Halloween may be the most popular October holiday, but we’re excited about one more fall event that gives us the perfect excuse to gorge on beer, brats and soft pretzels. That’s right, people: We’re talkin’ Oktoberfest. If you’ve never thrown an Oktoberfest party, we’ve got everything you’ll need and more, from decor ideas to German-inspired menu items. So put on your best lederhosen, crack open a cold one and get to party planning.
1. Pumpkin Beer Cooler: Oktoberfest is all about the beer (duh). So instead of carving out a jack-o-lantern, hollow out a pumpkin, fill it up with ice and get to cooling those seasonal ales you love so much. (via Waiting on Martha)
2. DIY Beer Tasting Board: Break out the power tools, ‘cause here’s another awesome DIY project for you — a rustic beer flight board. (via Style Me Pretty Living)
3. Sparking Pumpkin Cider Beertail: We love sipping on our pumpkin ale straight, but to switch things up, try this beertail made with pumpkin ale, sparkling cider and lots of cinnamon. (via Brit + Co)
4. Das Boot ($25): No, you are never, ever, EVER too old for a das boot. Invest in one for your upcoming shindig because, well, it isn’t an Oktoberfest party without a big ol’ beer-filled boot floating around!
5. Biere Glasses ($52): These sleek glasses are the perfect beer vessel for your German-themed get together, and they’re also just awesome bar staples. Any excuse to grow the home bar, right?
6. Beer Mugs($29): Clink the night away with these festive (and hefty!) beer mugs.
7. DIY Harlequin Garland: No Oktoberfest party is complete without the standard harlequin garland. DIY this puppy and string it up right before your guests arrive. (via The Flair Exchange)
8. Braided Crown: A little dress up never hurt anybody! Complete your Oktoberfest look with this feminine and effortless braided crown. (via Camille Styles)
9. Romantic Braid + Bun: Have a more intricate German-inspired look in mind? Then this braid + bun combo, complete with beautiful leafy hair piece, is the one for you. (via Cosmoty)
10. Lederhosen Onesie ($28): For all moms out there, dress your little one for the occasion. There’s no reason they have to miss out on the party just because of… well… obvious reasons.
11. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Roast up the pumpkin seeds from your beer cooler for a light and salty beer snack. (via A Beautiful Mess)
12. Pretzel Necklaces: Right when your guests walk in, hand them one of these adorable pretzel necklaces. Who doesn’t love a good wearable snack? (via Formal Fringe)
13. Homemade Oktoberfest Pretzels: If beer is the Batman of Oktoberfest, then homemade soft pretzels are certainly the Robin. Serve these puppies up warm with some tangy yellow mustard for the perfect party snack. (via Fashion Edible)
14. Homemade Pretzel Bites: Not into full-sized pretzels? No problem! These pretzel bites are the bomb.com. (via Dine & Dish)
15. Pretzel Bite Mini Bucket Holders: If you go the pretzel bite route, be sure to craft up some adorable p-bite holders, like these mini buckets lined with Oktoberfest colors. (via The Flair Exchange)
16. Hot + Spicy Mustards ($28): And you best not be serving up all of these pretzels without a little mustard for a hot, spicy and salty dipping fest.
17. Pretzel Bar: A food bar is always a good idea, especially if you’re expecting lots of guests. Create a pretzel sampling bar, complete with various mustards and cheesy dips, to really get the Oktoberfest-ivities started. (via Pillsbury)
18. Pretzel Rolls: For those of you planning on having a DIY sandwich station, bake up these yummy pretzel rolls to stick with the theme. (via Deliciously Yum)
19. Pull-Apart Pretzel Skillet With Beer Cheese Dip: Pull-apart breads are everything, especially when there’s beer cheese dip involved. (via Host the Toast)
20. German Bratwurst With Sauerkraut: Grilled brats topped with homemade sauerkraut? There’s absolutely nothing better. (via Through Oana’s Lens)
21. Grilled Potato Arugula Salad: Serve this lovely grilled potato salad alongside those brats for the perfect Oktoberfest meal. (via Love and Lemons)
22. Pumpkin Beer Bread: Fully commit to the beer theme and whip up this scrumptious pumpkin beer bread made with pumpkin puree. Don’t want to make your own from scratch, we’ve got you covered with a mix. (via Gimme Some Oven)
23. Chocolate-Dipped Beer Marshmallows: Beer marshmallows??? Tell us more! (via The Kitchn)
24. Beer Mug Cupcakes: These are so ridiculously amazing, we can’t. even. stand it. Those fondant beer mugs are filled with chocolate cake, filled with Bailey’s Irish Cream chocolate ganache…!!! (via Tablespoon)
Have another Oktoberfest must-have to add to the list? Share it with us in the comments!