A Halloween party for adults can be a world away from the trick or treat buckets, colourful sweets and wobbly jellies of children's parties. Instead, a more gothic and decadent approach can be effective. Food can be more stylish but still retain the Halloween theme.
Here are suggestions for food to serve at a grown-up Halloween party as well as ideas on how to use accessories to help achieve the right atmosphere.
Suggestions for Food and Drink to Serve at a Halloween Party for Adults
Some of the more usual foods can be served at a "grown-up" Halloween party, such as canapés, potato wedges and crisps. However they can be served alongside other foods that set the spooky theme for the evening. Try these suggestions, including some ideas for atmospheric cocktails.
- To enhance the feeling of decadence consider arranging a chocolate fountain for your party. Guests can then dip marshmallows, fruit or pieces of cake into the melted chocolate. Alternatively a rich chocolate cake could make an attractive centrepiece.
- As this is a party for adults, go crazy with the spice! Marinade chicken wings, drumsticks and ribs in a spicy sauce and then cook in the oven until sticky and cooked through. As well as the slightly gory atmosphere created by people eating meat on the bone with their fingers, these foods all make popular party treats. Make sure there are plenty of napkins to go around.
- With the canapés, enhance the gothic atmosphere and focus on foods that are naturally red or black, such as stuffed peppers or olives. Other canapés can also be made easily and within a budget.
- For a hot dish to serve at the party, consider making pumpkin soup and then serving it in its hollowed out pumpkin shell. Guests can then ladle the soup into bowls as required.
- Consider serving a Halloween-themed cake as the centrepiece. Decorated in a Halloween style, cupcakes or larger cakes can be a fun talking point with guests.
- For drinks, consider serving cocktails containing creme de menthe for a bright green colour. Alternatively consider using the blue creme de cacao spirit. Make a pitcher of the cocktail for guests to pour themselves.
Ideas for Decorations That Will Compliment Halloween Food
The foods mentioned above will help to set the Halloween atmosphere at the party. However, there are some dramatic decorations that can be used to great effect in showcasing the Halloween food.
- Go for a gothic theme - check in cupboards or storage places for any candle holders, rich fabrics or Halloween decorations you may have lurking around.
- Consider using dry ice to great effect on the party table. It is essential to read the instructions carefully, but your food could be enveloped in a swirling smoky fog, adding to the effect of the party.
- Carve out a pumpkin into a Jack O' Lantern and place on the table with the food - complete with candle inside. The flickering grimace of the Jack O' Lantern will have a huge effect on the atmosphere and the guests!
- The traditional colours of Halloween are orange and black, but gothic-inspired colours are red and black - black candle holders on a red tablecloth will set the party with the right ambience.
- Just because this is a grown-up party, it doesn't mean that guests can't come in fancy dress! This will add to the fun element and act as a great ice breaker for people as they arrive.
Halloween doesn't have to be only for children. With a few simple food ideas, as well as suggestions on how to decorate the table to give your food maximum effect - it is possible to create a fantastic Halloween party for grown ups.
Jo Romero - Jo is a Freelance Food Writer, Food Blogger and Restaurant Reviewer, based in the UK. Visit her profile to find out more.
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