How to Host a Cozy Crafts & Cocktails Fall Party With Your Gal Pals

Nicki Odom setting up dinner party for crafts and cocktails fall crafting party

There’s just something magical about fall—the crisp air, cozy layers, and the excuse to gather your favorite people around the table.

This year, instead of the usual pumpkin spice latte date or dinner out, I wanted to create something more hands-on and memorable. The answer? A Crafts & Cocktails Fall Party on my back patio!

With the kids going back to school, and routines starting to settle in, us moms need a little down time. Especially when it comes to reconnecting with each other, right? The summer just flew by, and now we’re heading into the holidays, and I am excited to dive into all the crafts and fun ways to celebrate. While I do a lot of family oriented, or kid focused parties, putting together dinner parties for adult friends are just as special because we need our adult time too!

It was the perfect recipe: a little creativity, a little bubbly, and a whole lot of laughter. And the best part? Pulling it all together was easier (and more affordable) than you might think. I find everything I need to host a DIY crafting dinner party like this one all from one place!

Crafts and Cocktails DIY crafting for fall dinner party mood board

Step 1: Start With a Clean & Cozy Space

I began by clearing off our patio and giving it a reset. Don’t overthink this, any space can become party-ready with the right touches. But first, take a broom, leaf blower, whatever you have to clean off your party area and make it guest ready. Rearrange seating and tables for the best flow for friends to hit the bubbly bar then take their seats.

A simple plastic table cover, layered florals, and a few string lights can instantly transform a backyard or dining room into a cozy fall retreat. For this party, I chose muted greens and creams as my base and accented with white pumpkins and warm gold tones for that chic fall feel.

Step 2: Set Up a Signature Drink Station

No girls’ night is complete without a fun drink station, and for this party I created a Bubbly Bar. Guests could grab champagne or sparkling water, then customize with seasonal mixers and garnishes.

Adding a themed bar not only makes your space feel festive, but it also acts as décor—especially when you dress it up with paper fans, greenery, and a big sign. Oriental Trading has all the essentials for making a DIY drink station look Pinterest-worthy without spending hours (or hundreds).

Step 3: Add an Interactive Craft

Here’s where the magic really happened: we each created our own pumpkin floral arrangements. I wanted to go with something everyone could use in their homes and have fun being creative with that wasn’t too messy.

This is such a fun and affordable activity for fall gatherings because:

It gives guests something creative to do together.
The arrangements double as décor during the party.
Everyone leaves with a handmade piece they can enjoy at home.

All you need are faux pumpkins, floral stems, and a little imagination. I set up the main table with supplies from Oriental Trading, and it instantly became the highlight of the night.

Step 4: Layer in Seasonal Décor

To tie everything together, I added cozy seasonal details:

Faux white pumpkins scattered across tables.
Dried foliage and greenery draped down the center.
Gold votives for a warm glow as the sun went down.
A mix of paper fans and floral garlands over the Bubbly Bar for a statement backdrop.

It’s proof that you don’t need to go over the top—just a few key pieces can transform your space into a fall party haven.

Why This Party Works

A Crafts & Cocktails night is the best kind of gathering because it:

Combines entertainment and creativity.
Doubles as a girls’ night, seasonal celebration, or even a fall birthday idea.
Feels polished but doesn’t take weeks to plan.

when you can have a theme where you can grab all te supplies from one place, you save time and money while still pulling off a Pinterest-worthy setup.

Nicki Odom pouring a drink at bubbly cocktail bar

Shop the Party

Ready to host your own Crafts & Cocktails party this fall? Shop the supplies at OrientalTrading.com and don’t forget to use code YAY for free shipping. You can also head to my Instagram stories for direct links to everything I used for this cozy fall night.

So grab your girls, pop some bubbly, and let the creativity flow—because the best memories are made when we gather around a table filled with laughter, crafts, and a little sparkle.