1.
Find a charming autumnal location.
2.
Maybe even a well-lit pile of leaves will do.
...so your guests can create masterpieces.
5.
Brush up on your carving hacks.
6.
Put together carving kits for guests.
9.
Replace your regular bathroom soap with a superior bar that looks like pumpkin pie.
10.
Put these in your bathroom so guests don't all use the same gross damp cloth to dry their hands.
11.
Set up a DIY Chili Bar.
Ruth Reichl has some good tips on how to make better chili.
12.
Put all the party snacks that usually goes in a bowl inside a pumpkin instead.
13.
Offer a vegetarian alternative to the chili.
14.
Serve pumpkin beer. This one is the yummiest.
16.
Serve boozy pumpkin pie milkshakes.
17.
Maybe people want something lighter, like Honeycrisp Apple Sangria.
18.
Or nonalcoholic mugs of hot chocolate rimmed with graham crackers.
19.
Send people home with party favors.
20.
Maybe those skulls are filled with pumpkin seeds you've roasted during the party.
21.
Make sure your pets are ready for company.