Halloween Menu and Tips for Entertaining

I's Fall and pumpkins... rule

Autumn is my favorite season to entertain...
The colors are warmer, shadows are longer and wrapping gifts won't start for at least a month.
Flavors taste richer in the fall, jewel tone vegetables and fruits crowd the market...
Children even the grown up ones, can be anything they want to be even if it's just for one night.

Is it me or didn't Halloween come up fast this year?
Before you know it the parade of children will be at your door. Waves of squealing little ones in costumes chirping,"trick or treat! Or maybe this year, a Halloween party is part of your plans. If so choose a menu that works well for casual fun and you don't need to break the bank on displaying it well.

When planning party fare, keep in mind that guests in costumes may have a hard time balancing a plate and foods that require cutting to eat. Small palm size sandwiches, dips and finger foods tend to be best. Give your menu items clever or spooky names for the night. Offering foods that can hold at room temperature and are easy to serve make your job less scary.

 

Setting a table in the center of the room not only helps for easy access, it acts as a focal point as well.

Drape fall colored fabric or even a fringed shawl to add texture and theme to a basic black drape.


Save time by placing bowls and platters where they will go before they are filled. When it's time to serve it makes the process of setting food out go smoother.

Glazed ceramic pots make great snack holders.

Before you spend money on decorations, look around for items you may be able to use. A black vase, candlestick holders, rustic trays and tier stands all work great for Halloween.

Other easy fall decorations are piles of squash and pumpkins. Fall leaves, are perfect, but make sure they are not placed near candles. The classic white sheets over furniture, never goes out of style!

Trick or Treat Menu

Chips Dips and Finger Snacks

Creepy Cabo Shrimp Cocktail

Lava Black Bean & Cheddar Dip with Tortilla Chips

Marinated Tortellini Medusa

Mozzarella Fingers in Marinara

Chili Lime Bat Wings

Snake Sausages 

Deviled Egg Eye Balls

Harvest Ham

with rolls and relishes

Phantom Potato Salad

Carmel Apples and Devils Food Cupcakes

Have a Happy Halloween, may the fun be non stop until the last of the tricksters, giddy with sweets,

are tucked into dreams! 

Renee