I can't believe that I'm planning our 5th Halloween party. It seems like just yesterday that Ginger and I brainstormed on names for our parties and decided to use that tag for both of our events. I'm so glad that I"ve numbered ours....because as much as has happened in the past 5 years, I would never be able to keep up with how many years we've been partying on the Saturday before Halloween!
The first year, I remember, it rained the night before the party. I was nervous, thinking things like "what if it rains tomorrow" or "what if no one shows up". Neither fear materialized...the night was clear as a bell, cool and crisp and perfect for an outdoor party for 60! We had awesome costumes and a huge bonfire...the best time ever. Food was simple that year, just desserts, cider and coffee and toasted marshmallows and S'Mores. My brother brought me dozens of pumpkins and gourds from our farm and also provided a tractor and trailer loaded with hay for a hay ride. It was a blast.
The second year, we'd had a flood at the farm and all of the pumpkins were washed away. I've often wondered what people down river from us thought about all those pumpkins floated down the river. We had about the same size crowd, but added hot dogs, cheese dip and chips and chili to the menu along with the desserts.
Year three was the coldest yet. We literally had to stay close to the fire just to keep from freezing, but it was so fun. It had rained for the entire month of October and I was once again concerned about the party. However, once again, it was clear and beautiful, if cold, on party night. The hay ride was more about snuggling together for warmth that year than anything else.
Last year, year four, was super fun. It was chilly but not freezing, beautifully clear and crisp. We had several pumpkins and lots of people. We had a few new faces and lots of old friends. The costumes just keep getting better and better. The hayride was a hit-I actually went last year for the first time. I wore a black beaded dress, a black cape, a glittered and sequined witch's hat and my black suede high heeled boots. I was a "blingy witch". Fun!! We ate, laughed, roasted marshmallows and hot dogs and drank hot cider, hot chocolate and coffee and had a great time.
I can't wait for year 5! I want to use this thread, with your permission and input, to plan it. I 'd love to add a few lilttle twists and surprises this year. Maybe you have some suggestions?
We have guests from age 3 to age 83. Almost everyone dresses in some sort of costume, the food is pot luck and the decorations are more "fall" than "scarey". I don't like scarey, but I LOVE fall decor.
Later I'll post costume plans, menus and decorating ideas. I'd love to hear any ideas or suggestions you have for me. Planning the Boo!Bash and Christmas is how I survive the 90% humidity and 95 degree heat of our Arkansas summers!
The first year, I remember, it rained the night before the party. I was nervous, thinking things like "what if it rains tomorrow" or "what if no one shows up". Neither fear materialized...the night was clear as a bell, cool and crisp and perfect for an outdoor party for 60! We had awesome costumes and a huge bonfire...the best time ever. Food was simple that year, just desserts, cider and coffee and toasted marshmallows and S'Mores. My brother brought me dozens of pumpkins and gourds from our farm and also provided a tractor and trailer loaded with hay for a hay ride. It was a blast.
The second year, we'd had a flood at the farm and all of the pumpkins were washed away. I've often wondered what people down river from us thought about all those pumpkins floated down the river. We had about the same size crowd, but added hot dogs, cheese dip and chips and chili to the menu along with the desserts.
Year three was the coldest yet. We literally had to stay close to the fire just to keep from freezing, but it was so fun. It had rained for the entire month of October and I was once again concerned about the party. However, once again, it was clear and beautiful, if cold, on party night. The hay ride was more about snuggling together for warmth that year than anything else.
Last year, year four, was super fun. It was chilly but not freezing, beautifully clear and crisp. We had several pumpkins and lots of people. We had a few new faces and lots of old friends. The costumes just keep getting better and better. The hayride was a hit-I actually went last year for the first time. I wore a black beaded dress, a black cape, a glittered and sequined witch's hat and my black suede high heeled boots. I was a "blingy witch". Fun!! We ate, laughed, roasted marshmallows and hot dogs and drank hot cider, hot chocolate and coffee and had a great time.
I can't wait for year 5! I want to use this thread, with your permission and input, to plan it. I 'd love to add a few lilttle twists and surprises this year. Maybe you have some suggestions?
We have guests from age 3 to age 83. Almost everyone dresses in some sort of costume, the food is pot luck and the decorations are more "fall" than "scarey". I don't like scarey, but I LOVE fall decor.
Later I'll post costume plans, menus and decorating ideas. I'd love to hear any ideas or suggestions you have for me. Planning the Boo!Bash and Christmas is how I survive the 90% humidity and 95 degree heat of our Arkansas summers!
Last edited:
