The first things your guests will see when they arrive are your yard, front door and entryway. Add a few touches to the front area to make everyone feel festive before they even get to the party itself. Ideas for creating a festive mood as guests enter include:

• Hanging an autumn banner from a flag pole.
• Putting a mailbox cover featuring a fall scene on your postal box.
• Creating a cornshock around your windmill or flag pole.
• Making a fall colored balloon arch to go around the doorway. If it is windy, move the arch to frame an inside entrance to the party room.
• Hanging a welcome banner or wreath that features leaves, acorns and berries.
• Stringing garlands of nuts and berries to hang in the front entryway.

Party decorations that follow the guests throughout your home, from the moment they arrive, can really set the scene. Display fall's abundance to capture the mood for your party.