Halloween Dracula's Wake

With somber tidings, we announce Dracula's Wake. Your presence is requested at calling hours to include casket viewing, refreshments and mini golf.

Our party was hosted at Monster Mini Golf in Danvers, MA in the party room. The room itself has a wonderful vibe with Gothic haunting decor. We brought decorations to supplement and celebrate the "wake" theme.

Upon entering the room, guests were greeted by a photo of the deceased and a full length black coffin which served as buffet for assorted appetizers.

Guests could read Dracula's obituary and view photos of his surviving relatives surrounded by candles and a ceremonial wreath. A bust of Dracula was prominently displayed. Women were presented with a corsage, men received boutonnieres and children had ribbons.

Creepy accessories for all guests which also served as favors. 

The coffin served as a buffet for an assortment of appetizers from chicken "bat" wings, "moldy" cheese balls, beef "flesh" pops, fried "black eyed" peas and more. 

One of my favorite party elements and a big hit with the younger (and young at heart) guests was the "blood bath" of tomato soup with "bone" grilled cheese sandwich dippers. 

After enjoying the appetizers, it was time to be tempted by the delicious desserts. "Tooth decay" trifle in push pops were displayed in test tubes. Strawberry tart was served with syringes of whipped cream ready for guests to dispense as prescribed. Guests also enjoyed "Blood" red velvet cupcakes and a twist on the traditional caramel apple with caramel-chocolate pears!

Guests enjoying the desserts and cranberry-cider punch.

 Guests came in costume to mourn the loss of Dracula.

 

After the casket viewing and feasting, we all headed to the indoor course to play mini golf! 

Happy 60th Birthday!

This weekend we hosted a fabulous Birthday party for a very special woman, my mother! It was an honor to celebrate her 60th Birthday with an al fresco Tuscan Dinner Party.

 

The scene was set on the back deck ... rich, vibrant fall colors of rust, crimson, gold, purple and brown carried through from the mums to the table centerpieces. Large bulb lights were strung high giving the air of street festival.

 



 

Alternating chairs were draped with coordinating pashminas which served to break the chill for the female guests and favors at the end of the evening.

 

 

 

 

The table was set with bright, crisp white linens, white plates and then a colorful centerpiece that ran the length of the table. Silk sunflowers, berries, and fall leaves were accented with pilar candles and twinkling lights. Each place setting was accented with a colorful menu outlining the culinary delights of the evening.

 

 

A bar stand greeted guests with a glass of red or white Italian wine upon arrival.

 

 

The Pastry Chef puts the finishing touches on the Birthday cake - perfectly decorated to fit the theme of the evening.

 

Twenty guests joined us to celebrate the guest of honor.

 

After dinner, we sang Happy Birthday and enjoyed delicious cake!

The first course was a trio of antipasti: Tuscan bruschetta, fresh fig with goat cheese and honey and a medley of marinated vegetables. The second course was fried ravioli with tomato drizzle and shaved parmesan.

 

The main course featured cornish game hens with vin santo and chestnuts, risotto and roasted baby vegetables.

 A fun panoramic shot of the table to end the post. Click the photo to view larger.