Here's a wonderful idea for a fall party - an apple tasting! Each year Urban Greenery hosts an apple event that has grown into an all-day happening. It's great fun for all ages.

This year our apple party takes place October 14. You can expect it to be bigger and better than ever. To host your own apple party here are a few suggestions:

Gather at least 12 varieties of apples. We recommend heritage and organic apples. A few Urban Greenery favorites are Gravenstein, Karming de Sonnaville and Bittenheimer.

Place the apples in large bushel baskets or wicker containers. Label each variety and its preferred use: juicing, eating, baking etc.

As well as fresh apples, serve pies, cakes, sauces, and cider made of the apples on hand to allow people to sample finished products.

Have notebooks on hand so your guests can take notes - just as thought they were at a wine tasting.

Ask your guests to bring copies of their favorite apple recipe. At the end of the party they can take the recipes home as a keepsake.

And don't forget atmosphere. Decorate with hay bales, pumpkins, barrels of floating apples, apple napkins - be creative and have fun!