Halloween Party costumes

What to wear to a Halloween party when the invitation requires a costume? If you are attending as a couple, how about a famous couple from tv or the movies? Singles can go as a pop star, cartoon character, politician, animal, food item, popular toy or stuffed animal? Perhaps a favorite team mascot or sports figure? Country western singer or a Broadway show star? Fictional characters? Song and dance team? A popular character from a children's nursery rhyme or fairy tale? Costumes from foreign countries? What have been some of your favorite costumes, either you have worn or have seen on others? Was there a theme to the party? What costumes were awarded prizes? Tell us some of your most creative costumes.

Halloween Parties for Children

How many of you are planning a Halloween Party for children?
Many parents today would rather have a party at their home instead of having their children go "trick or treating." Parents want a fun and safe way for their children to celebrate.
About.com has a wonderful website with great suggestions for Halloween games for children's parties. The October issue of Better Homes and Gardens is filled with Halloween tricks and treat ideas. Kaboose.com is another website for fall crafts and fun snacks. What's your favorite way your child will be celebrating Halloween?

when the invite says "dress to impress"

Having heard from "golfgirl" about what to wear for a party when the invite says "dress to impress," do any of you have ideas for her? How many have been in a quandry about what to wear for a particular party or affair? Any great tidbits to pass along?? Have any of you hosted such a party? What were you expecting to see? How many of us go shopping at the last minute...panic stricken for something that's "just right?" Anyone???? (golfgirl's question is from her comment posted on the last blog - Leaf Peeking.)

Leaf-peeking party

Parties in the fall tend to be more relaxed and Mother Nature can do a lot of the decorating for us. Vivid hues of coral, amber and apricot help us with our decorating scheme. Look for apples, pumpkins, gourds and artichokes and add some greenery from the garden to add to your table decor. Platter of cheeses with these accents will add a rustic touch to your table. This can set the stage for a "leaf-peeking" party. Plan to take an afternoon drive with friends and explore our breathtaking Hudson Valley fall foliage, then complete the afternoon at an outdoor table decorated with natural elements, wine and cheese.

Bachelor/Bachelorette parties

What's the current trend with Bachelor/Bachelorette parties? Are they all out-of-town trips? Do the bridesmaids and groomsmen feel an obligation to attend? What's your thinking on this?

"Empty Nest" Party?

Are you experiencing "empty nest syndrome" now that your youngest is off to college? We know we give our children "roots and wings" but this can be a difficult time for some parents. Others relish the thoughts and have been planning a party for years!
If you are new to this "empty nest" why not throw a party for other parents who find themselves in this position? Many schools plan "parent weekends" in October, but you'll need to send packages of goodies, home-made or store-bought before that. Why not extend an invitation to the parents of your son or daughter's friends? Ask them to bring items they would be packing for their son or daughter's package from home. Maybe some are known for their brownies, cookies, or other treats. It would be fun for your child to get a treat from a friend's mom or dad too. Pool your resources. Add other items to encourage your college student to keep in touch (besides e-mail) with some note cards, stamps, candy, rolls of quarters for their laundry, maybe a favorite magazine, perhaps give them a subscription to the local paper so they can keep up with local news and their high school sports teams. Take some pictures of the parents together and send them off with the packages! Enjoy!