How to Throw a Halloween Bash

The scarecrows are up, the apples have been picked, the Jack-O-Lanterns are on display, and the costume shopping has started.  Halloween is right around the corner. And what better way to celebrate than to throw a party! 

Here are some of my favorite go-tos when hosting a party for Halloween – everything from cocktails to games.  So here goes:

Bites

The first pick-um is a perfect snack for a house party.  They’re a bit classy, perfect color for Halloween, and they’re a healthy snack that people love.  They are devilish eggs!

Image by tadkapasta.wordpress.com

Ingredients:

• 6 Eggs
• 2 Tbsp. thick coconut milk, cold(not low fat) or mayonnaise
• 2 Tsp. Thai Curry paste (we used the Thai Kitchen brand)
• 1 tsp. ketchup
• ½ tsp. paprika plus more to sprinkle
• ½ tsp. spicy mustard
• ¼ tsp. Sriracha or other red chili sauce
• Salt to taste
• Garnish – paprika/1 green onion

Directions:  Bring eggs to a boil, cover and remove from heat.  Let sit for 8 minutes then drain.  Cover eggs with cold water and peel.  Half the eggs and transfer yolk to a bowl.  Add coconut milk, curry paste, ketchup, paprika, Sriracha and salt to taste.  Mash until smooth.  Pipe into egg whites. Sprinkle with paprika and cut green onions to place on top as stems. 

Cocktail

I chose the Jack-O-Lantern cocktail because it really looks perfect for a Halloween party.  The pumpkin garnish on top is so cute! 

Image by thespruceeats.com

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz. cognac (Hennessy VSOP Cognac)
• 1/2 oz. orange liqueur (Grand Marnier)
• 1 oz. orange juice
• 2 oz. ginger ale (to fill)
• Garnish: orange wheel and lime twist

Directions: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the cognac, liqueur, and juice. Shake well and strain into an old-fashioned glass with ice.  Top with ginger ale.  Float an orange wheel with a lime twist poked into the top.

Jell-O

This Pumpkin Pie Jell-O shot looks too good to be true!

Image by http://thatssomichelle.com

Ingredients:

• 6 Keebler mini graham-cracker piecrusts1 cup cold water
• 1 envelope Knox gelatin
• 1 and 1/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup canned pumpkin pie mix (already spiced)
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup rum
• 1/2 tablespoon cold heavy cream
• Whipped cream, for serving if desired
• (For a kid friendly, non-alcoholic version just use cold water instead of rum)

Directions: Pour 1 cup of cold water in sauce pan and sprinkle the gelatin packet on top. Let it sit for a minute or two. (No heat)Turn heat on to medium and add pumpkin mix and sugar stirring until combined. Turn off heat and let cool.   Mix 1/2 cup rum, remaining 1/4 cup water, and 1/2 table spoon heavy cream in a separate bowl, then add to the gelatin mixture.  Pour mixture into pie crusts and refrigerate overnight. Top with whipped cream if desired. Cut pies in halves then quarters to serve small bite sizes. –recipe by thatssomichelle.com

Let’s Have Fun!

Have a pumpkin carving contest!

Image by http://www.maniacpumpkincarvers.com

Pick up some pumpkin carving materials and set up a large table in your backyard.  Have everyone bring a pumpkin to your party.  After a couple hours of libations, bring everyone outside and have a pumpkin carving contest!  Winner gets a grand prize!

The Mystery Box Game

Creep people out by having them stick their hand in a box and write down what they think is inside!  Put some gross textures in there for fun!

Image by http://blog.basicgrey.com

Decorate a few tissue boxes with your favorite Halloween theme.  Then, place different objects in each box for guests to guess.  Here are some fun ideas:

• Peeled grapes – eyeballs
• Baby carrots – toes
• Steamed cauliflower – brains
• Popcorn kernels – teeth
• Candy corn – vampire teeth
• Peeled tomato – heart
• Cooked noodles – guts
• Wet tortilla – skin
• Canned peaches – liver
• Cheese sticks – fingers
• Raisins – warts
• Corn husk silk – hair
• Overcooked rice – maggots
• Canned pear halves – stomach
• Peanut butter – ear wax
• Pudding with peas – vomit

Hope you enjoy all of these ideas for your Halloween party! 

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

Cheers,

Danyelle