Happy Halloween! We threw our annual Halloween party this weekend, and we had the best time! It has been a while since I have had a good party to post, which is why I’m so excited to share this today. I love outfits, travel, and sharing what’s on my radar, but host posts have a very special place in my heart. There is nothing I love more than throwing a party, especially a themed, seasonal one. This one’s photo-heavy, but there were cute babies involved, and I can’t help myself. So without further ado, here’s what I threw together on Saturday morning (Note: I also got through about five episodes of Gilmore Girls while cooking, cleaning, and setting up. #productivity).
The Tablescape and Food
First of all, we moved our table and put all the dining room chairs in our room to open up some space for people to mill around in. Then I used a simple black tablecloth for the background to display all the orange, purple, and blue goodness. I’ve had a lot of my Halloween stuff for a few years, but I also picked up a few things here and there as I was running errands all month from Crate and Barrel, Michael’s, The Nest Egg, and obviously, Target’s seasonal dollar aisle.
This mason jar is from Jo-ann’s, and the easiest centerpiece for Halloween ever, is obviously just to place some plastic spiders in your flowers. The sequined pumpkins were a Target Halloween aisle find, and the fabric is leftover from our door decorations!
We really didn’t get too fancy with the food. The menu basically revolved around Tex Mex chili, but these little ghosts are also really a crowd favorite. They are super easy:
Graveyard Ghosts
2 egg whites
1/8 tsp. cream of tartar
1/2 c. sugar
Mini chocolate chips
1 package instant choc. pudding
3 c. milk
1 package Oreos
Jelly-sized mason jars
Whip 2 egg whites and 1/8 tsp. cream of tarter on medium setting.
Turn setting to high and gradually add 1/2 c. sugar one Tablespoon at a time.
Spoon into ziplock bag, cut 1/2 in. slit in corner and pipe in ghostly blobs onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
Add mini chocolate chips for eyes and mouth.
Bake at 200 degrees for about 2 hours or until set.
Whip up chocolate pudding and crush some Oreos.
Fill small mason jars with pudding and top with Oreo crumbles.
Insert meringue ghosts!
When you’re all ready and just waiting for your friends to arrive.
Jeff brought over his delicious home brewed beer, and I immediately asked him if I could slap these cheesy labels on the bottles he needs to be able to re-use. Luckily, we have generous, easy-going friends who support my blogging endeavors.
We had chili toppings in orange ramekins from Target, and filled our three-tier galvanized server from Pottery Barn with apples (and peanut butter + honey dip), popcorn, and the Loveless Cafe cornbread.
These skull mugs have been in my Halloween collection for years, and I believe they were a Pottery Barn splurge. Not going to lie, they are 50% of the reason we have to host an annual Halloween party. These guys get one shot a year for use, and if you miss it, they have to slumber until the next Halloween. We had a pot of apple cider seasoned with cinnamon, cloves, and lemon juice on the stove.
Other Decorations
In addition to our door decor, I also added some other touches of Halloween party cheer around the apartment.
I’ve found that Giant has the next best grocery store flower selection after Trader Joe’s.
It wasn’t a good season day for Mizzou. Frank (being my nutcracker Frankenstein) was not impressed.
Hanging Out
Pippa’s favorite aunt and uncle.
These little angels are Callan and Hayley. They played together so well!
Some people have adorable children, and we have Pippa.
Callan and Hayley were besties!
Pippa loved Hayley and Cal. Those little feet just kill me.
When some of your guests are 7 months old.
Pippa: Hey uh, can I get a chew when you’re done with that?
Pumpkin Carving
Commence pumpkin carving!
Pippa’s fiercest sign of affection is laying by your chair.
We ended up with a state theme. My Missouri was a little short and fat, but close enough!
California and DC!
Ta-Da! Some seriously expert state outline and flag carving.
You can see some of our other seasonal celebrations here, including our Fourth of July party and Derby Day party.
Have a great Halloween!
