Posted on Fri, Oct. 23, 2009
Mary M. Murphey
It's time to take your Halloween hosting responsibilities seriously, no joke. But don't get intimidated - crafting the perfect party (recipes included) is easier than you think.
"Halloween is a great time to celebrate with a fun and festive party for family and friends," says Karen Bussen, author of "Simple Stunning Parties at Home" (Stewart, Tabori and Chang, 2009). "You can get everyone together - kids, parents, friends, family - and everyone has an excuse to be silly or scary or just plain cute."
The pre-party: "When I was a kid, I swore I'd never make my own kids eat dinner before heading out to collect candy," says Sharon Bowers, author of "Ghoulish Goodies" (Storey Publishing, 2009). "But you can guess what happens at my house. What I try to do instead is make a Halloween supper that takes away the sting. And that way nobody is insane with hunger - or sugar overload - by the time they get to the party later."
The treats: "I love how baking and cooking Halloween goodies sets the mood for fall," Bowers says. "I think that's part of the thrill of Halloween - it's the first cold-weather holiday of the season, and the start of the slide into the major holidays that end the year." No time to bake? No problem. "Check your local bakery/candy shop for fun desserts like cupcakes iced with spiders or pumpkins," Bussen suggests. "Place bowls of Halloween candies all around, or make a "Trick or Treat Bar" with little bags and scoops so guests can help themselves."
The devilish details: "Everyone has a personal style," Bowers says. "But I don't think I'm alone in saying that it's hard to get kids fed and costumed and trick-or-treated, while also trying to decorate cupcakes, un-mold Wormy Pie, peel a dozen grapes to stand-in as eyeballs, and make a tray of sandwiches shaped like tombstones.
"So delegate duties and share with other parents. When someone says, 'Can I help?' don't say, 'No, I got it.' Say, 'Yes, could you bring brownies?' or 'Cups and napkins?' Halloween parties should be fun for everyone, not just your lucky invitees."
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