Hi Guys...thanks for ALL your great and helpful suggestions. We had our party yesterday. The weather was Sunny and 'nippy'...but just right!! The kids enjoyed the 'haunted' shed and the outdoor graveyard in the field. We even gave them 'hay rides' in my husband's tractor cart that was filled w/hay. We set up benches and a iron chiminea and they toasted marshmallows. I had a pumpkin hunt, hid 48 of them while my friend read Halloween Stories to them. The candy corn jar was a hit. The adults were really competitive with the guessing, as well as the voting for the Best Carved Pumpkin. The first prize in the kids group,was a 3 1/2 yr old. SHE actually painted a cute face on her pumpkin, and was so proud. We didn't get to play any other games, because they were having too much fun doing different things. So, all in all, it went really well. I had made goodie bages for all the kids, and also for the adults. I had collected some vines from my yard, and made small wreaths (15) and hot glued some small autumn fruits and berries and orange organze ribbon (from Michaels),and placed them over - glass votive holders that were 3 for $1, w/pumpkin spice votives..and that was their gift. The adult prizes went pretty well. (3)...the fall centerpiece in small clay flowerpot. two mugs - a dollar each with,two - a dollar each fall plaid napkins and some cocoa packets, and then a small ceramic pumpkin w/4 Halloween Napkins...I let the first place winner choose first, then the second and third. It went over really well, and everyone kept saying how much fun they all had and that the kids had the best time. Even got some calls back this morning to express what a great time they had!! So, thanks again. Oh! also we did a Pot Luck, and EVERYONE outdid themselves...all wanting each others receipes!! Whew...I'm just so relieved it went well, and now I can RELAX...til Christmas!!! LOL

Cindy, Love your decorations you and the boys put up. That purple ghost is great. I love the corn stalks when decorating outside. Last year I planted corn in the center in my oak barrels instead of spikes. I had the stalks ready for halloween decorations in the fall. Your DH's aunt done a nice job on the pumpkin and your DM picked out a cute ghost to go with it. Your wreath looks good on your front door in the background. Punk It was only 8 above here today and I just couldn't get in the mood to go spend time outside so it's great to come here and enjoy yours. Tell those boys they rock at HELPING with the decorations.

Those 2 pics with & without flash are great Ragna, particularly the photo without flash. I like how you captured the nocturnal spooky mood, with the web visible in the darkness, and no color except for the dark blue & ultraviolet sky. Not an easy feat snapping pictures at night without blurring due to relatively long shutter speed. (added note - I had my monitor's brightness turned down that evening so the pic display was automatically enhanced, w less contrast, etc) On the subject of Halloween, let me veer off with a brief ode to plants with various shades of orange pigment (compliments of b-carotene and related carotenoids). I'm happy with my plain mono-color zinnia and marigold. One of the landscape plants that came with my house was Ixora -add link- (Maui red variety, which is actually a very soft yet rich orange). Also I should look into pumpkin as a sort of groundcover with the yellow-orange flowers and sprawling vine. Can anyone give me some clues on Texas lantana please? I want one that's yellow and orange only, if possible. I planned to purchase some at the latest plant sale at my local SABG, but their young ones were already showing a wider range of colors (candy pink, etc) so I passed. Is there a variety of Texas lantana that's yellow and orange only?

I'm. not a fan of Halloween but I have fallen in love with this handmade wreath. The owner will make it without the bird (I don't care for that and have my own idea). https://www.etsy.com/listing/635191755/halloween-wreath-gothic-home-decor-wall?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=black+halloween+wreath&ref=sc_gallery-1-2&plkey=f63135da18ce2acea9ccfa62afed6eaa4d7e8be6%3A635191755&cns=1