Ideas for a Fall Bridal Shower

Look to the season's rich colors and bounty for decorating and culinary inspiration

By Julie Hampton

Photo by ThinkStock

The look, feel and smell of autumn's delights can make a harvest-themed bridal shower a success. Fall is rich in warm colors that can create elegant decor. You can pick up decorations at the local farmers' markets or craft stores. Use items from the outdoors such as real fall leaves, branches and even corn for texture and dramatic appeal.

Leaf Name Tags

Create name tags by using a large leaf paper punch. Purchase the punch and fall-colored card stock at a local craft store. Use a calligraphy pen or ask a calligrapher to write each guest's first and last name on the card. Have tape or pins available so each guest can attach the name tag.

Metallic Pumpkins

Spray-paint pumpkins silver, copper or a shiny white. They only need to be lightly coated -- one coat is usually all that is required. Always use spray paint outdoors or in a well-ventilated area and make sure they have dried before handling. Decorate the entrance of the bridal shower with the glitzy decor. Small metallic pumpkins can serve as tabletop decor.

Hot Apple Cider

If the weather is chilly, or even if it's not, serve hot apple cider to warm up the guests as they enter the bridal shower. Have mulling spices, cinnamon sticks and whipped cream available to add flavor to the cider. Rum can be placed out if guests would like to spike their mugs with something a little stronger.

Fall Fabric and Ribbon

Add the feeling of fall instantly with tablecloths and runners in the fall colors of your choice. Flowers in rich, autumn shades will add to the decor. Purchase inexpensive spools of chocolate brown, spicy orange and rust-red ribbon and create bows for vases and other decor elements or to decorate the backs of chairs. If you want different colors from the usual fall suspects, look to jewel tones such as plum, emerald and midnight blue.

Fall Aroma

Light a variety of scented fall candles in the room, including pumpkin, apple and cinnamon. Cut out the tops of small pumpkins and set small votive candles in each pumpkin. A variety of fall-scented room sprays and plug-in air fresheners can also be used.

Cookie and dessert buffet

Create a variety of sugar cookies cut into the shape of fall leaves or ask your caterer to do this. Cookies can be decorated with sugar and crystals in fall colors. Serve pumpkin and pecan tarts for additional tasty treats. Place all cookies and sweets in baskets and place them on a serving table.

Candy Apples

Serve a variety of candied or caramel apples covered in nuts, chocolates and even coconut. Place the candied apples in clear plastic bags and tie with a ribbon. Bridal shower guests can take an apple to go and eat the messy treat at home.