Host your own Oktoberfest

October 13, 2009

It's October! What better way to celebrate the beautiful foliage and crisp air than by hosting an Oktoberfest at your house?

Oktoberfest is traditionally held every year in Munich, Germany. The festival lasts for 16 days, running from the end of September to early October. The annual event tends to draw over 6 million people. To give your guests a taste of Germany without traveling overseas, aim to make your fete as authentic as possible.

Typical Oktoberfest fare includes hearty German dishes such as cheese noodles, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, potato dumplings and white sausage.

For dessert, make sure to have a black forest or German chocolate cake on hand for hungry festival-goers.

Go all out with party decorations. Play some traditional German music and decorate your tables in black, red and gold, the colors of the German flag.

Kick off your party with a keg of German beer for an authentic touch, or provide plenty of imported bottles. Serve your beverages in beer steins, and let guests take them home for a party favor.

A nice way to commemorate your party would be to make up t-shirts with Oktoberfest and the date written on them.