Earlier this month, I was lamenting a bit about not decorating for Halloween. After all, half the fun doing it for many years was due to the childrens’ excitement. But why not make Halloween something adults can enjoy too? So as a last minute, spontaneous gesture, we decide to have a small spooky Halloween dinner party for our wonderful neighbors.
The Decorations
I honestly can say that decorating just the back porch was SO. MUCH. FUN. When you take decorations out once a year, you tend to forget what you have. And we seem to have a lot of spooky decor.
Naturally, now, when entertaining I always take into account everyone’s comfort level on social distancing so the back porch is the perfect choice. Since one of our friends has an underlying condition, it is important to put him and his spouse at a comfortable distance from everyone else.
There is a delicate balance between creating a cozy atmosphere and keeping 6′ apart from others.
So I stuffed a pair of pants with newspaper and tucked a pillow inside a man’s shirt. Adding a scary mask, I wedged the knife in his back, and made some blood to drip down the white shirt. My “crime victim” is propped on one of the chairs and helps solve the social distancing requirement.
On the other side, Mr. Bones and a rat in a trap joins us for dinner. The table isn’t feeling so empty now!
As you may remember, my husband made a raised centerpiece shelf (see post here), and it comes in handy for the spooky decorations.
Tarnished and dusty candlesticks are perfect with black candles. The old laboratory bottles, skulls, skeletons, black cats and witches add to the Halloween theme.
The rest of the porch is decorated with mummies, owls, autumn leaves, lighting and sounds that let you know that you should B.E.W.A.R.E!
The Menu
The menu for the evening is rather simple, starting with a themed cocktail, Deathly Hallows, which was recently in my post, Fall Inspired Drinks. This is served with a variety of nuts and fruit.
The main course is my favorite Turkey Chili (see recipe here) and a fig, pear and goat cheese flat bread. Unable to find fresh figs, I altered this Southern Living recipe using dried figs and added sliced Bosc pears. Drizzled with thick balsamic (the one I buy from Pinetop, see here) and topped with fresh arugula~it was delicious. Since one of our guests is a vegetarian, I also made chili full of vegetables and no meat from Ambitious Kitchen (see recipe here).
Dessert is a simple pumpkin cream cheese swirled brownie. I won’t share the recipe because they were okay but not spectacular.
All in all, it was a VERY fun evening, especially with the lights low and the skeleton dog howling.
Whatever you are doing for Halloween, I hope you have as much fun as we did at this dinner party. We feel so blessed to have neighbors who are spontaneous and enjoy our festivities!
Jana Earnest says
You were always amazing Mary, especially when it comes to fall themed styling. I still remember what you did at the Harvest Fair!
All the best
Jana
Deborah Garrison says
Brilliant I love it decorations and menu want to b invited to your partys!!! Great job!!
Barbara at Mantel and Table says
Wow!! If I ever have to style anything for Halloween, I’m calling you!! The Halloween Queen!!
Polly Levine says
Hi Mary,
I just want you to know this comment is not from me- Must be another Polly!
I love all your posts!!!
xoxo, Polly Levine
Shaun says
What a spooktacular party! Love your special effects and menu. May snatch a few ideas for our party on the 31st. Thank you for the inspiration! Where there is a will there is a way these days.
Shaun
Polly says
Too creepy for me! Don’t like the murder victim at all with knife in his back. That’s not funny to me!
Polly Levine says
Hi Mary,
I just want you to know this comment is not from me- Must be another Polly!
I love all your posts!!!
xoxo, Polly Levine
Jeanne Cameron Washburn says
Fabulous fun – I may have just enough time to include the “dead guy” at our Halloween table…thanks for the wonderful inspirations!
Mary Crozier says
Jeanne, Also making blood was easy~corn syrup, corn starch, water, red, blue and green food coloring. I had the dead guy’s hand (a tan glove, stuffed), wrapped around a spooky wine goblet filled with the leftover blood. He was a big hit!
Melody Dean says
OMG…how fun! Your creativity is astounding and your photos and writing made us feel like we were there enjoying all the spookiness! Brilliant Mary!
Mary Crozier says
I think I have the most fun doing this! And hopefully everyone can enjoy it too!
Alan says
Looks like an amazing event. Very spooktacular !! I bet your entire family (and your lucky neighbors here) enjoy your excitement for the holidays.
Mary Crozier says
Such fun for everyone….especially me!