Queer Fall Flair: How to Slay Your Queer Entertaining Season

As the leaves start doing their brilliant drag show across the trees, and that first glorious chill hits the air, you can feel it—magic is descending. Fall isn’t just a season; it’s a whole mood. It’s a time for cozy transformation, for pulling your people close, and for remembering that the best part of life is the community we build.

For our chosen family, this time of year—from the spooky depths of Halloween to the warm hugs of Thanksgiving and beyond—is a goldmine for fabulous gatherings. Ditch the boring traditions and let’s infuse our autumn entertaining with a heavy dose of queer flair, creativity, and community spirit. It’s time to light the candles, mix the cocktails, and celebrate our resilience, darling!

You won’t find a chapter in your high school history book titled “Queer People Get Spooky,” but trust us, we’ve always been here, gathering and thriving. Our history is a story of chosen family and finding joy even when the world tries to keep us in the shadows.

Halloween? It’s the queerest holiday on the calendar, hands down.

This is our time to shine! Halloween is your annual permission slip to go all out. Forget the flimsy store-bought costumes; let’s throw a “Queer Haunts & Hotties” bash that’ll be talked about until Pride.

Here are some fun party ideas to Slay the season –

Think spooky but make it chic. We’re talking “Goth Glam.” Drape everything in black velvet and lace. Toss in some iridescent spiderwebs – they catch the light beautifully! Set up a dramatic Wicked Witch’s Apothecary serving as your bar, complete with steaming cauldrons (your punch bowls, naturally) and bottles labeled “Poison” (vodka). The most important spot? A photo booth! Use a dramatic, deep-purple backdrop and fog machine for that perfect, moody glamour shot.

Hire a few local performers to put on a Drag Show Séance where you can “contact” the spirits of queer icons past—ask Oscar Wilde for dating advice! Or, how about hosting a costume contest with prizes? Make the categories fun and specific: “Most Glamorous Ghoul,” “Scariest Queen,” “Best Pop Culture Read,” and the coveted “Dynamic Duo” for couples. Have a small “Costume Crisis Kit” in the bathroom with safety pins, tape, and glitter glue for that moment you need a save.

No party is complete without a signature drink – “Witch’s Brew” Punch is a hint of drama. Mix green Hawaiian Punch, lemon-lime soda, and vodka (or just more soda for the mocktail version). Crucial step: Toss in a chunk of dry ice for a smoky, bubbling effect. Garnish with gummy worms!

For a tasty bite, “Bloody Mary” Skewers are easy and elegant. Layer cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves. Drizzle them with a dark balsamic glaze that looks deliciously like blood.

And for dessert, a “Graveyard Grub” Cake is a simple chocolate cake covered in crushed Oreo “dirt.” Place store-bought cookies upright as “tombstones” and write funny epitaphs in frosting. Don’t forget the gummy worms crawling out of the “soil.”

Friendsgiving isn’t just a trend; it’s a lifeline.

Let’s be real: for many of us, the biological family dinner is a tense affair, or just non-existent. That’s why we have expertly reappropriated Thanksgiving to be about the people who get it, the friends who show up, the mentors who guide us, and the found family that makes life worth living. Our Friendsgiving is about abundance, love, and making new traditions that beat the old ones.

Keep the vibe cozy, but don’t be afraid to add some sparkle. Think Rustic Glam. Use warm, rich jewel tones for your linens – deep burgundy, emerald green, and sapphire blue. Set up a Gratitude Tree where everyone can write what they’re thankful for on a paper leaf and hang it up. It’s cheesy, but it genuinely sets a beautiful mood.

You do not need to cook everything. Assign categories and let everyone bring their A-game. It reduces your stress and showcases your friends’ diverse talents. Make sure to designate a Turkey King/Queen (or whoever is doing the main centerpiece). After the plates are cleared, dim the lights and encourage people to share a story or moment of 2025, or simply talk about why they’re grateful for the people in the room. It’s the heart of chosen family.

Side dishes? Yes! That’s the best part! Don’t just roast potatoes! Make a rainbow medley of sweet potatoes, carrots, red onions, and bell peppers. It’s easy, beautiful, and healthier than the standard fare. For a stuffing with a kick, Sage & Onion Stuffing elevates your stuffing game by adding dried cranberries, chopped apples, and a generous splash of bourbon before baking. It’s a game-changer!

Again, the signature cocktails are tantamount – try a Pumpkin Spice Martini – mix vanilla vodka, pumpkin puree, a dash of maple syrup, and Irish cream (spiced, if you can find it). Shake well, strain, and sprinkle with nutmeg. Instant holiday cheer. Or, how about a Apple Cider Sangria? You can make a pitcher the day before. Combine crisp apple cider, a dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio), a splash of brandy, and plenty of chopped apples and oranges. It’s refreshing and perfect for sipping all afternoon.

A Season-Long Connection

Fall isn’t just two big parties; it’s a whole vibe. Keep the connection strong with more simple gatherings:

Queer Book Club by the Fire. Pick a great queer novel and gather your friends. Have everyone bring their favorite fall snack and sip on hot toddies or spiced cider while you discuss. Crafty Cocktail Night. Host a “Pumpkin Carving & Cocktails” night or a “Fall Wreath Making” party. It’s a low-pressure way to hang out, get creative, and end up with a cool centerpiece. Game Night. Invite people over for board games or cards. The menu is key here: warm apple crisp, spiced nuts, and a bottomless supply of good coffee. Simple, low-key, and pure gold.

So, this fall, don’t just endure the cold – embrace the warmth of your community. Make your home a beacon of light, acceptance, and unbridled queer joy. SLAY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

“Pumpkin Spice Martini”

• 2 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz pumpkin puree
• 0.5 oz pumpkin spice liqueur (or Irish cream with a dash of pumpkin spice)
• 0.5 oz maple syrup
• Shake with ice, strain into a martini glass, and garnish with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of nutmeg.

“Bloody Mary” Skewers

• Cherry tomatoes
• Mozzarella balls
• Basil leaves
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze