Halloween Party Ideas: Costumes and Decorations!

It seems as if Halloween is just about the biggest holiday of the year these days--- I can't believe how many yards are full of jack-o-lanterns, spider webs, cauldrons, witches, ghosts and tombstones. We have lots of ideas for a super simple Halloween party to help you. If you have a pumpkin to carve, check out these great ideas

Severed Head Bowl from Oriental Trading $19.99If you still need decorations, you can shop our favorite go-to online party shop, Oriental Trading Company.

Scare your guests silly when they see this severed head candy dish. It's literally a talking head-- repeating four different phrases when guests reach in to take a treat. (it has an on/off switch, luckily)

 Giant Hanging Spider $2.99 Oriental Trading And this huge spider is cheap but will transform a space in just minutes. Only $2.99. It's plastic, so you can use it indoors or out.

What about costumes? I love all of the funny costumes for kids--- nothing better than dressing up your kids in a silly costume and taking their picture so you can drag it out when they are teenagers!

Pottery Barn Kids Butterfly Tutu $69Here are some really cute ones from Pottery Barn Kids. Some of them aren't exactly inexpensive, but if you have kids to pass them down to, they are adorable. I love this pretty butterfly. And the Halloween Treat Bags are so cute. Lots to choose from-- get free shipping, too!Puffy Ghost Treat Bag by Pottery Barn Kids $12 Puffy Spider Treat Bag from Pottery Barn Kids $12 

Last Fling Summer Parties: Throw an Ice Cream Social

It's no secret that ice cream is one of my favorite splurges---  and an ice cream party or social is an old school idea that never goes out of style. It's super easy and always sure to please every guest on the list.

Start with big containers of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream. Find a way to keep it frozen. I use a cheap metal pail from the hardware store (you can use it for bobbing for apples or to wash the dog after the party) and fill it with ice. Add rock salt to keep it really cold. Dry ice can be dangerous. If you use it, make sure you have it away from the party area.  

You'll need tons of toppings and mix-ins. Set up a buffet. Start with bowls and a variety of cones. Next, comes the ice cream station. It's a good idea to have an adult scooping for the kids. Reserve a large area of the buffet for the toppings and mix-ins. If it is a kids' party, I always make a table just for them--- covered with butcher paper or a water-resistant cloth. You can find great vinyl fabric with a cotton backing at most fabric stores that are cute and cheap. The one for this party was about $5.   

Have some backyard games or contests with prizes for the winners. We made a fun beanbag toss game from an old piece of plywood. Kept the kids (and adults) entertained for hours!

So, how are you spending these last days of summer? Share your pictures and party ideas with us!

Simple and Cheep Cheep: Fun Easter Party Ideas for the Kids

Planning a visit from the big bunny for the kids in your life? We had a ball with our kid's Easter egg hunt party and since it was a rainy day, we had to have the party indoors. No matter--- we still had a great time. With loads of crafts, games and fun snacks, you'll create memories with the kids to last a lifetime. Hopping bunny races, balloon carrot racers, and creative ideas for egg decorating kept the kids busy. Pre-dye all of the eggs and let the kids decorate them with glitter, felt, construction paper, flowers or pretty ribbons. View the entire egg hunt slideshow and read the how-to article for tips on the food, fun, crafts and games. Photos: Arden Photography

Holiday Decorations for the Kids

Once again my precious niece Kaitlin has put together some adorable decorations for our family's holiday gathering. She used apples, peanuts, almonds, some googly craft eyes and a paper napkin folded as the big bird's tail feathers. Aren't they great? Keep these apple turkey centerpieces in mind for next year, or add a wide black, some cotton and you've got a cute Santa. We'll have photos of those soon for your kid's holiday party decorations. And there's no waste because you can peel and eat these later! Thanks Katie! You're the best!