Fall is the ideal season for planning a corporate event. The weather in New York is as close to perfect as weather ever is, and the fiery colors outdoors are magnificent. Everyone welcomes the chance to let their hair down a little as the year winds to a close, and harvesting time opens up a host of catering and theme possibilities. 

If you’re planning a business meeting, employee appreciation event, trade show exhibit or other  corporate event in New York, New Jersey, Westchester, Long Island or Connecticut for this fall and are browsing around for inspiration, look no further. We’ve put together a short but punchy list of our favorite crowd-pleasing fall themes for corporate events, complete with ideas for activities, catering and décor.

Savor some vintages.

Wine experts tell us that full-bodied whites and light- to medium-bodied reds should be relished in the fall. 

Activity ideas: Plan a cheese-and-wine evening, a fancy sit-down dinner (we recommend doing this if your guest list is minimal as catering costs can pile up) or recruit an expert to enlighten everyone on the finer points of what they’re enjoying.

Catering suggestions: make wine the star of the show by serving some well-planned pairings. Ask your wine vendor for specific dishes or delicacies that pair beautifully with the wine you’ll be serving.

Décor key points: rich dark reds, chocolate brown, golds and clean white, with crisp linen, bouquets of autumn flowers, and candles. 

Nature love.

Fall is an incredible time to appreciate the beauty of the great outdoors. 

Activity ideas: take the team for a guided nature tour or even tackle a hiking trail together. 

Catering suggestions: host a traditional fall feast with all the trimmings, served buffet-style outdoors.

Décor key points: richly colored dried leaves, fresh foliage, pinecones and nuts. 

Everyone loves pie.

So cater with a pie bar! 

Activity ideas: Guests assemble the pies of their dreams. Plan a pie-tasting competition to finish the night off.

Catering suggestions: serve mini pie crusts, an array of fillings, and mountains of whipped cream. 

Décor key points: loads of rustic raw wood and glass bowls filled with colorful fall fruit. Write out the menu and other messages on chalk boards and display these on tables and at entrances.

Enjoy the dreamy weather with a bonfire.

No-one can resist the fascination of a blazing fire, and all the trappings that go with it!

Activity ideas: entertain with a football game projected onto a large screen, and kick the standard entertainment up a notch by booking a professional country singer to serenade your guests.

Catering suggestions: marshmallows, popcorn, and gourmet hotdogs!

Décor key points: sawn-off logs and loads of electric lamps and fairy lights.

Harvest time.

There’s a plentitude of irresistible delicacies that are in season in the fall. Catering with food in season is not only budget-friendly, it benefits the environment. 

Activity ideas: you could start the day with a trip to a nearby farm where guests can enjoy the sunshine while harvesting produce to take home. End it all off with a pumpkin carving competition.

Catering suggestions: Prepare fruits and vegetables that are in season, and some meaty roasts and fresh local fish. Pair with craft beers and ciders.

Décor key points: pumpkins, nuts, sheaves of wheat and colorful dried leaves.

Here’s the secret to hosting an incredibly successful corporate event in the fall: include some exceptional hot drinks catering! Coffee and hot chocolate are relished any time of the year, but really come into their own in the fall and winter. We offer delicious, top-quality hot chocolate and coffee catering in NYC, so if you’re planning an event in New York City this fall, head over to coffeesandsmoothies.com to check out our irresistible drinks menu and book a mobile hot chocolate and coffee bar. We’ll set up anywhere in metro NYC and serve up some magic that will keep your guests warm and delighted.