Monday, September 22, 2008

Halloween Hysteria!

We're getting all geared up for our second annual Halloween Party here in the Sippycups house. Last year we invited lots of our friends and neighbors over for a pre trick or treat pizza party. It was a huge success so we (I) decided we'd make it a yearly tradition. Last year was pretty basic. Pizza. Beer. Lemonade.

This year, I'm going to try to mix it up a bit. The kids were a little wild last year so I figured this year I'd set up some craft tables so they would have something to do (other than drive their semi drunk and not at all excited about trick or treating parents insane) while waiting for dark. I ordered some cool beading sets and other random craft kits from Oriental Trading.

BabyGirl was VERY excited to help me pick out these adorable invitations...



from Itty Bitty

They open up to display the invite inside the bat's wings. TOO CUTE.



I also thought it might be nice to offer something a little more enticing than pizza for the adults. Sooo, I'm going to try a mashed potato bar this year. If you've never had the opportunity to try a mashed potato bar you are seriously missing out!


First, you make your mashed potatoes. In bulk. Then you'll need to set them up in a chafing dish, such as this one from Sur La Table. Next, you'll need to set up your condiments. I use small square glass vases. You can provide whatever condiments you think people will like: green onions, bacon pieces, sour cream, butter, cheddar cheese, blue cheese, salsa, green peas, mushrooms, etc. Then you'll need regular sized martini glasses. I bought mine in bulk from Pier One. After that, it's pretty self explanatory! Your guests simply scoop some potatoes into their martini glasses and add the toppings. YUM!

And, as you all know, I do love my libations. We had a Halloween themed supper club one year and our friends brought this drink...the "Brain Tumor".


It looked completely disgusting. I personally didn't think it tasted great either. And the texture...blech! It was a fun way to start the party, though. We had them as an "appetizer shot". How cool would they look in this red rimmed shot glass?
Here's how you make them...

Brain Tumor
Ingredients
1 tsp. Irish Cream (Bailey's)
1 oz. Schnapps, peach
1/2 tsp. Grenadine

Mixing Instructions
Add peach schnapps to a shot glass. Slowly add Irish cream. Don't mix... the cream will clump together and settle to the bottom. It will look gross. Pour the grenadine over the cream lump for a completely disgusting looking, but really tasty Halloween party drink.

Nice, huh?

I love to decorate for Halloween as well. I think I've done it all! One of my favorites is the specimen jar.


Fill a few glass vessels more than halfway with colored water (mix 3 drops green or 1/2 drop red food coloring in water; add a few tablespoons milk for murkiness).

Peel off outer layers of a cabbage head for a brain specimen; use a fennel bulb with the fronds cut off for a heart. If a specimen is too large for the jar's opening, cut it in half and stick it back together with skewers once it's inside. With a glue stick, attach a printed or written label on the container.

I've made a little collage of other ideas that I love. The Martha Stewart Head Waiter Tray is another one of my favorites. It works great as a centerpiece!



Another neat touch you can easily add to your party also comes from Martha Stewart. DUH! Jazz up your wine bottles with Custom Made Wine Bottle Labels.

If you still don't have enough great ideas be sure to go to the Grandin Road website. TONS of awesome Halloween Decorations!

If you're not having your own party but you know you'll be attending a friend's, why not send the perfect hostess gift?

1800flowers.com (Martha Stewart)

Right now you can save $10 on $49.95 or more at Martha Stewart for 1-800-Flowers.com! Use code MARTHA16at checkout. Exp. 9.30.08

17 comments:

Bamawhitney said...

So it could be the "Monster Mashed" Potato Bar which is perfect for Halloween. Love your ideas!

Stephanie said...

They also have those wine labels for Halloween wine at Swoozies, and they are a little bit cheaper.

I just bought some yesterday :)

Blue-Eyed Bride said...

i love your ideas. your party sounds like it will be so much fun! thanks for the extra halloween party tips!

Muffy said...

What a lovely spread! I LOOOVE your mashed potato idea! GENIUS!

Melissa @ I Pick Pretty said...

It's official - you are the Cutest Mom Ever. Those invitations are particularly To Die For!

Christi said...

How fun! I cannot wait to see photos!

Anonymous said...

Great idea I am going to totally copy your party. Please post more. How Fun!! Thanks for sharing.

Ashley said...

GREAT Ideas! Thanks for sharing

Hopsy said...

I would be all over that mashed potatoe bar, yum!! I want to throw an event where I can have one. Perhaps my election party!!

Stephanie said...

I left you some love on my blog...in the form of an award.

:)

Maridith said...

Sounds like you are going to have the perfect Halloween Party! Have fun! Love the Mashed Potato bar idea. Show us pictures once the party if over!

Jess said...

Thanks for the great ideas, I'm planning a Halloween Party this year and can definately use inspiring ideas! -Jess

Preppy Engineer said...

I love reading about your entertaining! You are a girl after my own heart. The perfect hostess.

cancersucks said...

Is it ok it I steal I mean borrow your mashed potato bar idea? Our neighborhood dinner club is Nov. 1 at our house and we are having "comfort food for a cause" theme. How do you figure out how many mashed potatoes to make? I don't have that much experience cooking for 14. Thanks!

Misty said...

Love the Halloween ideas. Thanks for posting them. I am planning a Halloween party for my children and their friends and cannot decide on inside vs. outside. Any suggestions?
Plus more details on good activities to keep them busy. Your baked potato bar idea is a life saver because I was racking my brain on what to feed the adults. Thanks bunches....

Anonymous said...

Wow… I just love the idea for your Hallwoeen party invitation card.

The Rockin' Wife said...

Love the mashed potato bar! That looks delish. My girlfriend usually does Chili with all the toppings, but that would really be wonderful.