Grown-Up Halloween -

Halloween is one of those fun holidays in which the traditions and celebrating changes based on the phase of our lives. As a kid, of course, Halloween was all about the costume and trick-or-treating with Dad. Then there’s the too cool to dress-up phase somewhere around junior high (and that’s when we stayed in watching scary movies). I think there may have been some parties in high school but I probably skipped those in favor of passing out candy. In college, it’s back to dressing up… something clever or sexy. Or, if you were like me, you just chose a character that you could wear the wig you were most into. The best was my Lady Gaga blonde bob year. There were a few years of epic house parties when we lived in San Francisco. I think there were even fog machines involved. When we lived in New York, and for the years we were apartment living, it was back to watching scary movies on the couch again because little kids don’t come asking for candy if you live in a five story walk-up. (Even if you are only on the third floor.) And then you move into a neighborhood that takes Halloween decorating to a whole other level, and you find yourself at Home Depot contemplating a six foot light up T-Rex skeleton to put in the yard. This was us this past weekend.

Since we get upwards of 1,000 kids knocking on our door, this year I’m pulling our table out for a front yard party. I’m feeling the spirit but with a baby I’m keeping things simple and super low-key. Here’s the extent of what my perfect grown-up Halloween party will look like…

1. Get into the spirit sipping red wine out of the coolest matte black & copper wine glasses. Williams-Sonoma has a great selection of black cocktail glasses, I also really love these.

2. All-black everything–including the napkins, cutting board, and plates.

3. Dried and blood red roses.

4. Candles to set the mood. This woodsy scent is perfect!

5. Treats I actually like to eat–a.k.a cheeses, fruits, nuts, and dark chocolate.

6. Lanterns to line our walkway.

I’m not one for going crazy with the decorating (I’m more of a throw some pumpkins on the front porch and call it a day) however I did ask my girlfriend and florist, Shannon of Thistle and Honey Floral, to make me a moody Halloween arrangement. She nailed my vision! This straw and red rose beauty has been on display in our kitchen for most of October and it’s just my kind of spooky. The roses and red flowers have now dried making it even better!

Until Rex is old enough to warrant my dressing up, I’m probably going to be lame and stick to passing out candy in a cozy sweater.

Pass the chocolate this way! Compartes chocolates makes some of the most unique combinations which are fun to add to a massive cheese board. My grown-up version of a Halloween indulgence.