Does anyone else feel like October is FLYING by? Besides the fact that we still haven’t gotten our October Mood Board out yet (coming soon, we swear), it feels like we have both been preparing for Halloween for so long, but with all of this unpacking, traveling, and moving around…we’ve barely gotten to enjoy it! However, it would be an absolute sin not to capitalize on what we have left of the month, so this is the perfect time to host a Halloween party worthy of the Sanderson Sisters’ approval.

The guest list…

To start, decide on your guest list. This is a huge piece to the success of the party, and the key is to choose a group that would be willing to fully immerse themselves in the experience. If you’re hosting a costume party (which I think you should), make sure that these selected guests will dress to the absolute nines – no bedsheet ghosts or toilet paper mummies allowed.

The menu…

From there comes the true Moments Cookbook touch…the menu. About two days ahead, I’d suggest going grocery shopping for your materials. Here’s an easy menu that’s sure to work for the party plans we have ahead:

Your Halloween party is all about having fun with the people around you in the most dreadfully terrifying way, which is only aided by these finger-food type menu items. The cheese board is a classic to get the night started. As you refresh people’s glasses, they can dig into the coffin Brie or spider-infested Clarina. Find the easiest Tomato Herb Pizza and the Haunted Orchard Cocktail recipe below! So delish and perfectly simple for prepping ahead.

For dessert, an easy fondue is always a great option. Add pretzels, fruit – and even some marshmallows – and set in the middle of a convivial table. Done and done!

Pro tip: In your fridge, place all of the materials for your drinks and appetizers in designated places (that includes the pizza which, like I mentioned, I suggest preparing ahead of time). That way, when it’s getting down to the wire and time to put everything together, there’s no need to search…AND you can just pop the pizza in the oven and be good to go.

Here are all of the cheeses we used throughout our boards (we’ve been on a Trader Joe’s kick…it’s a total one-stop-shop!):

The decor…

Decor is a must, but it doesn’t have to be as intense as you might think! A spooky soundtrack (options linked below), some moody lighting, and a spiderweb or two could really do the trick. When my mom and I were decorating for my birthday (check out that post here for more ideas), we went to stores like Target and Michael’s and snagged dead flowers, dark napkins, and things along those lines. We found a ton of pieces on Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel too, but definitely buy those items as soon as possible so they’re here on time!

As the host, you have to set the tone for the rest of the night. Who are you dressing up as? How does that connect to your evening’s theme? Are we playing any games, and if so, when should they start?

All of these questions are equally important – and completely up to your own tastes. In terms of games, I love a good murder mystery set-up. Here’s a great article that lays out how you can do it best for your party.

And the rest is up to you! I hope this has helped to spark some wicked ideas for all of your Halloween party needs..I know it has for me! Enjoy the list of playlists down below, and of course, the pizza recipe!

The music…

Sheet Pan Tomato Herb Pizza

Course Mains, Pizza

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 lb pizza dough (we prefer homemade)
  • 3 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 4 cloves garlic (2 whole smashed, 2 grated)
  • 2 tsp fig preserves
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper
  • 1 pinch kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for serving 
  • 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1-2 tsp fennel seeds
  • 1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella
  • 1 cup shredded fontina cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan or asiago cheese
  • 3 oz pepperoni, sliced

Instructions
 

  • Position the oven rack in the upper 1/3 position. Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. at least 30 minutes before baking, preferably 1-2 hours ahead. If you have a baking stone, start preheating it.
  • Place the ball of pizza dough on a lightly oiled quarter sheet pan. Lightly drizzle olive oil on top of the dough ball. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-5 hours, if time allows.
  • To make the sauce. In a roasting pan, combine the tomatoes, olive oil, 2 cloves smashed garlic, fig preserves, thyme, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Roast in the middle of the oven at 500 degrees F. for 10-15 minutes, until the tomatoes burst. Using a fork, smash the tomatoes down until a chunky sauce forms. Is using canned tomatoes, just simmer on the stove until thickened. Alternately, you can use your favorite marinara sauce too.
  • To make the herb seasoning. In a bowl, combine the basil, oregano, 1-2 cloves grated garlic, fennel, and a pinch each of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  • To assemble. Remove the plastic wrap. Gently press the dough until it covers the entire sheet pan. Spread on the sauce, you may not need it all. Top with cheese, then pepperoni. Sprinkle the herb seasoning over top.
  • Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, rotate the pizza, and bake another 3-5 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese has melted. Top the pizza with fresh basil and addition crushed red pepper flakes.

Haunted Orchard Cocktail

Course Drinks

Ingredients
  

  • cinnamon sugar, for the rim
  • 1 1/2 oz silver tequila
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup apple cider
  • 1 tbsp real maple syrup
  • 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
  • 1 pinch cinnamon
  • 5 oz sparkling hard cider
  • cinnamon stick and apple slices, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Rim a cocktail glass with cinnamon sugar.
  • In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, lemon juice, apple cider, maple syrup, ginger, and cinnamon, shake to combine. Strain into prepared glass. Top with hard cider. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slices. Enjoy!

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