How to Host a Fall Tailgate Like a Southerner

Cindy and Allen Gentry run the farm with their son Jase. "When we opened to the public almost 30 years ago, we hoped visiting would become an annual tradition for families in the Franklin area. We have not been disappointed," says Cindy. Visit Gentry's Farm this fall, Saturday through Monday, starting September 28.

I like to park right next to the pumpkin field, set up a buffet on the tailgate, and spread out a large blanket on the grass so everyone can come and go between noshing and tromping through the patch. When planning a get-together on a public property, it's key to have a place to meet; drop belongings; and gather for food, drinks, and plenty of photos.

We pick a date and invite friends to meet us at Gentry's for pumpkin picking and tailgating. My family piles into our 1985 Jeep Grand Wagoneer with tartan thermoses, handmade quilts, and picnic baskets. We even bring a canoe along in case anyone wants to paddle on the Harpeth River, which runs alongside Gentry's Farm.

(Vintage canoe: The Barn Door Co.)

Smart moves for effortless outdoor entertaining

Pack like you party.
Think beyond the basket: A tote bag or wagon does the trick. Keep perishables in a cooler, and seal food in jars to prevent spills.

Take the essentials.
Don't forget plenty of hand sanitizer and wipes, ice and a bottle opener for drinks, and trash bags for cleanup.

Cut down on waste.
Linen napkins will make lunch feel more festive, and they're better for the environment.

(Picnic blanket: Needle & Grain. Picnic tote: Millie|Lottie)

Dounuts made with fall ingredients like pecans, pumpkin, and pure maple syrup are a sure hit. Plus, minis are just the right size for dunking in Hot Spiced Tea.

Recipe: Baked Pumpkin-Pecan Donuts
Recipe: Hot Spiced Tea

Satisfy cravings with a sweet, salty snack: Fill waffle cones with a combination of cereal squares, pretzels, cheese crackers, marshmallows, and Reese's Pieces.

Recipe: Sweet-and-Salty Snack Mix for Fall

Personalized picnic bags are easy to prep in advance and will help you cater to specific food allergies and individual tastes. (Cloth lunch wraps: Millie|Lottie. Pumpkin tags: Hester & Cook)

Recipe: Turkey, Brie, and Fig Pressed Sandwiches
Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa

I love handing guests a special cocktail when they arrive at the party. Keep it simple: Think big batch and ready to serve.

Recipe: Caramel Apple Sangria

A big slice of apple pie is a nice treat, but these Salted Caramel-Apple Hand Pies (a twist on my usual recipe) are much easier to enjoy while strolling around the patch.

Recipe: Salted Caramel-Apple Hand Pies

I'm always on the hunt for creative carving ideas. My friend Abigail McGinnis (a calligrapher) wrote "It's Fall Y'all" on the pumpkin, and then I etched the outer skin just enough to allow light to shine through.

Play up the laid-back outdoor setting with decorations. Gibbs Smith's retro-inspired wool pennants hit all the right notes, pairing collegiate nostalgia with encouraging messages. Fill a vintage bucket with peanuts to hold the flags in place.