Full Corn Moon or Full Harvest Moon – September This full moon’s name is attributed to Native Americans because it marked when corn was supposed to be harvested. Most often, the September full moon is actually the Harvest Moon, which is the full Moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox. In two years out of three, the Harvest Moon comes in September, but in some years it occurs in October. At the peak of harvest, farmers can work late into the night by the light of this Moon. Usually the full Moon rises an average of 50 minutes later each night, but for the few nights around the Harvest Moon, the Moon seems to rise at nearly the same time each night: just 25 to 30 minutes later across the U.S., and only 10 to 20 minutes later for much of Canada and Europe. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice the chief Indian staples are now ready for gathering.

So let’s ring in the new season with all kinds of autumn-related goodies:

♠ I had some ideas for a Harvest Moon Party 2 years ago, and while I haven’t been able to get my backyard up to dinner party acceptability, there are still ideas I will try.

♠ Bourbon Apple Cider is a festive, and more importantly easy drink to share at a party or enjoy on your porch, watching the leaves turn.

♠ Apples are the seasonal fruit so keeping with cider: Apple cider doughnuts.

♠ An Apple pairing party also, a Cheese and apple party.

♠ Autumn is all about food (really, isn’t every season?), but more directly – comfort food. What could be more comforting than a warm slice of Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie?

♠ What would autumn be without some DIYs with leaves? If you are lucky to live in a place where gorgeous gold and scarlet leaves abound, make a real fall crown, like this one from Smile and Wave, or if you want a longer-lasting one, try a faux leaf head adornment.

♠ French toast sticks, beeswax candles, bring out your blankets: A Beautiful Mess has the best ideas for setting the mood for autumn!

♠ okra is a late summer/early fall harvest, and what better way to send off summer with okra blooms inside hollowed-out squash or pumpkins, of course. Or, for a splash of color, bell peppers. Finish off your tablepiece with some varied dried corn and purple fountain grass with copper accents, and you have a stunning array of color, with little to no flowers – a unique arrangement.

Lastly, here is a beautiful cover of a song most perfect for the season: