This year, why not elevate your fall festivities beyond the traditional dessert spread? We're talking about interactive treat experiences that engage the senses, spark joy, and create lasting memories. Whether you're hosting an intimate get-together at home or planning a grand autumnal gala, interactive foodie experiences are a great way to bring people together. These creative foodie experiences aren’t just about indulging in delicious seasonal treats (although you will!) - they’re about making memories through hands-on fun. Here are a few of our favorite ideas to elevate your fall celebrations and to keep your guests falling in love with Fall flavors.
1. GOURMET S'MORES BAR
Create a cozy, autumnal vibe by a fireplace or fire pit, by laying out a bountiful spread of elevated S'mores classics like gourmet marshmallows (we're impartial to the marshmallows at Hudson Valley Marshmallow Co.), artisanal chocolate, and chocolate-covered graham crackers, mini waffles, or stroopwafels as a base. But don't stop there, include unique fillings like fresh fruits (bananas and/or berries are wonderful inclusions), Nutella or cookie butter, boozy whipped cream, sea salt, caramel syrup, Thin Mint cookies, peanut butter cups, pretzels, jams, and more. And if you want to take it up yet another notch, add a cocktail spread, cider tasting, or seasonal drink to create a "S'mores & Sip" theme. Our wine & cocktail infusion kits make the perfect accompaniments. Our seasonal Dragon-Blood Sangria infusion kit can be featured as a pre-made sangria for a festive and spooky "S'mores & Sip: Halloween edition" event.
2. COCKTAIL CAULDRON STATION (Halloween-Approved)
Hosting a Halloween bash? Give your bar a witchy twist with a DIY “cocktail cauldron” experience that is interactive, eye-catching, and highly customizable. Set out mini cauldrons (you can also use mini punch bowls or glass jars) for your guests, filled with a base beverage like juice, wine, prosecco, a cocktail, or a sangria (like our Dragon-Blood Sangria, made from our infusion kit with real dragonfruit and blood orange). Let guests add their own “potion” ingredients to create their own one of a kind magical potion drinks - think blackberries, fruit wedges, grapes or melon balls (as "eyeballs"), food-grade dry ice (use tongs!), color-changing ice cubes (avoid with hot liquids), spices (cinnamon, star anise, cloves), or glittery edible drink shimmer. Lean into the theme even further with black decor, faux spider-webs, and flickering candles, while creatively displaying potion ingredients in apothecary jars, test-tubes, and smoky goblets.
3. BISCUIT BOARD
Charcuterie boards are quite common, but for a unique seasonal spin, try a jam and biscuit board as part of your fall brunch spread. Start with an assortment of warm, fresh-baked mini biscuits or scones (or if you prefer to go store bought, your favorite local bakery is a good place to start). Add a spread that includes a variety of butters, cheeses, honey, fresh fruits, and a selection of jams, and let your guests customize their biscuits exactly to their liking. We're impartial to our seasonal Apple Pie Jam, which translates all of the cozy spices of an apple pie into a spreadable form - delicious on a flaky biscuit, or any of your favorite breads and baked treats.
4. LOLLIPOP PAIRING STATION
Think wine and cheese, but with a sweet, whimsical twist. Set up a lollipop pairing station where guests can make their own pairings of artisanal lollipops with small sips of wine, cider, liqueurs, champagne, hot chocolate, juices, or even coffee. For example, lean into the flavors of the season by pairing a cranberry orange lollipop with a splash of Pinot Noir or mulled wine, or try a mocha lollipop paired with a rich cold brew or Irish cream liqueur. Offer seasonal beverages like warm, spiced apple cider, perhaps with a splash of rum or bourbon, or our seasonal Spiced Ginger Pear Martini infusion kit, for vibrant spicy notes. It's an experience that is playful, palate-pleasing, and completely unexpected - perfect for a bridal shower, harvest dinner, or even a grown-up Halloween party.
No matter the size or style of your gathering, the key to an unforgettable fall foodie experience is the interactive element. When people get to engage with flavors and customize their treats, it becomes more than a meal - it becomes a pleasant memory they hold long after the moment. Whether you’re all about cozy vibes or a full-on Halloween affair, there’s a deliciously creative way to make your fall gatherings unforgettable - and it's waiting for you to explore it! And hey—if your fall “gathering” is just you, a lollipop, and your favorite candlelit playlist? Well, that counts too. 😂