How to Host a Haunted Halloween Bash

How to Host a

Haunted Halloween Bash

Written by Lori Boatfield Charcuterie design by Ashley Johnson Design and photos by Ashley Johnson, Jamie Robertson & Lori Boatfield

When I became a wife, at the ripe old age of 26 – after being the sole mistress of a couple of my own humble abodes – I had very specific ideas about how I would decorate our house for special occasions. In fall, I loved to gather leaves and pumpkins, make wreaths and floral arrangements, tastefully combining the holidays of Halloween and Thanksgiving in my efforts. My husband, who was born on Halloween, has, in the ensuing 20 years, completely corrupted my tasteful fall decorating. I balked at first, at the creepy décor. I shuddered at the specter of the Grim Reaper’s gruesome rictus at my piano, and the gargoyles guarding the fireplace. Early on, my sensibilities were offended by salsa served from a hollowed-skull bowl. I have, however, grown to embrace the macabre, and adopt a bit of the Gothic in my approach to decorating for the now-annual costume party that we throw to celebrate his Halloween birthday.

Our 122-year-old home creates the perfect backdrop for our Haunted Halloween Bashes. High ceilings and creaking floorboards only add to the ambiance – along with cobwebs (some organic, others added) and candlelight.

We add to our collection of startling serving pieces each year, like the skull salsa bowl and the skeleton hands salad tongs that we use year-round. And we inevitably end up with a few new grinning ghouls perched on the porch. Our children have gotten into the “spirit” and enjoy putting out the mummy and his treasure, hanging caged skulls from their hooks. They delight in arranging gravestones in the front flowerbed, and wonder what dark décor their dad will devise next! n

If you’re looking to HOST your own Haunted Halloween Bash, here are a few steps to get started:

The invitations – check out Smilebox for customizable creations with music and ghostly sound effects to email or text to your guests

The decor – we’ve amassed a collection of creepy decorations, but dim lights, synthetic spider webs and candles go a long way in creating a haunted backdrop

The table – I like to use platforms of varying heights (I put my Amazon boxes to good use) covered with a black tablecloth, then drape with creepy cloth to set a scary serving space

The fare – we keep it simple, serving hors d’oeuvres/finger foods - sometimes even fingers as food, a skeletal charcuterie, and always creepy cocktails - see next page for recipes

The finishing touches – setting up a motion-detectedtalking gravestone in the guest bath makes for a fun surprise; floating an icy hand in the punchbowl is chilling in every way; dripping red candle wax onto the outside of inexpensive stemware creates a bloody good drinking glass 41

Fun Recipes to get you in the Halloween Spirit

Witches Finger Bread Sticks

from cooknourishbliss.com

1 pizza dough 1 egg 1 tablespoon water sesame seeds and/or poppy seeds, optional 8 whole raw almonds

Preheat the oven to 450ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Place the pizza dough on a lightly floured work surface. Using lightly floured hands, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces (about 2 ounces each.) Shape each piece into a rope about 9 to 10 inches long. Shape each rope to make knuckles and lines. Place on the prepared baking sheet about 1 to 2 inches apart. Let rest for about 20 minutes.

In a small bowl, beat together the egg and water. Brush each “finger” with the mixture. Press one almond into the end of each “finger” - be sure to press down hard or they will come off during baking. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Bloody good

witches brew

1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger vodka 1/2 fluid ounce cointreau

1 teaspoon fresh lime juice 1.5 fluid ounces cranberry juice Decorate glasses with black sugar and serve