Create a DIY Oktoberfest from Home!

Calling All Beer Lovers – Why Not Get Festive?

Are you the kind of beer-lover that has dreamed about traveling to Munich for Oktoberfest? Perhaps you’ve dreamed of pouring a frothy, fall-flavored pitcher of ale over conversation and dancing with some good friends? Or maybe you’re just a fan of a good old-fashioned cold one at the end of the day. No matter where you sit on the beer lover’s spectrum, Oktoberfest is your holiday! 

Why People Celebrate Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is the world’s longest-running beer festival – and originates in the home and birthplace of much of the world’s finest beer crafting in Munich, Germany. There’s no rush to get your Oktoberfest on - this folk festival runs for upward of two weeks. Locals in Bavaria celebrate with parades, contests to see who in town is the best hunter, historical outfits, and, of course, lots of German beer.

The story behind Oktoberfest originates in 1810, when two royal figures, King Ludwig and Princess Therese, got married on what then became known as the Theresienwiese or Therese’s meadow. The original festivities included horse racing with grandstands to accommodate many thousands of visitors. Enormous attendance and a high spirit of joyous celebration were built into the festival from day one.

Over the years, additions have been made that make Oktoberfest feel similar to an American county fair, but on a massive scale. Agricultural showcases from nearby regions, tree climbing, carnival booths, and the prototype of the modern Olympic games all took place at various Oktoberfest events throughout history. 

Your Oktoberfest Party Checklist

1. Make Your Menu. True, a stein of beer can often feel like eating a loaf of bread – but any good festival calls for some fun eats and treats. Because German beer is heavy and tends to have a higher alcohol content than domestic beers, it’s a good idea to have some savory, satisfying snacks at the ready. Bavaria is famous for its fluffy, soft pretzels, often dipped in a pungent mustard sauce or cheese. Some fresh, crunchy salads – or even a platter of sliced cucumber, radish, and carrot crudités – is an excellent addition to a party spread. No German party would be complete without some sauerkraut or red cabbage salad, either to use as a bratwurst topping or to enjoy as a side dish. German potato salad is another favorite. Traditionally, Oktoberfest meats and main courses include sausages and roast chicken. And don’t forget desserts! The Bavarians are beloved for their roasted sweet nuts, pastries, and apple strudels. 
   
   
2. Stock Up on Fine Beer. You don’t have to be an expert to shop for German beers – a simple stroll down the grocery aisle will quickly reveal packaging with long, hard-to-pronounce brand names. If you want to keep to tried and true faves of the season, look for Augustiner, Paulaner, Spaten, or Hofbrau. If these are too hard to find, Weihenstephan and Erdinger are a couple of delicious options. If you’re planning a larger gathering, consider buying a keg of beer rather than bottles or cans. After all, a keg will keep the good times flowing for a large party, produces less waste, and guarantees that you’ll have a fresher, more delicious beer.
   
   
3. Dress Up! Lederhosen, suspenders, and patterned fabrics, here we come! Ladies’ dress for Oktoberfest consists of a jumper-like dress called a dirndl, topped with an apron. Men are known to wear lederhosen and checkered shirts. 
   
   
4. Fill Oktoberfest with Flowers. Did you know that people create special garlands made from fresh flowers in Bavaria, especially for Oktoberfest? Flowers have a special place in any party – and a frothy fest for the Fall season is no exception. Traditional to Oktoberfest in particular, calendula and sunflowers bring vibrant pops of bold yellow to add energy and sunshine to your beer-fueled fun. An arrangement like Autumn Breeze, with its high contract orange roses and rustic cattails, is an attractive choice. Buy some extra stems to pop a rose in your hat or your beer maid-inspired braids! In our Fall Fashion arrangement, red roses and gladiolas mixed in with energetic sunflowers evoke the German flag’s colors. 

If there’s anything we love about Oktoberfest, it’s opulence. This is a party that spares no detail when it comes to turning up the fun. Shop at Allen’s Flower Market to bring fresh, beautiful flowers into your festivities. We offer fast, easy delivery and also welcome custom ideas to create the perfect bouquet for you. With locations across Southern California, it comes as no surprise that we’ve been consistently voted Best Florist in Long Beach since 2011. If you want to see and smell our arrangements in person, stop by our floral design stores in Long Beach, Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, or Sunland.