Are you planning to dress up for Halloween this year? In years past my husband and I have gone to wild parties in costume — once as those classic SNL cheerleaders, another time as Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee, and more recently in Gatsby-style outfits. This year I’ll be staying home to hand out full-size candy bars (yes, stop by if you’re trick-or-treating!) and hosting a small rockstar-themed Halloween dinner for friends. Below is an adult-friendly Halloween party menu with decor ideas, drinks, appetizers, mains, and desserts — treats for grown-ups to enjoy while keeping the kids’ candy and beverages separate.
- Decor: I picked up a spiderweb overlay tablecloth from a craft store and layered it over a plain white cloth for contrast. Scatter faux spiders, skulls, chains, and candles to complete the spooky look.
- Glitter pumpkins: These are real miniature pumpkins. To make them, spray the pumpkins with regular spray paint and let dry, then spray the tops with adhesive and sprinkle with glitter. Allow them to dry completely before displaying. If you have space, paint larger pumpkins in bold colors to place around the house or on the porch.
- I decorated plain plastic cups to match my sangria station. Buy festive ribbon, spray the ribbon with adhesive, and stick it to the cups. Making each cup different is a practical way for guests to keep track of theirs.
- Drink station: Set aside a spot for sangria and bottled beverages. I use a black tablecloth under the sangria dispenser to hide drips. Include a large pumpkin cooler to hold bottled drinks and be sure to provide water so guests can pace themselves.
- Halloween Sangria: A red wine base with fresh fruit, topped with club soda and a malt beverage for fizz. For a spooky touch, add fake “blood” drips down the container to finish the eerie presentation.
- Pumpkin cooler: A fun way to chill bottled drinks. Cut the top off a large pumpkin, scoop out the insides, and line it with a clear trash bag filled with ice. Tuck bottles into the ice and trim the bag at the pumpkin’s edge. The pumpkin provides surprising insulation so the ice lasts longer than you’d expect.
- Stock a selection of bottled flavors so guests can pick what they like. A variety ensures everyone finds something they enjoy.
- Appetizers: Keep things festive and easy. A pumpkin-shaped cheese ball makes a fun centerpiece, and deviled eggs dressed up as spiders are a playful bite — use half an olive for the spider body and thin olive strips for eight legs.
Main dishes: A hearty chicken chili with maple-roasted pumpkin is perfect for a cool Halloween evening — warm, filling, and comforting. Pair it with an autumn salad to lighten the meal, and serve pumpkin cornbread for dipping into the chili.
Desserts: Finger-friendly sweets work best for a casual gathering. Mini pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are a crowd-pleaser — make them bite-sized for easy snacking. For a playful treat, make spider cookies by topping warm chocolate chip cookies with melted chocolate chips and using a toothpick to create the spider legs and body.
Most of these dishes can be prepared a day ahead. Warm the chili before serving, refresh the sangria with bubbly right before guests arrive, and toss the salad at the last minute for a stress-free evening.
Have a Happy Halloween!
Disclosure: This post was created in collaboration with a beverage brand. All opinions are my own.