Fall is my very favorite season — and it's full of opportunities to entertain.  In the early part of the season, it't great to entertain outdoors.  You can enjoy the changing leaves without the sweltering heat and bugs so common in the summer.

Here are some reasons to celebrate:

• Labor Day end of "summer" bash (Summer is in quotations because it doesn't end for another few weeks) — heat up the grill and set up the lawn chairs, make some ice cream and drinks with umbrellas in them
• Rosh Hashanah — celebrate the new year with lots of sweet things
• Yom Kippur — gather friends for a meal to break the fast
• Autumnal Equinox — celebrate the coming of fall
• Harvest Festival — often tied to the Feast of Saint Michael on September 29 — think lots of yummy fruits and veggies and hearty breads and soups
• Oktoberfest — grill some brats and serve with spicy mustard, sauerkraut, and German potato salad, all washed down with some good beer (root beer works too)
• Craft party — gather some friends to make headway on crafts for Halloween and Christmas
• Tailgating — football season is here, making it a great time to watch a game and share a meal with fellow fans.

What will you celebrate this fall?