Kara from Kara’s Party Ideas hosted a “Chic Halloween Dinner” party last weekend that looks like so much fun! I’m especially loving the black & orange drip candles, shimmery accents, black crows, and wine glasses rimmed with orange sparkle gel.

Read on for lots more images and details, as told by Kara…

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“I hosted my Chic Halloween Dinner last week, which had a ‘black damask’ theme along with the obvious color palette of orange and black. I also added accents of shimmer and chandeliers.

I found the perfect Elegant Black Damask printable party pack on Paper & Cake {place cards, napkin rings, cupcake toppers, etc}!

I topped the glasses with orange sparkle gel icing and added spider rings to the bottoms:

I love this black shimmery candelabra…

{Also pictured above: licorice wheels that were hung above the dessert table, as inspired by Amy Atlas}

More shimmery party decor…

Drinks: I put orange Jones Soda in a black cauldron filled with ice and set Monster energy drinks out {in the “Khaos” flavor that matched the black and orange theme perfectly}. The crow on top was inspired by Hostess with the Mostess…

The Dessert Table:

The cute cupcake toppers were part of the Paper & Cake printables. I also made this chocolate pistachio ganache cake {recipe found in Celebrate magazine..it’s the cake that’s on the front cover}. It turned out really good & tasty!

I added masks to the little figures on the cookies…

The Oreos were rolled in orange and black sprinkles..

And last but not least, the party favors were my homemade caramel apples and/or cute little boxes {paper & cake} filled with candy corn.”

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Fabulous Halloween party, Kara! Thanks for sharing it!

If your Halloween party plans are still in the works… or maybe you’re suddenly itching to host a last-minute bash since Oct 31st falls on a Saturday this year, check out today’s HWTM post over at Real Simple – Halloween Parties: 8 Tips for Last Minute Hosts!

Welcome to Part 2 of our “Wicked Bling” Halloween feature… Angela from Fantasy Celebrations is back with some creative ideas on how to incorporate this theme into a spooktacular dinner party tablescape!

Here are all the DIY details, as told by Angela:

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“Just for fun, I repurposed some of the elements used for the Wicked Bling Cocktail Party to design a tablescape with the same theme.

For the place settings, I used the same plates from last year’s Halloween tablescape, but added pizzazz with fab silver charger plates from Z Gallerie. The skeletons attached to the place cards were actually part of a string of skeletons garland from Michaels.

I used the bendable silver tree (ZGallerie) as decor for the client’s piano over the weekend, and it was the perfect centerpiece for my tablescape. I kept the black web, but instead of foam skulls as ornaments, I used “crystal” Christmas ornaments from Hobby Lobby.

The candlesticks for the skulls had started out gold, but having only spent about $13 ea. on them (from HomeGoods), I didn’t feel too bad about spray-painting them silver. The frame was another great HomeGoods find for under $10!”

{silver skeleton hand from Z Gallerie; shown with votive candle and glittery spider}

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For more on this Wicked Bling Halloween party theme, be sure to check out Part 1, posted earlier today!

I’m so excited to share this next Real Party with you… and there’s so much to share that it’s coming in a double-dose! (Part 2 coming later today.) This glitzy Halloween party is a sparkly, adult-oriented “Wicked Bling” bash created by the always-fabulous Angela of Fantasy Celebrations.

Read on for all the spooky-chic details, as told by Angela herself…

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This past weekend, Fantasy Celebrations styled an event for a client’s annual Halloween party, which has become a tradition among her friends who look forward to a spirited event, sans the children. This year, she asked me if I could provide a little style for an always-fun party.

While deciding the theme, I became obsessed with blinged-out skulls … so “Wicked Bling” it was! All of our sparkly skulls were purchased at HomeGoods for about $7 each. I accented with black and white damask print for the tags and labels for a touch of trendy sophistication.

The Candy Bar was stocked with orange saltwater taffy , rock candy and gum balls from Bulk Candy Store, chocolate kisses, Tootsie Pops, candy bars, bakery-fresh cupcakes and chocolate-covered apples.

The Tootsie Pops were covered with black tissue and embellished with acrylic gems a la The Hostess! I love how this little expensive trick can be used with a candy bar of any color palette.

We also wrapped chocolate bars in black tissue accented with the customized labels. All labels and tags were designed for us by Laura at Tickled Plum.

Laura’s awesome labels also added polish to inexpensive orange soda and root beer.

The rhinestone embellished chargers for the cupcakes, the tray for the chocolate-covered apples, and the silver skeleton hand holding the votive all were purchased at Z Gallerie.

For the Candy Bar’s décor, we used skeleton heads propped up on old, repurposed candle sticks and a plaster column. Silver sequin fabric from Hobby Lobby added some sparkle. All of the candy containers were purchased at HomeGoods for less than $15 each.

The handrail of the stairs was draped with yards of black tulle, silver garland (Christmas garland from Michaels) and spiders painted silver.

The stairs led guests to the bar area. When I first saw the client’s cozy game room, I knew it would be a great little area for chatting and sipping cocktails! The barstools and taller tables we rented gave the space a clubby feel, and the skulls , sequin accents and votives detailed with acrylic gems added our bling.

We gave the skulls height using pillar candleholders and accented with bits of feathered boa.

We had so much fun with our wicked bling Halloween theme!”

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Such a cool Halloween party, Angela – thanks so much for sharing!

Like this look? Stay tuned for Part 2 – the Wicked Bling Tablescape… coming later today!

This fabulous new Real Party feature comes from Jessica of Party Box Design.

From spiked cider served in mason jars to the “caution!” candy buffet and “boo-licious” DIY cupcake & caramel apple tower, this party is loaded with tons of spooky-sweet inspiration for Halloween!

Read on for all the details, as told by Jessica herself…

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“I love throwing parties, I live for it! I also LOVE the fall, and just couldn’t resist the opportunity to throw a Sunday Funday Halloween Party with cocktails & “harvesty” beer.

I believe every party deserves a cocktail, and every cocktail deserves a tag! For this event I went with a mix of cider, grand marnier, and rum for the signature cocktail… simple but SO fantastic!

I also created fun drink labels so the adults could easily distinguish between the spiked “cautious cider” and the non-alcoholic “spooky cider“.

Mason jars served as glasses for the cider. They added warmth and character to the party – and best of all, are seriously inexpensive! I made tags to go around the rim of each jar.

Cupcakes are a must… and caramel apples too! (All made by me, and yes – sleep is overrated!) The cupcakes were carrot cake flavored with cream cheese icing.

My mother and I created a tower to display the cupcakes & caramel apples and decorated it with simple satin ribbon.

Candy Bars/Buffets are another must at every party – LOVE! I think they are adored by both kids and adults alike…

Homemade caramel pop corn was layered with candy corn to add color to the large glass vase. The other glass jars of varying heights held Reece’s Pieces and candy corn. The Caution Tape is by Martha Stewart Crafts and was purchased at Michaels. For the goody bags I purchased “Skeleton Hands” at The Dollar Store – yes, The Dollar Store!!!

I love mixing brown and black, so it fit perfectly together with the different shades of orange. When planning a party/event – I almost always choose my colors first. It helps me layer out the event.”

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Thanks for the inspiration, Jessica!

We’ve covered a ton of Halloween dessert & treat recipes this month, but not a lot of ideas for when you (or your kids) need to eat something other than sugar! So here are 10 creative ideas for Halloween-themed meals that loved ones & party guests are sure to get a kick out of…

1. First up is this super-cute “Boo Spaghetti” idea from Jeanne Benedict. Gotta love it when something is this simple & cool! Dish up individual servings of pasta for your family or dinner party guests so that each person guests their own (pre-baked) “boo“.

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Next up, some clever ideas from BHG that prove it’s all about presentation…

2. Adam’s Ribs –  A knife stabbed into a sweet red pepper & displayed between 2 racks of spareribs makes for a decidedly Halloween-appropriate Halloween dinner!

3. Slithering Snake Sandwich – This pizza-like hoagie is such a cute idea – kids will eat this one up (both literally and figuratively)!

4. Tipsy Tombstone Sandwiches – Chicken salad takes a Halloween twist when cut into the shape of tombstones and served up in a “creepy cabbage graveyard”.

5. Scary Cerebrum – It’s Halloween… forget that pretty cocktail glass that your shrimp cocktail usually hangs from and try something a little um… gorier instead! Great appetizer idea or side dish for an Evil Scientist themed party.

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And some more fun Halloween meal ideas from Taste of Home:

6. Chilli-filled Coffins – Black food coloring turns cornbread the perfect graveyard hue!

7. Jack-o’-Lantern Sloppy Joe Pie – Finally, a “Jack-o’-Lantern” that’s tasty AND super-easy to carve.

8. Eyeball Taco Salad – Ever get that weird feeling that something is staring at you?

9. Jack-o’-Lantern Burgers – Another cute, super quick idea for guests of all ages!

10. Last but not least is this tasty-looking Ghost of Montecristo recipe from Martha Stewart. Made with country potato bread, melted cheese, turkey, ham, and a dusting of powdered sugar… these sound so good I could go for one right now!

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On the lookout for some fun Halloween recipes? Check out today’s HWTM post over at Simply Stated – Halloween Recipe Roundup: Eerie Eyeballs, for 8 creative eyeball-themed ideas that run the gamut from super cute to downright creepy!

Here’s a fun Halloween party idea that can be tailored to adults OR kids… Jello Jiggler “Bites” or “Shots” with gummy body parts trapped inside! I tried this idea both ways; the orange jigglers were non-alcoholic and the yellow ones were the “cocktail” version – utilizing water and vodka – and both worked out great!

You could do the “trapped gummy” thing with regular jello shots (served from shot glasses or plastic cups), but the “edible” idea sounded especially appropriate for a jiggler/shot that calls for a gummy candy inside… and I also love the idea of serving them up in neat rows on trays, “appetizer style“!

All you need to recreate these are Gummy Body Parts – or another creepy gummy candy like gummy spiders or rats, plus jello and water.  Full recipes below, (adapted from Kraft).

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Kid-friendly Creepy Jigglers

2-1/2 cups boiling water (Do not add cold water.)
2 (8-oz) pkg. JELL-O Gelatin, any flavor

STIR boiling water into dry gelatin mix in large bowl at least 3 min. until completely dissolved. Let mixture cool to room temperature. Pour into 13×9-inch pan. Let mixture cool to room temperature, then add gummy candies. (Use a spoon to help guide gummies into the spot you want them, if desired.)

REFRIGERATE at least 3 hours or until firm.

DIP bottom of pan in warm water 15 sec. Cut jigglers into squares, making sure to cut all the way through gelatin to bottom of pan. Lift JIGGLERS® from pan. Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator.

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Creepy Jello Shots

1.5 cups boiling water
1 cups vodka
2 (8-oz) pkg. JELL-O Gelatin, any flavor

STIR boiling water into dry gelatin mix in large bowl at least 3 min. until completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool for a 3-5 minutes, then add vodka. Pour into 13×9-inch pan. Let mixture cool to room temperature, then add gummy candies. (Use a spoon to help guide gummies into the spot you want them, if desired.) Pour into 13×9-inch pan.

REFRIGERATE at least 3 hours or until firm.

DIP bottom of pan in warm water 15 sec. Cut jigglers into squares, making sure to cut all the way through gelatin to bottom of pan. Lift JIGGLERS® from pan. Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator.

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Ok, since we went for the extra-creepy cocktail look yesterday, here’s are a couple ideas for those of you that might not have the stomach for a “speared eyeball” garnish and like your Halloween libations on the “classier” side…

Both of these cocktails incorporate Blavod black vodka to achieve their perfectly Halloween-esque hue. Pictured at top is the Black Widow Martini, which is great with either blackberry or deep purple grape juice and a splash of Chambord (full recipe below).

And pictured below is the Screwed-up Shooter, which – you guessed it – is a layered OJ and black vodka shot!

Orange rimming sugar makes for a pretty presentation on these two-tone shooters, or you can also garnish them with a clip-on black spider like this:

I’ve also seen this same look applied to full screwdriver drinks… which still looks great when you first pour it – but the minute the black vodka and OJ is stirred together (which the guest will probably want to do in order to drink it), the result is not quite so pretty! You end up with kind of a blackish-green looking concoction, which could be great for swamp-themed Halloween parties, I guess. =)

And now… for the recipes:

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BLACK WIDOW MARTINI

2 oz black vodka
.5 oz Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur
2 oz blackberry or grape juice
black licorice and sugar for garnish (optional)

Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake well and strain into a sugar-rimmed martini glass. Garnish with black licorice and add a plastic black spider to the stem of the martini glass.

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SCREWED UP SHOOTER

.5 oz orange juice
.5 oz black vodka
orange rimming sugar for garnish (optional)

Fill the bottom half of a sugar-rimmed shot glass with orange juice. Next, add the black vodka. Pour it over the back of a spoon and into the shot glass to help achieve a layered look on top of the OJ.

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CHEERS!

Halloween is supposed to come with a little shock factor, right? That’s my excuse for this next creepy cocktail: Pina Ghouladas served in “blood rimmed” glasses and garnished with “bleeding eyeballs”.  I promise they taste way better than they sound! =)

The from-scratch drink recipe is below, or you can keep things easy and just use frozen or pre-mixed pina colada mix. Entertaining little ones or non-drinkers? Just leave out the alcohol!

Full recipe & garnish details below…

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PINA GHOULADA

20 oz pineapple juice
1 can cream of coconut – (15 oz)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup orange juice
10 oz rum (optional)

Whisk together pineapple juice, cream of coconut, heavy cream, orange juice and rum. Place 2 1/2 cups ice in a blender, then and add 1 cup drink mixture. Blend until smooth, and pour into prepared glasses. (If mixture is too thick, add more pineapple juice before serving.) Repeat process with remaining ice and mixture.

OR – Make it Quick: Just use frozen or pre-mixed pina colada mix for the drink.

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For the “BLOOD RIM”:

OPTION 1: Hard Candy Version* – Click here for the recipe.
*This is the version we used in these photos. It takes a little time, but I recommend this route to get the prettiest, richest color. (We also tried a store-bought mix, but it came out translucent/pink looking, so we scrapped it.) And because this version dries hard, it’s less messy for guests than a gooey/liquid rimmer.

OPTION 2: Corn Syrup “Blood Rim”
(a Martha Stewart recipe)

3 tablespoons corn syrup
1/4 teaspoons red food coloring

Pour the corn syrup in a shallow bowl. Dip a toothpick into the food coloring, and stir a very small amount into the syrup to combine. Hold a glass by the stem, dip rim into the syrup mixture, and turn glass, coating entire rim. Turn the glass upright, allowing mixture to drip down sides. Dip the remaining glasses. Set aside.

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For the EYEBALL GARNISH:

Ingredients:
canned lychee in syrup, drained (available at most Asian markets)
strawberry (or other red-colored) preserves
blueberries (fresh or frozen, thawed)

Directions:
Dry lychee & fill cavity with red preserves. Insert blueberry, blossom end facing out. Spear with a toothpick or cocktail skewer. Gross!

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CHEERS!