Get out of your fall funk

September 18, 2009

If you're having trouble appreciating the season's changing colors and dropping temperatures of the season and longing for a getaway, you can fight fall by hosting a beach party in your own home.

Adorn the house with bright, island-inspired decorations. Hang sun, flower and tree cut-outs around the house to bring the tropics inside. Inflatable palm trees will make everyone feel like they're on a well-deserved vacation.

Encourage your guests to wear their beachy best, like floral print shirts for men and bright-colored sundresses for women. When your guests arrive, ask them to take their shoes off and provide personalized pairs of flip-flops – just make sure you have everyone's shoe size before you paint their names on the straps.

Hand out prizes such as flowered leis, quirky sunglasses or handmade jewelry for the most creative costumes.

Turn your kitchen into a tiki hut. Make fruity beverages and serve them in hollowed-out coconuts or pineapples. Put tropical fruits on sticks to provide a fresh snack before you bring out a resort-quality main course, such as pulled pork sandwiches with chips and mango salsa on the side.