Happy Friday, gang! Every season has its own rhythm, and fall always feels like an invitation to slow down and savor life. 🍁 From cozy layers to warm cocktails, this time of year is about gathering around the table with loved ones. Today’s Fridays with Oscar celebrates fall style over 50 with layered fall outfits, a spiced apple margarita, and my top five Trader Joe’s appetizers that make entertaining as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a casual evening with friends or planning a family get-together, these simple bites (and a seasonal sip!) will make your harvest table shine.
Here’s What You’ll Find in This Post:
- Fall outfit inspiration for effortless fall style over 50
- Aplós mocktails
- 5 of the best Trader Joe’s appetizers for fall entertaining
- Easy hosting tips to set a warm, welcoming harvest table
Beth’s Fall Style Over 50
This season, I’m leaning into classic layers that feel as timeless as they are comfortable. A soft cashmere cardigan paired with a striped long-sleeve crewneck tee and longline straight black jeans creates a chic, everyday uniform. I cinched it with a triple-keeper belt for definition and added cap toe slingback pumps for a polished touch.

To finish, a mother-of-pearl necklace brings in that subtle elegance I love for fall gatherings. This look is equal parts relaxed and refined—perfect for hosting at home or heading out to a harvest dinner.

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Kelly’s Petite Fall Style
For petites, fall style is all about balancing cozy textures with streamlined silhouettes. I chose a ribbed boatneck tee in stripe from Madewell, tucked into burgundy corduroy pants, a nod to the season’s rich color palette. A Sam Edelman O-Buckle leather belt defines the waist, while my trusty Rothy’s slip-on sneakers keep the look casual and practical.
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This is an easy weekend outfit that transitions seamlessly from errands to entertaining, proving that fall style over 50 doesn’t have to sacrifice comfort for chic.
🧵 Kelly’s Petite Style Tip: When layering for fall, keep bottoms tailored to balance oversized cardigans or longline jackets. It keeps proportions in check while still looking cozy. For more petite style tips, check out: 10 Fresh Ways to Wear Double Denim for Petites

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Mocktails & Munchies: A Harvest Happy Hour

🍹 Aplós Mocktails – Sophisticated Sips Without the Spirits
This fall, I’m reaching for Aplós mocktails, a spirit-free option that’s every bit as stylish and satisfying as a cocktail. Each can layers in complex botanical flavors, so you still get that “crafted cocktail” experience without alcohol. The flavors are inventive and seasonal, like Chili Margarita, Mandarin Negroni, and Kola Fashioned—making them a perfect pairing for Trader Joe’s appetizers or any fall gathering.
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What I love most is their versatility: pour them straight over ice for a quick, refreshing sip, or dress them up in a cocktail glass with a citrus twist or cinnamon stick garnish. They’re festive, adult, and give you the ritual of a cocktail hour while keeping things lighter and more mindful.
💡 Hosting Tip:
Serve a variety of Aplós flavors in chilled glasses, set out a garnish tray (lime wedges, orange peels, herbs), and let guests mix and match. It turns mocktails into a fun, interactive experience around the harvest table.
🥂 The 5 Best Fall Appetizers from Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s is my secret weapon for effortless entertaining. Their appetizer section is packed with crowd-pleasers, and these five are my go-tos for fall gatherings:

- Savory Squash Pastry Bites – A flaky, seasonal bite filled with roasted squash and herbs, perfect for autumn evenings.
- Mini Mushroom Tartlets – Earthy mushrooms in a delicate pastry shell, elegant enough for a holiday table but simple enough for weeknight hosting.
- Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Bites – Comfort food meets finger food; crispy outside, creamy inside, always a hit.
- Spicy Pumpkin Samosas – A little heat, a little sweet, wrapped in a golden, crunchy pastry.
- Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese & Caramelized Onions – Sweet meets savory in these rich little tarts that feel gourmet without the effort.

💡 Hosting Tip
Mix and match a few savory and one sweet option (like the Pumpkin & Spice Brioche Waffles or Mini Pancake Puffs) to create a balanced harvest spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trader Joe’s Appetizers
1. Can you make these appetizers ahead of time?
Yes! Most Trader Joe’s appetizers can be baked straight from the freezer and reheated right before serving, which makes them perfect for stress-free entertaining.
2. How can I serve frozen appetizers so they feel homemade?
Presentation is everything. Use wooden boards or ceramic platters, add a garnish of fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary), and your guests will never guess they came from the freezer aisle.
3. Which appetizers pair best with mocktails like Aplós?
Light, savory bites—like Mini Mushroom Tartlets or Savory Squash Pastry Bites—shine alongside herbal or citrusy mocktails. Richer options, like Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Bites, balance beautifully with the spicy Chili Margarita or bold Mandarin Negroni from Aplós.
4. What’s a good mix of appetizers for a harvest table?
Aim for variety: two cheesy or creamy bites, one vegetable-forward option, and something with a little spice or sweetness. This way, there’s something for everyone.
🍂 Cheers to Fall Style Over 50!
Fall entertaining doesn’t have to be complicated. With cozy layered outfits, a seasonal cocktail, and a few Trader Joe’s favorites, you can host with style and ease. Harvest gatherings are about connection, laughter, and savoring the season, not about spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s to fall style over 50, to simple entertaining, and to a table that feels as warm as the company around it. Oscar, Ollie, Kelly, and I wish you a cozy, delicious fall weekend. 🍁🐾 For more Fall Hosting Inspiration, check out: Fall Porch Vibes: Warm Layers & Comfort Food.

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