Halloween Fun

Since childhood I’ve been one to celebrate Halloween with more cuteness than fright. As a farm kid Halloween was a pretty low-key celebration acknowledged primarily by a classroom party in elementary school wearing homemade costumes. I remember being a gypsy adorning a gold satin top and wearing several pieces of my mom’s costume jewelry.

Trick-or-Treating for a rural kid meant being driven to our grandparents’ house and to a couple of neighbors (less than 2 miles away). The notion of being set loose in a neighborhood, running between houses, and ringing doorbells was completely foreign to me!  I remember my Grandma Velma being prepared for my brothers and I by having a bowl of homemade popcorn balls and a tray of JELL-O Jigglers. Reese’s peanut butter cups and Snickers bars were the booty of city kids!

Now having lived in suburbia for decades I’ve shared good times with my boys on Halloween night. It was so fun to experience their excitement about dressing up, getting together with their buddies, and navigating the neighborhood for treats. It was especially fun when cousins who lived at the farm would come to Trick-or-Treat. They got the big city experience!

As an empty nester Halloween has evolved into a fun occasion for bringing friends together. My sister-in-law Jenny has hosted a Witches Tea for many years and boy, does she know how to do it! It’s been great fun to participate in her teas and meet so many of her friends. She is a table decorator extraordinaire! Multiple tables with formal place settings for each guest with centerpieces and games that are amazing!

Me being me, I have enjoyed celebrating several happy hours, book club meetings and luncheons with friends at a more casual “witchy” event.  It is fun to pull together a witch outfit, assemble creepy or cute foods and drinks to share, and get together for a cackling fun time.

I’ve assembled a collection of items to create a witch themed tablescape that is fun to gather around. Perhaps you'll find inspiration for hosting your own Halloween gathering of friends.

Since I also enjoy the cute side of Halloween, I have a fun collection of Jack-o-Lantern and candy corn theme decorations. I love candy corn! This collection has some pieces that go back to when my kids were little and one cute little Jack-o-Lantern that dates to my college days!

Whichever you prefer, cute, witchy, or spooky, get some friends together and have some lighthearted fun this Halloween.