Nothing says fall like a caramel apple party. On Sunday a group of my friends (who also happen to be bloggers) gathered at my home to celebrate fall and decorate caramel apples. This was such a fun party idea- it's festive, but really easy. Since I hosted, I made the caramel, and then everyone brought over their favorite toppings.
We had a great mix of toppings: sprinkles, crushed oreo, crispy chocolate balls, mini marshmallows, crushed pretzel, crushed heath bar, chopped walnuts, and smashed ginger snaps. My favorite was the heath bar.
We sipped on apple cider & champagne cocktail, which is a delightful combination. We just mixed equal parts champagne and apple cider in a large pitcher. It's a bit lighter than mimosas, and it tastes just like sparkling apple cider.
I didn't know where to get the sticks for the caramel apples. I am sure that kitchen supply stores and craft stores carry them, but it was so much easier to pick up chopsticks from the Chinese restaurant across the street. To insert the chopsticks into the apples I just used a kitchen mallet and hammered them into the center of the apple.
We discovered that dipping apple slices in the caramel, and then dunking them in the topping was even more fun (and easier to eat) than dipping and decorating whole apples. We also dipped some pretzel rods - the saltiness of the pretzels paired really well with the caramel.
My friends brought over the most darling fall decorations, which ended up on my mantle and I can't get over how cute it is! The mini teepees and paper straws are from Paper Source, which is one of my favorite Chicago shops. After the party the decorations found their way to my mantel, which is now totally decked out for fall. The acorn garland (also from Paper Source) might make its way to Maine for Thanksgiving.
Sprinkles provided their seasonal BOO box, which included a perfectly on-theme caramel apple cupcake.
I made two caramels for the party. The first was this classic caramel via Martha Stewart, and the second was my Whiskey Caramel.
To make the Whiskey Caramel...
Want to see more shots from the party? Check out my friends' sites!
Emily - Isn't That Charming
Maya - Charmingly Styled {huge thanks for taking these photos!}
Jess - The Golden Girl
Jennie - Actually Just Jennie
Nicole - Cedar & Rush
