There’s something so special about celebrating the season of cozy sweaters, golden light, and all things pumpkin spice. This fall, we decided to bring that magic to life with a MAB-style soirée — think glowing candles, good company, delicious bites, and a signature drink that felt like fall in a glass.
Whether you’re planning a friends’ night in or a backyard gathering, here’s a peek at how we created our chic, autumn-inspired evening — and how you can recreate it, too.
1. Setting the Mood & The Décor
When it comes to fall entertaining, atmosphere is everything. We wanted our soirée to feel warm, welcoming, and effortlessly elegant — a space where guests could laugh over wine, graze on beautiful boards, and wrap up in cozy throws as the sun set.
We layered in all the textures that make fall feel so good: soft plaids, neutral pumpkins, dried leaves, and gentle candlelight. Tables were lined with mini pumpkins, flickering flameless candles in votive holders, and touches of orange and cream plaid in a cute table cloth – the perfect balance of rustic and refined.
A curated playlist of acoustic favorites and soft indie songs (you can find plenty of “Autumn Chill” playlists on Spotify!) played in the background, setting a relaxed yet upbeat mood.
2. The Food Spread: Yummy Eats Made Easy
We kept the menu simple but stunning with help from Wegmans catering. Their options made it effortless to serve crowd-pleasing favorites that looked as good as they tasted.
Here’s what we served:
-Sushi platters for something fresh and unexpected – a MAB fave every get-together!
-Mini sandwiches filled with turkey & brie, roast beef & horseradish, and pesto veggie.
-A charcuterie board overflowing with cheeses, meats, nuts, and fruits.
-Seasonal salads with roasted vegetables and cranberries for color and flavor.
The food table doubled as part of our décor — we used wooden boards and textured linens to give everything that elevated “effortless hostess” look.
The Sweet Touch: Our S’mores Board
No MAB soirée would be complete without a signature dessert moment — and our s’mores board stole the show. Guests roasted marshmallows over the firepit and got creative with their combinations.
Our favorite board additions:
-Graham crackers (classic and chocolate)
-Assorted cookies (fudge stripes or oreos)
-Milk, dark, and white chocolate bars
-Marshmallow fluff spread for a decadent topper
-Reeses Chocolate for an elevated chocolate center
We displayed everything on a large wooden tray, creating a look that was both beautiful and inviting. It was the perfect way to wrap up the night — a little nostalgic, a little gourmet, and a whole lot of fun.
3. Our Signature Drink: Fall Sangria 🍎
We wanted a drink that felt festive but easy to batch — something that guests could sip all evening long. Enter our Fall Sangria: a mix of crisp apple cider, Sauvignon Blanc, a touch of bourbon, and slices of fresh fruit.
What we mixed:
-4 cups apple cider
-1 bottle Sauvignon Blanc
-1 cup bourbon (we used Four Roses for a sweeter addition -adjust to taste)
-1 apple and 1 orange, thinly sliced
-3–4 cinnamon sticks
We combined everything in a large pumpkin pitcher, let it chill for a few hours, and served it over ice. The result? Cozy, spiced perfection.
Non-alcoholic twist: Use sparkling apple cider instead of wine and skip the bourbon for a family-friendly version that’s just as delicious.
4. Hosting Tips from Our Team
A few takeaways we’ll be using again (and again!):
-Prep everything early so you can enjoy the night — assemble boards and chill sangria before guests arrive.
-Layer your lighting — mix candles, string lights, and lanterns for a soft, flattering glow.
-Keep bugs away with citronella torches and bug spray to keep away any lingering mosquitoes .
-Keep the playlist going — music is key to keeping the energy warm and inviting.
Our fall soirée reminded us that you don’t need a special occasion to celebrate — just good friends, good food, and a little creativity.
Here’s to savoring the season, one cozy gathering at a time.
xo, The MAB Team
Fall soirées aren’t the only thing on our list this season! Ready to explore all the cozy, colorful fun the DMV has to offer? Head over to our blog to see 6 Local To Do’s This Fall — the perfect companion to your next pumpkin spice moment.
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