Planning an Oktoberfest

A Wonderful Way to Celebrate the Change of Seasons

When the calendar turns to September, the nights suddenly become cool, leaves begin to show their autumn colors, and our appetites tend to crave heartier meals. Nearly 200 years ago, the Germans hit on the ideal party for this change of season: Oktoberfest.

History of Oktoberfest

The first Oktoberfest, held on October 12, 1810, celebrated the marriage of Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. All of Munich was invited to the celebration and treated to large amounts of beer and food. The party was such a success that Prince Ludwig decided to hold it the following year as well, and tie it into the local harvest festival. It became an annual tradition after that.

Soon carnival booths were added to the festival, and eventually the date was moved back to the last two weeks of September into the first week of October to coincide with the beautiful autumn weather. Today Oktoberfest is a 16-day festival highlighting the beers and food of Germany. Now that the rest of the world has caught wind of this great party, Munich receives 6 million visitors each year. In addition, Oktoberfest extends beyond the borders of Germany with celebrations held throughout the world

Decorations for Your Own Oktoberfest Party

During Oktoberfest breweries set up nearly 30 tents in Munich for eating, drinking and partying. Recreate this Oktoberfest setting in your own yard by renting a large tent and filling it with long tables and bench seating. If your party is on a smaller scale, buy an inexpensive canopy, which is readily available at department or home stores

• Use tablecloths and napkins in the cobalt blue and white colors of the Bavarian logo, the German region where Munich is capital.
• Continue the Bavarian blue and white theme with balloons and streamers.
• Supply your guests with Alpine style hats, available at party stores and online.
• Ask your local liquor store if they can give you any German beer posters for your party.
• Invite your guests to come attired in traditional German costumes. In lieu of that, ask the men to wear suspenders and the women to wear white aprons.
• If possible, hire an Oompah band to play traditional German music. Pass out kazoos so that everyone can play along. If a band doesn't fit your budget, German music CDs are readily available to purchase online or in music stores.
• Remember to play the Chicken Dance and make sure everyone joins in the dancing fun.

Food and Beverages

Oktoberfest food is hearty, German-style cuisine including sausages, pork, ham, potatoes, noodles, chicken, and sauerkraut. German Black Forest Cake would make a delicious ending to your meal. You should plan to serve an abundance of all food and beverages to your guests in the spirit of the celebration. Purchase several kegs of German beer and serve it in German beer steins. For those guests who prefer wine over beer, be sure to offer a selection of German Rieslings.

Try these great recipes for your Oktoberfest Party:

Ham and Noodle Tarts

Smoked Sausage and Sauerkraut

Grilled Hot Dogs and Potato Salad

Warm Potato Salad with Chives and Bacon