The Haunted Hostess: Adult Halloween Party Ideas

Updated September 30, 2011
Credit: Kate Sears; Styling: Gerri Williams for James Reps

Scary-good party ideas and recipes with grown-up twists.

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Have Fun Too

Credit: Thayer Allyson Gowdy; Styling: Miranda Jones

Don't let the kids have all the fun this Halloween! Here are 3 party ideas just for grown-ups with wickedly delicious treats and drinks.

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Sophisticated Gothic Soiree

Credit: Thayer Allyson Gowdy; Styling: Miranda Jones

Sophisticated Gothic Soiree Recipe

Celebrate Halloween in style this year with a Gothic-inspired soiree. Forget jack-o-lanterns and use candelabras to set an eerie mood. Upgrade orange paper cups with black goblets.

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Spiced Lamb Chops with Rosemary Crumbs

Credit: Thayer Allyson Gowdy; Styling: Miranda Jones

Spiced Lamb Chops with Rosemary Crumbs Recipe

It doesn't all have to be sweet on Halloween. Balance the sweet with spice. These lamb chops are great for cocktail parties since you can eat them one-handed.

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Mini Caramel Apples

Credit: Thayer Allyson Gowdy; Styling: Miranda Jones

Mini Caramel Apples Recipe

Forget the big candied apples that make a mess. The kids can get away with it but you can’t. These mini caramel apples are cute and you can eat them in one bite. Dip the bottom of apples in nuts or chocolate chips for an extra crunch.

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Tricks with Treats: Lightened Recipes

Credit: Romulo Yanes; Styling: Rachel Haas

Tricks with Treats: Lightened Recipes Recipe

Think outside of the candy-stuffed cauldron. These lightened recipes have fun presentations while offering bold grown-up flavors.

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Thai Cashew Brittle

Credit: Romulo Yanes; Styling: Rachel Haas

Thai Cashew Brittle Recipe

Chocolate doesn't always have to be the star of Halloween. Crisp Thai Cashew Brittle combines salty cashews and hot chile paste. Spicy is the new spooky.

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Chocolate Marshmallows

Credit: Romulo Yanes; Styling: Rachel Haas

Chocolate Marshmallows Recipe

These homemade chocolate marshmallows are drizzled with dark chocolate for an extra bite. Spear with Honey-Orange Marshmallows and skeleton picks for a chic presentation. Yes, marshmallows can be chic.

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Outdoor Halloween Party

Credit: Jonny Valiant; Styling: Linda Hirst

Don't settle for staying in and giving out candy all night. Throw an outdoor party at the witching hour...or maybe just sunset. Create dramatic tablescapes with candelabras. Use flameless votives to line pathways once the sun sets.

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Devilish Eggs

Credit: Jonny Valiant; Styling: Linda Hirst

Devilish Eggs Recipe

Black and red caviar add a diabolical finish to a party favorite.

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Cheddar-and-Black Sesame Cheese Straws

Credit: Jonny Valiant; Styling: Linda Hirst

Cheddar-and-Black Sesame Cheese Straws Recipe

Don't limit orange and black to dyed cupcake frosting. Use ingredients with natural coloring like cheddar and black sesame for the same Halloween flair.

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Vodka-Poached Shrimp with Bloody Mary Cocktail Sauce

Credit: Jonny Valiant; Styling: Linda Hirst

Vodka-Poached Shrimp with Bloody Mary Cocktail Sauce Recipe

This vodka-infused spin on a classic shrimp cocktail is just the thing to give your guests the chills.

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Pumpkin Mini Muffins

Credit: Jonny Valiant; Styling: Linda Hirst

Pumpkin Mini Muffins Recipe

Instead of super-sized cupcakes, try mini pumpkin muffins with maple-cream cheese frosting. Display on cake stands alongside classic candy in apothecary jars.

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Orange-and-Black Salad Platter

Credit: Kate Sears; Styling: Gerri Williams for James Reps

Orange-and-Black Salad Platter Recipe

Skip the food coloring this year and bring Halloween hues to the table in the form of a healthy salad, instead. Orange slices, black Kalamata olives, feta, and a red wine vinaigrette infuse this arugula salad with bright Mediterranean flavors.

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