Thread: Halloween Party Menu Planning

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HI everyone,
I'm planning a small (10-15 guests) party for myself and some friends for halloween. But I'm having a heck of a time planning the menu! I'm trying to keep the food budget under $75- 100, and I'm having trouble determining how many dishes to serve. This will be my first every Halloween party (hence the size), so any suggestions you all have are appreciated!

Here's what I have so far...
Apple cider
Punch

Witche's knuckles (savory)
Cheddar Eyeballs
Deviled Eggs
veggie tray
Cheese tray
Velveeta dip with chips

Halloween whoopie pies
candy corn bark
caramel corn

Too much? I want to make a nice presentation, so I think I kinda went overboard What changes or substitutions would you make?

Thanks!

What time are you starting the party? Are you expecting people to arrive hungry or right after dinner? If hungry, you could make a cold pasta salad or hot pasta (might be a challenge keeping it hot though) to fill them up. You other items sound great.

Originally Posted by colmmoo

What time are you starting the party? Are you expecting people to arrive hungry or right after dinner? If hungry, you could make a cold pasta salad or hot pasta (might be a challenge keeping it hot though) to fill them up. You other items sound great.

Well, I was planning on starting the party around 7ish, so that people could come hungry...do you guys think that this menu would be possible in my price range?

Oh, yes, definitely. You can save money by making the veggie tray, cheese tray and deviled eggs rather than buying them readymade at the store. Buy platters for serving them on from a dollar store. Cold pasta salad is really cheap to make. Another idea is Italian sausages - you can buy a whole pack of 16-18 of them at Costco. They taste good even when cold. Serve with small rolls.

I was going to suggest throwing something warm in a crock pot like a buffalo chicken dip or meatballs/franks. Its something warm, can be made Halloweenie and I know my friends appreciate having something heartier to bite into.

But other than that, you have a great menu planned out already. Definitely chop the veggies yourself, might not look pretty depending on your skills, but it'll definitely same some cash in the long run.

I second the idea of Swedish meatballs or cocktail franks in a crock pot, something that can easily be kept warm. If your budget won't stretch that far, perhaps you could substitute it for one of the cold items already on your menu, like the deviled eggs, or maybe (since you already have the Velveeta dip and cheese tray) the cheddar eyeballs. Your menu sounds tasty but if people arrive hungry, they may be craving something hot and stick-to-your-ribs. Have a great party!

Please share info on cheddar eyeballs, witches knuckles and candy corn bark.

I have a recipe for a blackeyed pea soup that is great. It is not very expensive to make. It uses canned blackeyed peas and canned tomatoes as a base, so it is quick to make. It would stretch things out and is usually very popular. You could give it a spooky name like Witches Eyed Soup or something. It can remain in the crock pot for a long time.

Oh another simple soup is just tomato soup with mozzarella balls thrown into it. Its kind of messy with the mozzarella melting but its really a good combination and inexpensive too!

[QUOTE=printersdevil;932105]Please share info on cheddar eyeballs, witches knuckles and candy corn bark.

You bet I will! Those three recipes are super easy to make, and the candy corn bark is for those with a serious sweet tooth! I will post them this evening so you can view them!

Originally Posted by printersdevil

Please share info on cheddar eyeballs, witches knuckles and candy corn bark.

I have a recipe for a blackeyed pea soup that is great. It is not very expensive to make. It uses canned blackeyed peas and canned tomatoes as a base, so it is quick to make. It would stretch things out and is usually very popular. You could give it a spooky name like Witches Eyed Soup or something. It can remain in the crock pot for a long time.

I'd like the recipes for those 3 things as well... And the black eyed pea soup recipe, please! Sounds great