There are plenty of ideas on the Internet for disgusting Halloween food. We prefer a classier spread. And you don't have to spend days getting ready for your party. In an hour's time you can make Herbed Pumpkin Seeds, Spider Web Eggs and Truffles With Candied Walnut Brains. The Devilish Eggs and Ladies' Fingers take more fiddling, so if you're in a hurry, try the Quicker Ladies' Fingers and Spider Web Eggs.
Halloween is all about disguises and things that are not what they seem.
If you're hosting a party on Halloween, your guests will be expecting food that is creepy, spooky and maybe a little odd.
They're also expecting you to stick to the traditional Halloween color scheme of orange and black, with a splash of blood red.
You're likely to spend a bit more time fussing over the food and cocktails than you might for a run-of-the-mill party.
After all, for most of us, serving body parts isn't part of our everyday dinner rotation.
There's no doubt that Halloween celebrations have changed and that Halloween has become big business. The National Retail Federation estimates Americans will spend almost $6.86 billion this year on Halloween costumes, candy and decorations.
And instead of being just a holiday for kids, it's become an event for all ages. The federation says one in three people is going to throw a Halloween party.
It wasn't that long ago that a Halloween party meant bowls of cheese puffs and cheese curls, black olives, nacho-flavored corn chips and maybe an orange punch of some sort.
I think it was the folks at Martha Stewart Living who really upped the game. Surely no one has more fun with the holiday than the Stewart elves who dream up new ways to decorate pumpkins, homes, ourselves and our menus.
Its first stand-alone Halloween magazine came out in 2000.
You're not likely to see special issues on celebrating the Fourth of July or Thanksgiving. The buzz is all around Halloween.
Now every Food Network star and women's magazine has suggestions for creepy cakes and freaky party food.
The beverage companies have gotten into the mix, and you can buy black vodka with which to make all kinds of dark and stormy cocktails.
So throw that Halloween party. Invite your guests to enjoy your frightful but delicious finger food. Stock the bar and you're ready to enjoy this holiday that's not just for kids anymore.
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