Fall is in full swing and we all know what that means – the holidays! Halloween starts off the holiday season, and it’s not just for kids. Adults love this spooky holiday too. So instead of waiting for Christmas to throw a sophisticated grown up bash, impress this holiday with an adults-only Halloween party. And we’re not talking plastic jack-o-lanterns and candy corn. Messina’s Catering and Events shares ideas on throwing a sophisticated Halloween cocktail party with an air of mystery and mayhem.
Wicked Mood
Set the stage with frighteningly elegant décor. Go with all black or all white in décor. (Xanax) Include lots of candles for lighting stemming from glass votives or apothecary bottles. Add pumpkins painted in all white or black. Also include skulls throughout your space for a spooky touch, but add some glam by embellishing them with bling, feathers and black lace.
Halloween Terrifying Tables
Carry the gothic glam through with dramatic floral centerpieces on all tables. Use black calla lilies and roses with white fillers stemming out of skull or pumpkin vases. Include spots of bloody color with red dahlias, fuchsia orchids or red sunflowers with dark purple centers. Black lace tablecloths overtop a white base lends to the mysterious feel. Include black tableware with black or gold utensils. As a topper, place mini black or white pumpkins on top of each plate.
Ominous Hors d’oeuvres and Scary Starters
Whether passed or stationed, work with your caterer on elegant Halloween starters. A true gore worthy, yet luxe appetizer are oysters. Their gruesome, yet delicious texture set the mood paired with a bloody red-hot sauce. Spicy steamed dumplings piled high in glass beakers make for a wonderful brain looking treat. Serve with a thickened sweet chili sauce for a lively, or rather, deathly touch. If serving a multiple course meal, start with an elegant bisque like pumpkin, roasted tomato or lobster.
Witches Brews
Like any elegant party, ensure that libations are flowing. Go for bottles of red wine in assorted varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. If your bar is stationed, keep it festive by laying out glass bottles of liquor including Jose Cuervo Silver, Goldschläger, Jägermeister and Rumple Minz. (Xanax) Of course, work with your caterer on including a signature scary drink like a spicy Monster Mash martini comprised of jalapenos, fresh lime juice, basil and Absolut Eyx.
Spooky Stations
At this party, no one wants to go bobbing for apples and ruin their makeup. Instead consider spooky stations for hearty main courses. Messina’s suggest a chef carving station like our Prime Rib of Beef with Au Jus & Creamy Horseradish or Center Cut Pork Loin with Dried Apricot and Apple Chutney. Make sure the chef carves with a very intimidating knife for ample effect. Keeping with local New Orleans history, go for a Voodoo station with Messina’s Gumbo pot served from a large cauldron alongside elegant black rice. Also set a fantastic pasta station serving black bean spaghetti as a chef prepares it to order with a variety of options including shrimp, artichoke hearts, onions, garlic, white wine, butter and roma tomatoes.
Deathly Sweet Endings
We all know that candy and Halloween go hand in hand, but leave that for the kids and serve your guests festively elegant desserts. Plates of black candied apples are darkly delicious. Red velvet bites are the nibble your guests will lust after. A spectacular sight is Blood Fondue – white chocolate ganache cleverly guised with red food coloring – served with classic mix-ins like sponge cake, pretzels, fruits and marshmallows. Finally, forget the gingerbread man and go for Voodoo doll cookies instead. Don’t forget an elegant coffee bar served in appropriate black mugs.
Whether in home or at your favorite venue, Messina’s Catering and Events has been working with guests to create custom catered experiences. As one of the best caterers in the New Orleans area, Messina’s excels in sophisticated and scary events. Happy Halloween!