Extend enjoyment of nature this year by turning your yard into a haven of cozy autumnal bliss. Entertaining al fresco in the fall is a snap, and to prove it, we've put together some comprehensive tips that cover all the bases, from lighting to menu - and everything in between!

1. A Warm Glow
As the nights grow cooler, it's a good idea to incorporate sources of light in your yard that throw a bit of heat, so consider investing in a chiminea or outdoor fireplace. Use kerosene and hurricane lamps, too, but be sure to keep these out of reach of children and pets and always extinguish before you call it a night. Create cozy pools of light around the yard with votive candles in tall glass jars and illuminate pathways with candles set in galvanized buckets filled with sand or rocks.

2. Toasty Warm
Patio heaters aren't cheap, but they're one of the best ways to stay cozy outside on a chilly evening. Infrared heaters are extremely energy efficient and clean burning, but standard natural gas heaters do the trick, too. Also provide cozy blankets, rugs and throws for your guests, and plenty of space to curl up. If your yard is big enough, and city by-laws say it's okay, consider lighting a bonfire once the sun sets. Roast marshmallows, make s'mores and tell ghost stories! It will be a party your friends won't soon forget.

3. Take a Seat
Update your patio furniture for the fall season by draping it with thick table cloths and folding a warm blanket over the back of each chair. Add extra cushions for even more comfort and warmth. Set up inviting seating areas around the yard using recliners, ottomans, benches and rockers covered with blankets and pillows. Illuminate each seating pocket with a candle or lamp.

4. Fall Decorations
Mother Nature will do much of the decorating for you with a bounty of red, orange and yellow leaves. Follow her lead by using linens inspired by the shades of autumn, plus sturdy earthenware and heavy goblets or drinking jars. Create centrepieces in tall, glass vases using boughs laden with leaves and berries. Gourds can be placed in bowls at the centre of the table or used as place card holders. Simply slice deeply into the centre of each one and insert a thick piece of paper.

5. Autumn Activities
Work up an appetite with a pre-dinner hike. Admire the fall foliage, breathe in the crisp fall air and savor the feeling of leaves crackling underfoot. Bring a camera and take pictures of striking autumnal scenes to send to your guests following the party.

6. A Seasonal Menu
Serve a harvest bounty that will be easy to carry outdoors and promises to warm the souls and stick to the ribs of your guests. Think root vegetable soups with crusty breads, pork or beef and veggies braised in one pot and chicken or turkey pot pie. Serving a fondue or raclette will help take the edge off the night air, and is fun, too! For dessert, serve apple- pear crisp, pumpkin cheesecake or maple-pecan pie.

7. Drink and Be Merry
Greet guests with steaming mugs of apple cider, mulled wine or hot buttered rum. During the party, mix up batches of apple-pear sangria (red wine combined with sparkling soda, lemons, limes and sliced apples and pears) and hot cranberry cider (apple cider and cranberry juice mixed together and heated on the stove). With dinner, serve bold, spicy Shiraz and dark beers or stouts. Offer a fortifying glass of brandy or cognac with dessert, and hot chocolate for kids.

8. Soul Music
Make use of your outdoor speakers one last time by creating a mellow play list that will warm guests from the inside out. The velvety vocal stylings of Etta James, Marvin Gaye, Elvis Presley, Van Morrison, Stevie Wonder, Al Green and Ray Charles are sure to please.