Halloween Theme Party Tips

Halloween parties are about more than just the costumes.  There are great drinks and snacks to be made. There are so many options to choose from. 

I have posted my Halloween cupcakes and I recommend all of the varieties.  I think they are all simple and give a great impact to any party buffet.

Here are some of my tips for putting out a great food experience at a Halloween party:

If you are making cupcakes or other food that are decorated for kids, make sure all of the decorations are edible.  Don't use a mix of edible spiders and fake spiders.  It can be dangerous.

Have some child friendly drinks if kids are invited.  I like Apple Juice Boxes.  They are themed for the season and are harder to spill than a big glass.

Serve up some seasonal beer.  Our favorite is John Harvard's Pumpkin Ale.  It is locally brewed 4 miles from our house and they give you cinnamon sugar to line your glasses with.  They are sold in growlers for you to take home.

Women (and some guys) usually like a fancy drink.  We serve up Pumpkin Martinis.  Here is the recipe:

1 part Pumpkin Liquor - I use Hiram Walker's Pumpkin Spice
1 part Vanilla Vodka - My favorite is Stoli Vanil
1 part half and half
Splash of Goldschlager if you like cinnamon (this is optional).

Place all the ingredients in a shaker, shake and serve in martini glasses.  You can also make a pitcher of the liquors in advance.  When your guest are ready for them, simply add the half and half to each martini.  Adding the half and half to the pitcher can cause it to separate.

Put wine charms on the martini and wine glasses.  I found Halloween themed ones.  A pack of 6 cost  $1.99.  This helps people to remember the glass and they are cute.  Place them on the glasses before your guests arrive - don't count on them to do it.

Place the food on different levels.  It is more pleasing to the eye and gives people something to look at. 

Sprinkle some confetti on the counters.  It adds some seasonal charm.  Beware - they get everywhere.

Place some fake spiders, flies and rats around the buffet, on the counters etc.



Buffet all set up.

Find some themed stirrers for the drinks and place them in the glasses before as well.  They add to the theme and make the bar look great.  Here are the ones I found - they are finger bones (candy, of course).

Stirrers and wine charms in place.

Set up a bar with the liquors and glasses you think you will need.  Don't put all everything in your liquor cabinet.  A red and white wine and the fixings for your pumpkin martini are fine.  Have the beer in the cooler or the fridge.  Leave the recipe out for the pumpkin martini if it is self serve.  If you know someone only drinks one thing, you can put that out too.  Don't forget the cork screw and the bottle opener.

Have the plates, napkins and silverware at the beginning of the buffet line.  Only put out the plates you are using for a specific course if you are having courses.  Don't put out the dessert plates with the dinner because people may use the wrong ones and you will find yourself short.

Have cups and other soft drinks available and set out as well.

Plates and family friendly drink area.

If you have a crock pot, fill it with apple cider and some cinnamon sticks.  Turn it on low before your guests arrive for warm cider.  Make sure you place heat safe cups next to it - not plastic.  Don't forget the ladle!

Relax and have fun.