4 In Entertaining

Our Annual Pumpkin-Carving, Chili-Eating, Football-Watching Halloween Party

Happy Halloween! We threw our annual Halloween party this weekend, and we had the best time! It has been a while since I have had a good party to post, which is why I’m so excited to share this today. I love outfits, travel, and sharing what’s on my radar, but host posts have a very special place in my heart. There is nothing I love more than throwing a party, especially a themed, seasonal one. This one’s photo-heavy, but there were cute babies involved, and I can’t help myself. So without further ado, here’s what I threw together on Saturday morning (Note: I also got through about five episodes of Gilmore Girls while cooking, cleaning, and setting up. #productivity).

The Tablescape and Food

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First of all, we moved our table and put all the dining room chairs in our room to open up some space for people to mill around in. Then I used a simple black tablecloth for the background to display all the orange, purple, and blue goodness. I’ve had a lot of my Halloween stuff for a few years, but I also picked up a few things here and there as I was running errands all month from Crate and Barrel, Michael’s, The Nest Egg, and obviously, Target’s seasonal dollar aisle.

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This mason jar is from Jo-ann’s, and the easiest centerpiece for Halloween ever, is obviously just to place some plastic spiders in your flowers. The sequined pumpkins were a Target Halloween aisle find, and the fabric is leftover from our door decorations!

 

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We really didn’t get too fancy with the food. The menu basically revolved around Tex Mex chili, but these little ghosts are also really a crowd favorite. They are super easy:

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Graveyard Ghosts

2 egg whites

1/8 tsp. cream of tartar

1/2 c. sugar

Mini chocolate chips

1 package instant choc. pudding

3 c. milk

1 package Oreos

Jelly-sized mason jars

Whip 2 egg whites and 1/8 tsp. cream of tarter on medium setting.

Turn setting to high and gradually add 1/2 c. sugar one Tablespoon at a time.

Spoon into ziplock bag, cut 1/2 in. slit in corner and pipe in ghostly blobs onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets.

Add mini chocolate chips for eyes and mouth.

Bake at 200 degrees for about 2 hours or until set.

Whip up chocolate pudding and crush some Oreos.

Fill small mason jars with pudding and top with Oreo crumbles.

Insert meringue ghosts!

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When you’re all ready and just waiting for your friends to arrive.

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Candlesticks

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Jeff brought over his delicious home brewed beer, and I immediately asked him if I could slap these cheesy labels on the bottles he needs to be able to re-use. Luckily, we have generous, easy-going friends who support my blogging endeavors.

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We had chili toppings in orange ramekins from Target, and filled our three-tier galvanized server from Pottery Barn with apples (and peanut butter + honey dip), popcorn, and the Loveless Cafe cornbread.

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These skull mugs have been in my Halloween collection for years, and I believe they were a Pottery Barn splurge. Not going to lie, they are 50% of the reason we have to host an annual Halloween party. These guys get one shot a year for use, and if you miss it, they have to slumber until the next Halloween. We had a pot of apple cider seasoned with cinnamon, cloves, and lemon juice on the stove.

Other Decorations

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In addition to our door decor, I also added some other touches of Halloween party cheer around the apartment.

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I’ve found that Giant has the next best grocery store flower selection after Trader Joe’s.

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It wasn’t a good season day for Mizzou. Frank (being my nutcracker Frankenstein) was not impressed.

Hanging Out

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Pippa’s favorite aunt and uncle.

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These little angels are Callan and Hayley. They played together so well!

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Some people have adorable children, and we have Pippa.

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Callan and Hayley were besties!

hayleyPippa loved Hayley and Cal. Those little feet just kill me.

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When some of your guests are 7 months old.

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Pippa: Hey uh, can I get a chew when you’re done with that?

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Pumpkin Carving

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Commence pumpkin carving!

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Pippa’s fiercest sign of affection is laying by your chair.

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final

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We ended up with a state theme. My Missouri was a little short and fat, but close enough!

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California and DC!

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Ta-Da! Some seriously expert state outline and flag carving.

You can see some of our other seasonal celebrations here, including our Fourth of July party and Derby Day party.

Have a great Halloween!

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