Sustainable Fall Festival Ideas | Snacks in Ahimsa Dishware Surrounded by Leaves

Autumn Extravaganza: Create a Cozy Fall Festival at Home

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

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Time to Read: 10 min

This autumn feels like such a nice little break after a scorcher of a summer and spring. Air is cooler, days are shorter -- autumn is an excuse to slow down, throw on some knitwear and hang out more with our favorite people. From the colors of the leaves to the smells in the air—like apples, cinnamon, and a bit of woodsmoke, fall has a bit of magic all its own, doesn’t it? So, what better way to bring that magic home than by turning your place into your very own fall festival?


Making our own little celebrations doesn't need to be fancy or over-the-top. The ones we remember most often come from those simple moments with the people we love. 


A lot of beauty exists in the everyday, and sometimes all it takes is a bit of planning and heart to turn a regular weekend into something pretty special. These are the moments that stick with us—whether you’re sipping a hot cup of apple cider or watching the kids go wild over their pumpkin creations.

About Ahimsa

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Stainless steel is the only kid-friendly material recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics 

We are guided by a Scientific Advisory Council comprised of environmental and medical experts, guiding us in creating the safest products, following the latest science and promoting policy to protect human health and our planet

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Festive Fall Decorations That Kids Can Help Make

Getting the kids involved in decorating for a home fall festival can be a chance to let them express themselves, use their creativity, and even learn a little something along the way. Fall is full of natural treasures that can turn into beautiful decorations with just a bit of imagination. These simple, hands-on projects make it easy to create a warm and inviting atmosphere—and they’re perfect for little hands to help with.

DIY Leaf Garlands

Take advantage of those colorful fall walks by gathering leaves along the way. Encourage the kids to collect all kinds—big, small, bright, and maybe some green ones, too. Once back at home, lay out the leaves and give each child a length of twine. With a hole punch or a thick needle (if they’re old enough), let them string the leaves together to make a garland. It’s a simple project that doesn’t require much more than what nature provides. As they choose and thread each leaf, they start to see the variety of colors, shapes, and textures that nature offers. Montessori ideas shine here — kids learn best by doing, and this activity is all about using their hands and observing the world around them.

Pumpkin Painting Station

Carving pumpkins is a classic, but it’s not always practical with younger kids. Instead, try a little pumpkin painting! They can pick out mini gourds or little pumpkins at the grocery store and when it's time for the festivities, lay out non-toxic, washable paints, along with a bunch of different tools to paint with — brushes, sponges, cotton swabs, or even (especially) fingers. Let the kids go wild creating faces, patterns, abstract designs. Pumpkin painting gives them a chance to work on their fine motor skills while enjoying a creative mess. Once they’re done, display their colorful pumpkins around the house. It’s a great way for them to take pride in their work and see it brighten up their home.

Nature-Themed Table Centerpieces

Make some nature-inspired centerpieces to transform your kitchen or dining table into a celebration of fall. Get some pinecones, acorns, mini pumpkins, and a few sturdy leaves. Spread them out on the table and let the kids arrange them into small centerpieces. There’s no right or wrong way to do this—just let them use their imagination. Maybe they want to create a pattern or make a tiny "forest" scene. Add a few cinnamon sticks or whole cloves for an added sensory experience. The warm scent of spices mingling with the natural elements brings another layer of coziness to the home. This activity also teaches decision-making and creative thinking, as kids figure out how to make their centerpiece unique.

Fall-Inspired Games and Activities

To keep the kids busy and having fun at a home fall festival, you don’t need anything fancy—just a few simple games can totally change the vibe. The crisp fall air is just right for running around, laughing, and exploring. These fall-themed games bring in some excitement and also get kids thinking, moving, and noticing what’s around them. 

Mini Hay Bale Maze

Turn your yard into a little maze adventure with mini hay bales—or even just some boxes if hay is hard to find. Set them up to create a twisting path where kids can run through, crawl under, or hop over. Letting them help set up the maze can make it even more fun—they get to figure out the best way to build their path, which sneaks in a bit of problem-solving. Moving hay bales around or crawling through tight spots gives them a real sensory experience, mixing up physical play with some hands-on learning. They'll burn off a ton of energy while figuring out the best way to solve the maze — one minute they’re explorers, the next they’re little builders.

Scavenger Hunt with a Twist

Take the classic scavenger hunt and give it a fall spin that focuses on sensory exploration. Make a list of things to find based on textures, smells, and sights—like “something that smells like fall,” “something smooth,” or “something crunchy.” This kind of hunt encourages kids to use all their senses and get really tuned in to their surroundings. Maybe they’ll find the scent of a pinecone, the smoothness of a rock, or the crunch of a dried leaf. This kind of sensory play, inspired by Montessori ideas, helps kids explore the world up close, ask questions, and make connections. It’s all about paying attention to the small things and finding beauty in the everyday nature around them.

Home Fall Festival Ideas | Snacks in Ahimsa Dishware

Cozy and Healthy Autumn Treats

It’s not a festival without some treats to munch. Celebrate with some cozy foods that are also good for you. Your festival is a chance to learn about healthy eating, kitchen skills, and a (little) bit of math. 

Homemade Apple Cider

When you catch the spicy smells of cider in the air, you know it’s fall. Homemade apple cider is super easy, and it fills your whole living space with a smell that’s just impossible to resist. Toss some fresh apples, a few cinnamon sticks, and some cloves into a slow cooker. Kids can wash the apples and stir the pot. It’s about the whole experience — not just making a drink. Everyone gets excited as the house fills with the cozy scent of apples and spices. 

DIY Trail Mix Bar

Let the kids create their own snack combos by setting up a DIY trail mix bar. Lay out a spread of ingredients like nuts, dried fruits, seeds, whole-grain cereals, and maybe a little dark chocolate for some sweetness. Mix and match in small bowls or bags. This hands-on activity teaches them about making healthy choices and experimenting with different flavors and textures. It’s a way to slip in a lesson on nutrition without it feeling like one. You'll love that it’s a healthy snack option for the day, and they’ll enjoy having the freedom to choose what goes into their mix.




Mealtime Essentials

Interactive Learning Stations for Little Explorers

Setting up spaces where kids can explore, learn, and let their curiosity loose really adds a bit of magic to a home fall festival. Think of interactive learning spots where kids can dive into their surroundings in meaningful ways. Activities like these get them involved in hands-on discovery, storytelling, and noticing the little things—basically the essence of Montessori education. Here’s a few fun ideas to set up spots that help kids soak in the fall vibes with all their senses.

Sensory Play Zone with Fall Stuff

A sensory play area packed with all the textures and colors of autumn brings the season right to their fingertips. You could fill big bins with dried corn kernels, bright leaves, acorns, and tiny pumpkins. Toss in some scoops, cups, and small containers for pouring and sorting. The mix of textures—like smooth acorns, crunchy leaves, and rough corn kernels—gets their senses going. Kids will love digging their hands into the bins, scooping, pouring, and feeling around with all the different materials. This kind of open-ended play lets them explore however they want, keeping their curiosity buzzing. These sensory zones can keep them busy for ages and get them chatting and asking questions about nature.

Cozy Story Corner with Fall Books

A storytelling nook is like a cozy little getaway where kids can chill out and open their imaginations. Set up a comfy corner with some cushions, blankets, and a basket stuffed with fall-themed children’s books. Reading together helps build up their language skills and creates a special bond between kids and grown-ups. You can even get the kids to “read” to each other, letting them describe the pictures or make up their own stories. It’s a fun way to build their confidence and spark creativity, along with a love for reading.

Make-Your-Own Nature Journal

Get your little ones to play mini-naturalist with a DIY nature journal. You don’t need much—just a few sheets of paper, some twine, and a bit of cardboard for the cover. Encourage them to jot down what they see, hear, and feel when you’re out and about. Maybe they’ll draw a leaf they discovered, describe the crunch of it under their feet, or write a few lines about how the air smells like rain. This activity boosts their observation skills and helps them appreciate the world around them. It’s not just about noting things down but also about expressing their own experiences and looking at nature through their unique lens.

Ahimsa’s Eco-Friendly Tableware for Your Next Family Festival

As you plan your fall festival, consider making it even more special with Ahimsa’s eco-friendly tableware. Our durable, non-toxic, and beautifully designed stainless steel dishes are perfect for any gathering, whether you’re setting up an outdoor picnic or hosting a cozy indoor meal. 


Ahimsa tableware is MADE SAFE® certified, offering peace of mind for parents who want the very best for their families. Kids love the vibrant, rainbow hues that make mealtime fun, and parents appreciate the safety and sustainability. Browse through our collection of stainless steel plates, cups, bowls and more to find the perfect set to bring more color, safety, and joy to your next family event.

Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.

Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.

She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.

More Mealtime Essentials

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use stainless steel instead of plastic? Is stainless steel better for health?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report in July 2018 suggesting ways that families can limit exposure to certain chemicals at mealtime, including “the use of alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.” The report explained that “…some additives are put directly in foods, while “indirect” additives may include chemicals from plastic, glues, dyes, paper, cardboard”. Further, “Children are more sensitive to chemical exposures because they eat and drink more, relative to body weight, than adults do, and are still growing and developing.” While stainless steel items meet the recommendation to avoid plastic products in children, Ahimsa® products have the obvious advantage of not breaking like glass.

Is stainless steel better for the environment than plastic?

According to the Steel Recycling Institute, steel can be recycled over and over and over again without losing its integrity and requires less energy to recycle than to make anew. Most plastic unfortunately ends up in landfills and it is estimated to take 700 years to decompose. Our special coloring process that allows Ahimsa® products to be fully metal is environmentally friendly, so it does not produce toxic run-off into the ecosystem.

Will Ahimsa products break or peel?

No. Our steel is durable, so it won’t break or shatter with everyday use, like glass. And it won’t peel, like other colored stainless steel products you’ve seen. We use a special process that allows the colors to naturally occur in the metal.

Which Ahimsa products are best for my little one(s)?

Our products are meant to last, you can use Ahimsa at ages 1, 8 and 18! We thoughtfully design our products to be safe for little ones and our planet while reducing consumption. Once your child outgrows the Starting Solids Set  and can use regular cups and utensils, the training cup is the perfect size rinse cup in the bathroom, the infant spoon doubles as a tea stirrer and the bowl is great for snacks or as an additional compartment to our modular divided plate. Our plates are great for any age as they encourage choosing a variety of healthy foods at each meal and help visualize portion sizes easily. It’s the lasting beauty of stainless steel - grows with your child and reduces waste.

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