Halloween festivities

Back in August when it was warm, sunny, and 80 degrees outside we decided it would be a great idea to host a pumpkin carving party.  Even though our house is little we have a lot of space on the lake and despite the preparing we love to entertain.  It has been many years since we had a pumpkin carving party but decided we wanted to start the tradition again.  

So Saturday was our pumpkin carving party.  Despite our high hopes of a beautiful fall day at the lake we had high winds, rain, sleet, hail and even a few snow showers move through.  As a result the party got moved to the front of the house and oh yes THE GARAGE:(!  (We certainly sacrifice on space for lake living) But once the weather cleared it was nothing outdoor heaters and a few tents couldn't fix!

All that being said the party was exactly what we hope for, kids everywhere, lots of yummy fall food and drinks, a bonfire, and great friends!

so Pumpkin Carving Festivities 2013...

 (At the beverage station we served cider, wine, beer, juice, and water)

Thanks to Pinterest I got some great ideas for a chili bar complete with all the fixins'

 Our topping selections included onions, red peppers, jalapenos, blue cheese, shredded cheddar, avocado, sour cream, corn bread, and Fritos

The Halloween snack mix was a big hit thanks to the idea I found here.  

(I added Reece's pieces, candy corn, and halloween sprinkles to make it appropriate for the festivities)

The center pieces were an idea from Pinterest.  I used mason jars with burlap string around the top, filled the bottom with corn kernels, and added an orange votive candle

This proved to me my hardest task.  Holy cow who knew finding witches hats around Halloween would be so challenging, but after my Mom's help they were the perfect touch!

The calm after the storm!

Don't be fooled by this moment of calmness - preparing and hosting a party with a 15 month old has developed a whole new meaning to chaos...

We had some serious pumpkin carvers.  Many people came with their pumpkins already cleaned out, note to self - genius idea!

Our best attempt at most of the kiddos

Showing off their and um yes the parents hard work:)!!

Enjoying a brief moment together:)!

Kids are fast asleep and time to turn up the music and enjoy a couple of cocktails by the bonfire!

I have to say all the hard work was worth it, we had a blast and hope all our friends did also!  We are continuing the Halloween festivities this week and hoping the Michigan meteorologist are wrong with their Trick or Treating forecast!!!