PartyCharlie's Halloween Costume Party Tips:

Halloween is just around the corner, but that doesn't mean you should let the kids have all the fun! Follow my tricks to treat your friends and family to a ghoulishly fabulous costume party with a grown-up twist!

Hollow out pumpkins of various shapes, sizes, and colors. Drill small holes in them to create your designs. Add votive candles and arrange near the front door.

Play scary Halloween sound effects, and horror movie music as the guests arrive.

Have a door prize for the best Halloween costume.

String fishing wire over the buffet table and hang orange paper lanterns. Scatter Halloween confetti over the tablecloth.

Plan a simple party buffet menu. A variety of soups, salads and sandwiches will make it easy on you and your guests.

Make a graveyard cake for dessert. Cut cookie dough into tombstone shapes and bake. Use icing to write R.I.P. on the cooled cookies and personalize them with guests' names. Stick the tombstones into a chocolate cake to resemble a graveyard.

Create a refreshment station. Fill an aluminum tub with ice, and pack it with all your favorite canned and bottled drinks, and let everyone just grab an go.

Or give me a call, and let me turn it into a Monster Bash!

For the ultimate in Party Tips, read my book; “Party Planning Secrets: The Ultimate Guide To A Successful Party.” Go to: http://www.atlasbooks.com/marktplc/02172.htm to purchase!

My “Five Steps for Creating the Energy for an Outrageously Successful Party,” will provide you with all the necessary ingredients to plan and host memorable events that you and your guests will rave about. Whether you’re planning a fundraiser, grand opening, holiday party or family celebration, let my 30+ years in the party planning and catering business be your guide to hosting an outrageously successful and stress-free event. Order your book today!

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Pumpkin Carving Tips:

Halloween is fast approaching. Skeletons, scarecrows, and witches, are always fun decorations, but nothing says “Halloween,” like a hand-carved pumpkin. The Jack-O-Lantern dates back centuries to the very beginning of that magical night called “Halloween.” Follow theses carving tips for a ghoulishly fun time!

1. Medium-sized pumpkins work best for stencils. If you are going to carve free-hand, then let your imagination choose the size.

2. Use a stencil for very detailed carving. Your local craft shop will have all the tools you need. The internet has many sites offering free stencils that you can download.

3. A boning and paring knife, an ice cream scoop, some old newspaper, a black crayon, and your imagination, are all you really need to carve the pumpkin free-hand.

4. Place the newspaper under the pumpkin. Cut around the stem of the pumpkin, and remove. Scoop out the seeds and membrane. Using a crayon, mark up the face of the pumpkin. Cut out the pieces, using a paring knife.

5. Place a votive candle into a glass candle holder. Light the candle and place inside the pumpkin. Place the stem-top back onto the pumpkin.

6. Put the pumpkin on display, to scare all the ghouls and goblins away!

For the ultimate in Party Tips, read my book; “Party Planning Secrets: The Ultimate Guide To A Successful Party.” Go to: http://www.atlasbooks.com/marktplc/02172.htm to purchase!

My “Five Steps for Creating the Energy for an Outrageously Successful Party,” will provide you with all the necessary ingredients to plan and host memorable events that you and your guests will rave about. Whether you’re planning a fundraiser, grand opening, holiday party or family celebration, let my 30+ years in the party planning and catering business be your guide to hosting an outrageously successful and stress-free event. Order your book today!

Sign Up For My FREE Monthly Newsletter: http://www.charliescola.com/