Innehållsförteckning för Celebrate Halloween 2013 från Southern Lady

Halloween has always been an exciting holiday in my family. As the big night approached, planning costumes and trickor- treat routes kept my house buzzing with anticipation. Having twin boys made picking out the costumes twice the fun. Whether they chose to play offeach other or go their own way, seeing them dressed up brought a smile to my face. Now that they are grown, I get to enjoy celebrating the holiday with my precious grandchildren. Last year Hays was a cowboy, and Amelia was a cowgirl—they were just adorable. Dressing up isn’t just for the kids—our office loves to embrace the season, too. Each year, employees team up to plan costumes for our contest. The outfits get better and better, and I can’t wait to see what they do…

When Halloween arrives this year, consider giving ghosts and witches a rest, and throw a mad-scientist-inspired get-together. Spooky yet sophisticated, this theme celebrates the season with an evening of curious cocktails and heavy appetizers. From the invitations to the décor to the party favor, this experiment is sure to yield positive results. Create a slick and sci ent ific feel by using laboratory items mixed with a black, white, and green color palette. Set the mood by covering windows with old X-rays that will lend an eerie glow. For the tablescape, use a variety of flasks as vessels to house green and purple blooms. Gather old science and medical books to lift accessories and add height to the table. Put the finishing touches on the tablescape with cheesecloth and periodic…

Vases are a dime a dozen at flea markets and come in a variety of shapes. Make a statement on tabletops and bookshelves during the Halloween season by spraypainting the vases black. Dust silk roses with black spray paint to create dramatic dark blooms. Let some of the red bleed through to add a pop of color. BLACK MAGIC This Halloween, use flat black spray paint to transform items gathered from your attic or found at a local flea market into hauntingly handsome accents. The color black is associated not only with mourning and magic but also with elegance, as seen here. Greet your guests with a festive message. Gather an old picture frame, parchment paper, and a black permanent marker pen. Use double-sided tape to attach the paper to…

PUMPKIN PATCH BROWNIES Make 12 squares 1 (18.3-ounce) package fudge brownie mix* 1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels ½ cup miniature marshmallows ½ cup candy corn† ½ cup candy pumpkins†, sliced in half Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 9-inch square muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions. Fold in chocolate morsels. Spoon 3 tablespoons batter into each cup of prepared pan. Bake for 22 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in centers comes out clean. Remove from oven to heat-safe surface. Quickly decorate the top of each brownie as desired, lightly pressing on marshmallows, candy corn, and candy pumpkins to adhere. Return to oven, and bake for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing treats to melt slightly. Remove from oven. Let cool completely on…

BRIAN HART HOFFMAN Chief Creative Officer My favorite Halloween memory is of my mom, Phyllis, making "Doublemint Gum" costumes for my twin brother, Eric, and me. We won the costume contest at the Fall Festival that year. ALYCE HEAD Editor My greatest Halloween memories are of the handmade costumes my mother made for us. Because there were eight children, there were many outfits to share—from a spotted hound dog, to clowns, to a “pretty little Dutch girl.” MILES WALLS Art Director Every year, my friends and I attend the Alabama Theatre’s Rocky Horror Picture Show Masquerade Ball. The past two years, I've placed first in the costume contest—an immense honor, given all the brilliant costumes and die-hard Halloween fans there. SIDNEY BRAGIEL Stylist My favorite memory from Halloween would have…

This year add a Dia de los Muertos dinner to your Halloween party planner. With origins dating back to the time of the Aztecs, the modern celebration takes place November 1 and 2 with families and friends joining together to remember and celebrate their deceased loved ones. Pay tribute to the holiday by hosting a meal that incorporates these traditions into the tablescape, menu, and favors. Vivid shades of pink, orange, blue, green, and yellow combine for the perfect color palette for this occasion, breaking away from darker tones. Add skulls, a common symbol used for this holiday, to your décor and menu. Pull together your tablescape with bright napkins and candles mixed with cacti and other succulents as festive touches from the Mexican tradition. Place cascarones (confetti eggs) around…

Jump-start the countdown to Halloween by hosting a pumpkin-carving party that adults and kids alike will enjoy. Everyone is sure to get excited after spending a crisp fall afternoon preparing for the big night with family and friends. As people design their masterpieces, some silly and some scary, laughter and merriment will fill the air. Weather permitting, set up the party outside to allow easy cleanup. Instruct guests to bring their own pumpkins, or have enough on hand for each family. Keep the décor simple with mums, gourds, and pumpkins. Set up hay bales, blankets, and pillows for a comfortable sitting area. For the perfect ambient light to carry the party into the evening, craft clever garlands of mini lanterns, using spray-painted Solo cups and strands of clear-glass holiday lights…