How About A Halloween Cocktail Party?

Halloween is such a fun and festive time of year..check your calendar because it's not that far away! 

Halloween tends to be focused on the kids - the costumes, the decor and the candy but what about the grown ups? The adults should have a wicked good time, too.

So why not host a Halloween Cocktail Party, this year?

 

Think of a great theme - something cool and creepy... Ask guests to come in the outfit they'd like to buried in, to give the party theme an interesting a twist. 

Picture dim rooms with candle light and soft yet spooky sounds in the air, orange background with spiders, snakes and crows strategically scattered, and pumpkins, too and serve up some orange satin cosmos and a devilishly tasty buffet. 

Your guests will be under your spell....

Decor: Honor the holidays classic colour combo.  An orange palette with black accent works perfectly for evening.  Near the front door, welcome guests with lanterns and/or candles to set the spooky scene.  always have a core hosting area with seating and surface areas for food and drinks.  Have autumn inspired florals if that's your thing but don't be afraid to have spiders, snakes, ravens, cats and skulls as a centerpiece and lots of cobwebs to make it extra scary.  Black and orange candles look incredible for Halloween.  And if you really want to take it to a new level, try a black feathered 'Christmas' tree but hang various Halloween finds like bats, skeletons and more

 Food: bowls of candy are a no brainer and a must.  But for real food try items that are seasonal and easy.  Pumpkin soup, mango-squash salsa, any munchies with cheese and fig are fabulous, veggies and dip (so easy and always a hit),

 

Music: Try a mix of songs that relate to the theme of Halloween - add these to your party playlist
Thriller by Michael Jackson (of course),
Monster Mash,- Bobby Pickett and the Crypt Kickers
 I put a spell on you - Nina Simone
Spooky - Atlanta Rhythm  Section
Ghostbusters - Ray Parker Jr.
Witchy Woman - Eagles
Runnin' with the Devil - Van Halen
A Nightmare on My Street - DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince
Superstition - Stevie Wonder
Time Warp - Rocky Horror Picture Show
Werewolves of London - Warren Zevon

Drinks: I like a self serve bar at this type of event.  It's not a formal party so keep it casual.  It is nice to greet guests with a signature drink like an Orange Satin Cosmo .  In a large ice filled pitcher stir together 8 cups of vodka, 2 1/2 cups of mango juice, 2 1/2 cups of Cointreau or Triple Sec, 1 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice and 7 tbsp of super fine sugar.  Mix well and strain into cocktail glasses.  Garnish with black licorice sticks.  This serves about 20.  And, ALWAYS have non-alcoholic options for those who aren't drinking but still want to party!



But other great choices (for any party, really) Chardonnay and Shiraz are great Fall season go-tos.

How to pull it together in an organized way.

1.  Send invites out about 3 weeks before the date.  Halloween is once a year, so there could be lots of parties.

2. Two weeks before hand, buy your decor, this way the stores won't be too picked over.

3.  About 10 days before, get the candy and the liquor

4. One week before - get the wine and prep your playlist

5. 2 days before get the groceries

6. Night before start setting the scene.  First adjust any furniture that may need to be moved out or just out of the way.  I also like to do some decorating the night before.

7. Morning of, arrange flowers and chill the wine

8. 4 hours before, make some cocktails and prep the salsa, stock the bar

9. 1 hour before, remove cheese from fridge and assemble any salads you might be serving but do not dress

10. 30 minutes before,pre heat oven for any hot apps

11. 20 minutes before,  put hot apps in the oven and set out bowls of candy, light candles, start music

12. Once guests have arrived, dress the salads and set up the hot and cold apps and desserts are to be served later.

13.  Have a frightfully good time with your friends and family.....

Hosting the Perfect Backyard BBQ

It's officially summer! The kids are out of school (soon) and it's time to make the most of the summer weather and the free time with friends and family.
Looking for some great ideas to host the perfect backyard BBQ?

Here are some easy tips for parties with guests of all ages:

Set the scene
Go with a seasonal palette - greens and yellows are fresh and fun! Look for flowers that are in bloom such as sunflowers, zinnias, and Gerber daisies. If the party will go into the evening hours be sure to have some kind of lighting (for mood and safety) look for tiki torches or solar lights in the garden or around the pool. don't forget about bug protection - have bug spray available for guests to use, have citronella candles on hand and spray the air and shrubs with Raid Yard Guard outdoor three hours before the party.
Try having some hurricanes candles on the table too. A white cotton table cloth is easy to wash but if you are hosting a party with children look for a vinyl one instead. Place the table close enough to the house so the host and guests have access to the kitchen and bathroom. Position the grill so the smoke is not blowing over the table but have it close enough so the chef feels included in the party.


Music
Music can really set the tone for the party but feel free to change it up as the party progresses. start off with some Bob Marley to set the mood, maybe then add some more up beat song selections that stick with the summer theme like "Cruel summer", "Hot, Hot, Hot", "Hot stuff" etc...As the evening becomes more mellow switch it up with some "Bossa Nova Brazil" or Smooth sounds of Sade.

Signature drink
Not necessary but it adds a sophistication to any party.
Try SUMMER MELON COOLERS
(serves 12)
Fill 1/2 gallon pitcher 1/3 full of vodka. Stir in puree of 1 honeydew melon (about 3 cups), 2 cups each of Midori liqueur and sprite and 1 cup of club soda. Serve over ice and garnish with skewered melon balls.

Offer non-alcoholic options as well, such as an equal mix of orange juice, cranberry juice and sparkling water.

For the kids, add some fruit in their drinks so they will feel just like the grown-ups.

best Backyard BBQ wines - Californian chardonnay (white) or Vieille Ferme (red).

What to serve
Have a selection of different burgers - beef, turkey and veggie.
Salads that don't necessarily require refrigeration such as a green, tomato or bean salads.
Appetizers such as crudites with hummus and tabbouleh.
Dessert go seasonal or simple - strawberry shortcake is a favourite and does not need a lot of prep time or if you have a fire pit, try s'mores

Remember
- to fill the propane tank so you don't run out mid-grilling.
- give guests about 3 weeks notice, summer time is busy for everyone (especially families)
- prep as much as you can before guests arrive, that way you can actually enjoy the party
- if you want to keep the evening casual, it's ok to go pot luck just plan with everyone first so you do not end up with 8 bean salads.
- use plastic cups and plates, they can be re-used but also accidents can happen and broken glass around little feet and grown up feet can be very dangerous.
- if children will be there, have something for them to do: sandbox, crafts, sports, games be sure to have them near by for proper parent supervision.

Where to look

Some great stores to find super stylish yet budget friendly outdoor items, check out http://www.jysk.ca/, http://www.ikea.ca/, http://www.pier1.com/, and http://www.loblaws.ca/.

Have a fabulous, fashionable and fun summer!