Saturday, October 25, 2025
Lacey Lodge, Lacey Keosauqua State Park, Iowa

You’re invited to A Party to Celebrate Autumn!

Enjoy a dinner party in the crisp fall air, surrounded by friends and strangers. The purpose of this party is to experience real interaction and simple pleasures—candlelight, the chilly breeze, a warm cup of coffee, the intrigue of meeting new people, the anxious anticipation, and the joy of planning your outfit.

The party will officially be from 4:30pm-8pm. Feel free to arrive early if you need to prep your food item or if you’d like to hang out. We will plan to serve salads, appetizers, and drinks from 4:30-5pm, with the main meal beginning at 5pm. Tear-down will begin at 8pm so plan to leave prior to that if you wish to preserve the magic. If you are bringing an appetizer or salad to share, please have it there and ready to serve by 4:30pm.

This party is for anyone to whom it sounds delightful. It is for folks who enjoy good food, good conversation, and the outdoors. Oh—and for folks who want to celebrate autumn.

Directions:
Google Maps Pin Link
If entering the park from the Keosauqua side, follow the signs for the Lodge. You will take a right turn by the campground and the lodge will be on the right just before exiting the park again.

If entering the park from Hwy J40, the lodge will be immediately on your left after entering the park.

This year’s dress code is Wool & Whimsy

Dress up in your coziest fall outfit, complete with a scratchy wool sweater and a touch of whimsy. Wool & whimsy is open to your own interpretation, but if you need some help, I’ve made some inspiration here: Wool & Whimsy

What to bring

The dinner party is free to attend, but I’d love it if you would contribute something! If you’re able, bring a salad (green salad, bean salad, potato salad, etc.) or a savory appetizer with 6-12 servings. The venue has an oven, stovetop, and microwave. If you’re unable to bring a food item, we can always use help with setting up and/or tearing down. Setup will be from 1pm-4pm and tear-down will start at 8pm. Feel free to come early to hang out and help out. Donations to help with costs are always appreciated but certainly not necessary or expected.

If it’s a chilly day, feel free to bring a blanket, fur, or fantastic coat. A warm hat and gloves may also be wise. The dinner party will happen rain or shine (or snow) and we will be eating outdoors even if it’s chilly (there’ll be a fireplace to warm up by inside).

I plan to light the table with oil lamps so if you have a functioning oil lamp that you would be able to bring, make a note of it when you RSVP. I’ll provide the fuel and fresh wicks.

Entertainment

The prospect of sitting with strangers may be intimidating (or maybe that’s just me?) but think of this as a way to push yourself out of your comfort zone. I can guarantee it will be worth it. Bring friends or a date to enjoy the experience with. I will provide some activities such as puzzles or conversation starter cards to help. Feel free to bring a sketchbook/watercolors, card game, camera, etc. Think of this as an evening to slow down and quiet your mind.

If you’re interested in providing entertainment such as live music/singing, storytelling, or theater, please let me know!

The Menu

The menu is subject to change, but at this time I plan to serve:

Salad and Appetizers (brought by attendees)

Main Course:
Smoked Pork
Sweet Potatoes Gratin
Creamy Mushroom Green Beans
Roasted Carrots
Herb Scones

Dessert:
Fall-Inspired Cake

Beverages:
Water
Fall-Inspired Sparkling Punch
Coffee (decaf & possibly also regular)
Hot Tea (Cinnamon and Herbal)

RSVP

I ask that you RSVP by October 11 so that I can plan the food, seating, and tableware accordingly. If you find that you are unexpectedly able to attend at the last minute, text or call me, or just show up—there’s room at the table for you. Please RSVP here.

Can I bring my children?

This party is not for young folks under 12. If you have a baby, you are welcome to bring them, just be aware that there are no high chairs or other accommodations for little ones. We will also be eating outdoors, even if it’s a little on the chilly side.