Smashing Party Plans
When it comes to throwing a Halloween party, the devil's in
the details. But planning gets a lot less complicated (and a lot more fun)
if you begin by picking a theme that truly captivates your interest and imagination. After you do that, choosing your
invitations, decorations and menu becomes almost eerily easy.
So
here are four ideas for party themes to get your beetle juices flowing.
Each can be modified to entertain children and/or adults, and all
promise to make you the "ghostest with the mostest."
BARNYARD BASH
This kid-friendly party takes the spook out of Halloween by focusing on the flavors and colors of the fall harvest.
Who's invited: Scarecrows, bunnies, bees, cows, ranch hands, farmers (and their daughters).
How to decorate: Turn your backyard
into a working farm with bails of hay, stalks of corn, and piles of
pumpkins, sunflowers and potted mums.
What
to serve: Caramel Apple Witches, Flying Popcorn Balls,
Pumpkin Seed Brittle, Halloween Party Pops, Peanut Butter
Smores, Apple Orchard Punch.
PIRATE'S BOUNTY
Ahoy, Matey! This Halloween season, pirates are
more popular than ever. Get on board with this festive mix of
sea-sickening goodies and island fare.
Who's invited: Jack Sparrow, Elizabeth Swann,
Will Turner, Blackbeard and Anne Bonny.
How to decorate: Deck out your party area with skull flags, hanging skeletons, worldly
maps, parrot pinatas and sails (painting dropcloths work great). Fill a
treasure chest with fake tattoos, eye patches, play jewelry and candy coins and
make it your centerpiece.
What to serve: Seaside Snack Mix, Skeleton Crudite, Coconut Shrimp, Chicken, Plantain and
Pineapple Skewers, Ruby Apple Salad,
Treasure Chest, Ghoul-Ade.
DEAD CELEBRITY'S BALL
This Hollywood affair is all about decadence, extravagance, and a slew of mysterious deaths.
Who's invited: Marilyn Monroe, Natalie Wood, Frank Sinatra, Elvis, George Reeves and Andy Warhol.
How to decorate:
Set the scene with a red carpet entryway and rich, plush table
coverings strewn with candelabras, black roses, faux pearls and a few
splatters of blood. Find out who's coming, and make a gravestone
placecard for each guest.
What
to serve: Emeril's Crab Meat Deviled Eggs, Prosciutto di San Daniele with Apple Salad, Gourdian Angel Soup, Red Devil Quail, Light
Pumpkin Cheesecakes, Toffee Chili Truffles, Apple Spritzers.
FOOD FEST
Foodies and cooks will delight in this all-night Halloween
potluck that's sure to inspire creativity. Ask guests to come dressed as their favorite chefs or foods and
bring a related recipe to share.
Who's invited: Martha Stewart, Rachel Ray and Iron Chef Chen Kenichi, plus lobsters, beer cans, Hershey's Kisses and a variety of condiments.
How to decorate: The focus here is truly on the food, so be sure to set a
beautiful buffet. Adorn your table with linens, candles, gourds and
flowers in
fall's favorite colors and make use of serving stands to
display your dishes at varying heights.
What to serve: The beauty of this party is that your guests help create the
menu. Round out their offerings by having plenty of seasonal gourmet goodies
on-hand, including cheese spreads, nut mixes, candied popcorn, apple cider and wine.