Ideas to ramp up your fall season while still social distancing
Fall season is officially here and in our beautiful state of Colorado, autumn is especially fantastic! There is so much to look forward to, from gathering with family, friends, and colleagues while enjoying magnificent weather and fall foliage to safe distancing while cheering on your favorite football team, and let’s not forget, Halloween!
This month, the team at John Tobey Events wanted to share some creative and COVID-friendly ideas to help you make your autumn awesome – think tailgates, delicious bevies and a spin (and spook) on movie night.
It’s Time For Outdoor Gatherings, Fall Foliage and Football!
This year tailgating and gathering with family, friends, and colleagues may look a little different, but we are hoping some of these ideas and menu options inspire you.
Let our friends at Catering by Design dish up delicious tailgate fare for your gathering. We recently chatted with Syd Sexton, General Manager, “These days we spend a lot of time asking our clients what they need. Our corporate clients and private clients have told us that they want to embrace outdoor entertaining with our gorgeous Colorado fall weather. Whether enjoying a game, or simply gathering employees in the company parking lot, our picnic menus are perfect for these events. Rather than “pivoting”, we found that we already possess the talents to provide these wonderful menus and events.”
From the classic and all-American menu featuring burgers, cheeseburger, and hot dogs, to barbecue or Mexican. Whatever you serve, your guests are sure to give you two big thumbs up!
This season check out a football game at Mile High Station and enjoy the safest football watch party in town. It’s free and fabulous, but space is limited. There are TVs galore, so you’ll have a great view of the action from every angle, drink specials before, during and after the game, plus great food delivered to your table. To keep everyone safe, reserved seating has been set up in a safe and physically distanced atmosphere. Space is limited, so make a reservation if you plan to attend. Check out the 2020 Mile High Football Watch Party season schedule to make your plans today!
Put the Boo in your Kids’ Movie Night!
Halloween this year falls on a Saturday, so why not make Halloween a full weekend event by hosting a spooky movie night for the kiddos the Friday before? Invite a few friends over to enjoy some tricks and treats on the big screen.
You can choose to show the movie inside or outside, depending on the weather. If you opt for the great outdoors, then consider a jumbo inflatable screen or a go-anywhere LED video trailer from Fastlane Productions. These are perfect for a special or themed home movie night. To add some extra ambiance, talk to the production experts at Fastlane Productions about adding some lighting to get everyone into a festive and ghoulishly fun movie-watching mood!
Ask each kiddo to bring their own camp chair and blankets to keep them snuggly as they watch the ghouls and ghosts come alive on the screen! Decorate the “theatre” with some frightfully festive décor and serve up treats that are sure to be kid approved. At John Tobey Events, we highly recommend checking out the Boo Corner at Swoozies. You can shop online or visit them in person at their Denver location.
And if you’re wondering what to watch, we’ve done some research for you. Here are our top 20 kid-friendly movies – from classics to new, there’s enough variety for kids of all ages, and they’ll bring just enough scare factor to keep the kiddos laughing, entertained, and engaged.
- Scoob (2020) ages: 7+ (or any of the Scooby Doo movies)
- The Addams Family (2019) ages: 7+
- The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018) ages: 11+
- Mary and the Witch’s Flower (2018) ages: 8+
- Super Monsters Save Halloween (2018) ages: 4+
- Goosebumps (2015) ages: 9+
- Toy Story of Terror (2014) ages: 6+
- Hotel Transylvania (2012) ages: 7+
- Coraline (2009) ages: 9+
- Halloweentown (2004) ages: 7+
- Monster House (2006) ages: 10+
- The Haunted Mansion (2003) ages: 10+
- Monsters Inc. (2001) ages: 5+
- Casper (1995) ages: 8+
- Hocus Pocus (1993) ages: 10+
- Ghostbusters (1988): ages: 10+
- Goonies (1987) ages: 10+
- Gremlins (1984) ages: 12+
- E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (1982) ages: 7+
- It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966) ages: 6+
Autumn Bevvies
Let’s not forget the adults and the sips – from wine to cocktails – enjoy!
Oh autumn, how we do love you! The air is crisp, the mountains are dotted in golds, yellows, and orange, and hearty soups and stews are on the menu.
Many think fall is the season for only red wines, and while there are some great reds that burst with loads of flavor and pair well with comfort foods, don’t overlook the whites and bubbles this autumn.
We encourage you to visit our friends at Mondo Vino who will answer all your questions and recommend the ideal wine for your special occasion. They offer free delivery and curbside pick-up. Order online via email or visit Mondo Vino in person to stock up. Their friendly staff is there to help you find the perfect wine (or craft beer) and say hello from the John Tobey Events gang.
Deliciously Eerie Cocktails
If you enjoy a good cocktail, then try one of these Halloween cocktails created by renown photographer Chad Chisholm. They are a great way to turn up the wow factor on your All Hollow’s Night festivities.
Whatever your plans this Halloween, these two concoctions will have even the witches’ mouths watering! Brew up a special treat for yourself and your friends if you dare.
The Eeerie Apple is a potent potion and a twist on a classic Appletini. With notes of caramel and cinnamon, it’s a perfect Halloween treat. Download the recipe.
For a super sweet treat, try the Candy Corn Cocktail. This bevvy is an adult trick-or-treater’s delight. As whimsical as it is colorful, this cocktail is a perfect accent to a Halloween party. Learn how to make the Candy Corn cocktail yourself and download the recipe.
Be sure and check out the Colorado Cocktail Cookbook by Chad Chisholm.
We hope these ideas will help make your autumn extra special, memorable and awesome! Please keep John Tobey Events in mind for your event planning needs, we would love to create an experience you can trust.
Have a safe and memorable autumn season!