect for those chilly fall nights. Get creative with your sandwich stuffings: Fill baguettes with brie, pear, greens, and apple butter, or layer Swiss cheese, turkey, and cranberry chutney. Fill out the table with munchies, such as sweet-potato chips, a cheese board, cut fruit, and beverages. No one will be leaving this party until the table—and dance cards—have been cleared. |