Ideas for Halloween Treats

Halloween's coming up soon, and now's the best time to start planning. And if you're like most people, the menu is probably the first thing on your mind. It's true that planning the Halloween table can be tricky-you want something the kids will love, but you don't want to leave out older guests either. How can you plan a Halloween menu that will appeal to everyone and fit your budget? It's a lot easier than you think-here are some suggestions to help you out.

A big candy bowl

If you're holding a party for kids, save them the trouble of trick-or-treating and give them a giant bowl of treats. Just got a big container and fill it with sweets of all kinds. You can also add some fruit and toys to fill it out, as well as add color. Look for a stylish container that can work as a centerpiece-you can use an old bottle or glass box, or just wrap some black and orange ribbon around a big clear bowl.

Halloween cupcakes

Everyone's got a sweet tooth, and there's no better time to indulge than at Halloween. If you want something more filling than candy, try making Halloween cupcakes. You can just get store-bought cakes and decorate them yourself if you're in a hurry. Use colored frosting and candy toppers to create all sorts of designs, such as monsters, bugs, mummies and witches. It's a lot easier than it seems, and you can even get your kids to design their own!

A pumpkin bowl

Many people consider pumpkin soup a staple for Halloween parties. This is especially true in cold places, where October starts getting chilly and a bowl of hot soup just really fits the occasion. Make your own jack-o-lantern bowl by hollowing out a pumpkin and baking it until it's hard and crisp. It looks nice on your table and adds a definite Halloween theme to your party.

Finger food platter

Halloween parties tend to be casual, so finger foods and appetizers make a good fit. Prepare a bunch of different finger foods and arrange them creatively on stylish platters. Use a bunch of small colorful bowls for the dips. You can make some of them in advance-just freeze them and reheat each platter just before serving.