Halloween is just 3 days away….
I’ve always loved Halloween, but in the UK, despite it’s Celtic origins, it’s long been the poor relation to Guy Fawkes Night where we all gather round a big bonfire and burn effigies of a bloke who was a bit part player in a plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament 400 years ago. It’s often viewed as for kids, and until very recently this was reflected in the kinds of Halloween products available in the stores.
If you don’t have a huge Halloween party to go to then here’s a couple of ideas for a stylish Halloween
The Halloween Dinner Party
If you’ve got a few friends coming over cook up some hearty autumnal fare.
Decorate your table with candles and carved pumpkins. Here I used a mould to make plaster skulls to put the candles on, and used one of those scene setters designed for the walls over a paper table cloth. But a few candle sticks would be just as effective!
Food wise pumpkin soup is a traditional way to start. Try serving it in a hollowed out pumpkin. There’s a great recipe from Valentine Warner here.
Main course is easy. Go for great autumnal foods like sweet potato mash with pan fried sausages and apples, or this great US recipe for autumn stuffed pork roast if you want to make a bit more effort.
Grapes in Jelly and Lychees are traditional Halloween puddings, representing icky things like eyeballs. For a more sophisticated option focus on the autumnal and go for apple strudel.
Spiced cider is a great warming drink for autumn, a forerunner to mulled wine at christmas and just as yummy.
The Cosy Night In
If it’s just you and your significant other for Halloween that doesn’t mean you have to stay in and be boring. You can stay in and be fun instead! If you can’t be bothered with Trick or Treaters, then turn off your front room lights, retire to another room, turn the lights down, light some candles and snuggle up with a scary movie. A few scary cocktails make the night more fun. Check out In The Spirit for some ideas. I particularly like the sound of the Black Shadow, anything with Champagne in it sounds good to me!
A game of Atmosfear will keep you entertained, and if you’re feeling really adventurous you could even try a few spells!
