I got the cool abstract burlap spider runner, and cobwebbed tiered dessert tray, from my Mom as a gift a few years ago (May I remind you of our family Halloween tradition!)  But this is the first year that I’m really using them!  I added to the spider theme with super cheap cobwebs from Party City that I spread over a black table cover, and created some dimension in the room with these adorable black and orange pom-pom garlands.  These were a great investment– I know I will use them for many parties to come!  I snapped up a bunch of crows (why are these SO creepy to me?) at Michael’s, and positioned them around the food and drinks….waiting for an unsuspecting reveler to PECK ALIIIIIVE!!! MUAHAHAHA. 

Ok, the food:  Before I was a parent myself, I didn’t really understand the whole “You kids need to eat some real food before the party” angle.  Who cares?! It’s Halloween!  Then I witnessed firsthand what a little cake for dinner (Thanks, Birthday parties) will do to my normally sweet and agreeable toddler, and I understood.  I understood perfectly.  For our party this year, I wanted to make sure there were some substantial, yummy, and healthy snacks for the kids before we unleash them upon the neighborhood candy.  I decided on PB&J and Hummus-cucumber sandwiches (cut in to Halloween shapes),  Clementine “pumpkins”, and sweet potato puffs for the smaller kids.  I put together a paté and cheese plate for the grown ups, and added some sweet treats for the people who are not that in to candy.  I bought the mini brownies and red velvet cupcakes at the market, but made them my own with sugar eyeballs and an adorable cupcake set from Meri Meri.  The chic cobweb plates are from Meri Meri, too!  Their decorations are always on point. 

Let’s talk booze.  A Halloween party just isn’t a party without a couple cocktails for Mom and Dad.  I always like to mix up a big “signature” cocktail in my glass dispenser (another incredible investment piece by the way).  This year I settled on a thematic “Spooky Cider” with a taste of apples, stone fruit, and cinnamon! Oh, and Rum (welcome, Pirates).  Of course not everybody is a mixed drink fan, so I like to have a wine option on hand.  I myself am a HUGE red wine fan, and I could not be more excited about the spicy, complex, and highly drinkable red blend by HobNob! “HobNob Wicked Red Blend” is being sold for the Holiday in this limited edition Day Of The Dead bottle that fits perfectly with my spooky decor– and is delicious to boot!  I know my guests are going to love it.  I may or may not have already shared a bottle with Kyle over this cheese platter, and I can tell you that it pairs perfectly with paté and manchego (and brownie bites)!