Happy Halloween!

There's something oddly satisfying about pulling together a perfectly executed, festive party spread! Though it seems to me folks often stress about entertaining, especially around the holidays. And I suppose that makes sense - gotta clean the house 'til it sparkles to give this stupid illusion yourself and your husband lead organized and polished lives, need to pull together a menu pleasing to all palettes, hafta find the right outfit that shouts "I'm hostess with the mostest." I get it. But I'm telling you, don't sweat about the food spread!

This Halloween we hosted a fun little get together among our friends. When preparing a party menu, I like to consider a few things...Can I prep majority of the food in advance? Will this suffice as their main meal? What's my party theme? Will folks have a seat at the table? 

For an open-house type setting, I like pulling together a spread of easy to eat finger foods - you know, something you can hold in one hand and eat with the other without embarrassing yourself too, too much while milling about and socializing.

With the party being after work on a Tuesday, I figured most folks would be coming from work hungry and ready to chow down! That being the case, I wanted serve some type of protein to suffice as the "main" if you will. So I whipped up some Mummy Dogs. Simply wrap thin strips of crescent dough around hot dogs. Bake for about 20 minutes or so at 400F until the pastry is golden brown. Couldn't be easier, and definitely something I prepped in advance.

I also wanted a munch-able dip. In the state of Texas, no party is complete without guacamole! For a really fun presentation, I carved a small pumpkin and spread the guac along a large platter as if it was being barfed out of the mouth of the pumpkin. Serve with chips and voila - Jack-O-Lantern Vomit Guac!

Some type of cheese or veggie platter is always a good way to go. But in the spirit of Halloween, I decided I'd shape a cheeseball like a pumpkin! How clever right? And easily prepared days in advance! You'll find the recipe here.

In celebration of the World Series falling during Halloween, I decided a little caramel corn might be a fun sweet, salty snack. Not easily prepared in advance, but certainly quick to make just before the party!

I encouraged guests to bring drinks or desserts to help round out the table...helps the host, but frankly, most folks feel awkward arriving empty handed - two birds, one stone. And just like that, we had a well composed spread of food for a festive Halloween evening!

Total Grocery Cost: ~$70