Thread: Geddes Manor 2009

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Our fifth annual Halloween party was held on Halloween night. Despite numerous no shows due to the flu we still had nearly 40 people which is a large group for us. We had to cancel most of the outdoor games and decorations due to wet weather, but overall this was the best party yet! The party started at 6pm and the first guests showed up at 6:02. Last folks left with their kids at about 11:30. Guests ranged in age from 20 months to over 70 years.

What worked:

-We expanded the amount of indoor space to almost double due to the larger guest numbers and bad weather. The increased decorating time nearly gave me a breakdown, but was worth it!

-Movie/tv room for the younger kids: We had kid friendly
Halloween shows playing in one of the upstairs bedrooms. Gave the younger kids a place to take a break, eat candy, and have a great cowboy showdown.

-Photo door: This got lots of attention and was so easy. We covered the front door with black plastic and stuck photos from the past 4 parties all over it. We also posted the "Rules of the Manor" there--a brief set of guest instructions for those not familiar with our place. The theme for next year's party, Zombies,was also posted. Heard more than one person planning for next year!

-Painting: Normally we have a pumpkin carving contest, but since the party was on Halloween we figured everyone who wanted a carved pumpkin for the season would have done one already. Instead we made plaster of paris halloween molds ahead of time (cats, pumpkins, bugs, tombstones, etc. Easy and not expensive) and provided paints. The kids really got into this!

-The pinata was a huge hit again. The kids were asking about it all night and actually chanting "Pinata, pinata" out in the yard.

-Panna Cotta brain: Was going to do a cheese ball type dip in the brain mold but there was a last minute change due to ingredient availability. Instead went with the Panna Cotta brain Halloween Party Food: Fun, Gross, and Scary Halloween Finger Foods. GROSS! My sister made it and couldn't bring herself to eat it after hearing the "slurp, plop" of the demolding. Lots of "Ewws" and guests backing away from the table when they were offered a serving. Actually was quite tasty.

-Homemade peanut butter filled chocolate mice: Once again lots of "Ewws" and kids asking "Those are chocolate mice aren't they?" Not hard to make, but time consuming. Would do them again, but not at 4am the day of the party.

-More help: More people helping the day of really saved my sanity this year.

What didn't work:

-Some of the kids are getting older and we're going to need to make some adjustments.
-Forgot to turn on multiple lights/props. Need to make a list.
-Once again didn't have time to do my makeup to my satisfaction.
-Forgot to put out garbage cans and can/bottle box. Again.
-Never get enough pictures and lots of them we did get are blurry. (New camera, wrong settings. Grrr.)
-Kids getting old enough that the adults aren't babysitting all night--need some games/activities for the parents.
-Didn't have time to make the Eerie Eyeballs. Was going to be our first try. Still have the ingredients and bought the truffle molds. Think I might whip up a batch for Thanksgiving at Mom's.
-Huge amount of leftover food. I always over-food, would rather have too much than run out, but this was ridiculous.
-Disappointed that only had minimal outdoor decorations and had to cancel the big outdoor game in the woods. Realize the guests didn't know about all the plans, but I did. October weather in Iowa....


We had a fabulous time and are already plotting for bigger and better next year!

photos are of me and my hubby, the Mummy's Crypt (classic horror movie monsters this year's theme), the wolf on the porch (made from a christmas deer)--morning after party and the tombstone behind him fell overnight, the giant spider in the living room.

Blurry pic of the chocolate mice on Igor's serving tray. One of our cats making a new friend. Mom, the fearless vampire hunter. The body part toss--inspired by a forum thread linked to The Body Part Toss Game | Halloween Alliance.

Gargoyle on his new for 2009 pedestal. Gargoyle is paper mache and based from plans off someone's site. He is a couple years old and I can't find the website anymore to give the gentleman credit. Pic taken next day after cleanup started so please excuse pile of stuff.

Pharoah was made for this year. Paper mache again with a purchased skull. Once again pic during take-down.

Love the props. As far as the party, I find that no matter how well you plan you will always forget stuff. Mom and the cat are adorable.

It all looks great.We as the host always stress-I don't think the party goers ever notice things we forget.