8 "BOO"-zey Drinks That Will Slay at Any Halloween Party

The big day is almost here! We’ve been counting down for weeks, sharing decor ideas and spooky recipes, and now the wait is nearly over. Halloween is this Saturday and we couldn’t be more excited. Whether you’re throwing your own scary shindig or attending a friend’s fearsome fiesta, we’ve got some gruesome drinks you’ve got to make this year! You’ll be the host with the most or the best guest – either way, we’re sure everyone will be excited to sip these themed bevvies.

Mr. Hyde Potion – Let your inner monster out (in a good way!) with this creepy concoction. Dry ice creates a nice effect, but isn’t totally necessary for this fun drink.

Image via HGTV

Fallen Froggie – Melon liquor, Irish crème, and grenadine combine (or rather, don’t quite combine) to create this neat-looking shot. 

Image via DrinkedIn

Spooky Sangria – Think sangria is just for sipping on patios in the summer? Think again! With a little spiced brandy and some colorful sugar, this summery beverage is perfect for Halloween.

Image via Well Plated

Vampire-tini – This clever drink is simple to make and so much fun! We love the vampire teeth garnish. They’re sweet, spooky, and perfect if someone forgot a costume!

Image via Cooking With Sugar

Black & Orange Rum Punch – With two kinds of rum this cocktail certainly packs a punch! A nice mix of orange, pineapple, and lime juice, it’s sure to keep everyone refreshed.

Image via Brit + Co

Black Licorice Delight – First of all, we’ve got to say: black ice cubes are beyond perfect for Halloween! Add them to this cocktail and any other you decide to make this year. Second: this is a seriously delicious drink. We’re big fans of black licorice, so this bevvy is right up our alley. If you love all things anise or licorice, this is definitely a must-make.

Image via Camille Styles

Brain Hemorrhage – We couldn’t resist sharing another crème based shooter where the ingredients don’t quite mix. This brain hemorrhage shot is genius! It looks positively disgusting and is a breeze to put together. Everyone will say yuck, then yum!

Image via A Year Of Cocktails

Radish Eyeballs – Ok, you caught us. This isn’t a drink, but rather a garnish recipe. That said, it’s one heck of a garnish recipe (Martha Stewart never disappoints). Add some spooky flare to any of your Halloween drinks with a grape, lychee, blueberry, or cranberry eyeball! With so many flavors, there’s sure to be a kind that compliments your beverage.

Image via Martha Stewart

We hope these cocktail recipes help to add a little fun and warmth to your Halloween party. As always, please enjoy them responsibly and never drink and drive. We hope you and yours have a spooktacular Halloween!

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Ten Tantalizing Halloween Treats

Halloween will be here soon (seriously, where did October go?) and we can’t wait to celebrate! If you’re hosting a spooky soiree this year, read on to discover some terrifyingly tasty treats you should serve up at your shindig. Ditch the tired lady fingers bit and try some of these ghoulish gourmet goodies instead. Yum!

Yummy Mummies – Not only are these sweets super cute, their white chocolate mummy exterior hides a pumpkin cheesecake interior! And the best part? No baking required!

Image via Creme De La Crumb

Fang-tastic Cookies – These snacks are a snap to make! All you need to make these cute chompers is cookies, red icing, marshmallows, and almonds.

Image via The Girl Who Ate Everything

Monster Mash Cupcakes – They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. These cupcakes have got lots of eyes, and we must admit they look beautiful to us. I mean really, is there a better way to get your little ones in the Halloween spirit than with some adorable cupcakes?

Image via Life With The Crust Off

Franken-krispies – Frankenstein had a mob run him out of town, and we’re sure you’ll attract one too if you serve these. The difference being that yours will love these monstrous treats!

Image via Clean And Scentsible

Wicked Good Bark – This melted witch bark will have everyone calling you Glenda the Good Witch. There’s nothing like this treat, there’s nothing like this treat, there’s nothing like this treat.

Image via Lil Luna

Spooky Slices – There’s nothing tricky about this treat! No nuts, gluten, or soy! It’s a healthy snack that’s perfect for Halloween. So if you’re trying to curb your sugar intake, this is a must-serve!

Image via Fork And Beans

Howlin’ Owls – We think these cute cupcake toppers are a hoot (pun intended!). A peanut butter cup, Oreo, candy eyes, and an orange chocolate (think M&M or dyed almond) come together to create this wonderful winged creature.

Image via Inside Bru Crew

Wonderful Webs – These pretzel webs are a bit complex to make and are a little on the messy side, but they’re also totally adorable and just what your party needs!

Image via Five Heart Home

BOO-tiful Biscuits – Halloween doesn’t have to be all gruesome gore and blood, sometimes it’s better to go sweet over spooky. We’re think these cookies are just darling and would love to see them as part of someone’s party spread!

Image via Pop Sugar

Marvelous Milkshake – This candy corn milkshake will bring all the trick or treaters to your yard!

Image via Kara's Party Ideas

We hope these recipes add a little spice to your Halloween party. If you make any of these tasty treats don’t forget to share shots of your creations with us on Twitter and Instagram!

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7 Spooktacular Halloween Decor Ideas

Halloween is coming up fast, is your home ready? If you’re drawing a blank on how to decorate this year, don’t fret – we’ve got you covered. Wow friends, neighbors, and trick-or-treaters with these sweet and spooky decor ideas. Whether you’re creating a terrifying haunted house or just adding a few tasteful items around your home, we’ve got decoration ideas we’re sure everyone will enjoy. Check ‘em out below and get ready to have the most boo-tiful house on the block!

Frightening Flowers – One of the many reasons we love this scary centerpiece is its simplicity. It’s very easy to make, yet its effect is very powerful. The eyes are totally unexpected and not the sort of trope Halloween decor you’ll see at every house. Definitely a must do this year!

Image via Her Campus

Gruesome Garland – Brighten up your spooky space with this Day of the Dead influenced garland. Sugar skulls are a sweet (pun intended) way to add color to your Halloween festivities.

Image via Paper Source Blog

Horrifying Hats – Short on space? Suspending your decorations from the ceiling is a great way to create a big impact without crowding your home. We are big fans of these levitating witch hats. Pick up a couple from the dollar store, grab some fishing wire, and string them up.

Image via Brooklyn Limestone

Creepy Centerpiece – Halloween isn’t just about fake blood and gore, sometimes it pays to be more subtle. Much like the other flowery decor item we shared, we appreciate this centerpiece for its simplicity. Add some critters and crawlers to a bunch of white roses and enjoy.

Image via Martha Stewart

Devilish Door – This is one a-DOOR-able decoration! If you’ve got little ones at home or are in a neighborhood that’s full of tiny tots, this is a great way to decorate for Halloween. You don’t want to be too scary, but you do want to mark the occasion and this cute mummy door is perfect!

Image via Honey And Fitz

Vicious Votives – Some yarn and a few fake spiders turn these darling votives into daring Halloween decor. These are a great touch for small Halloween get togethers and dinner parties.

Image via Good Housekeeping

Ferocious Fanged Pumpkins – Don’t crowd your window sills with large Jack-o-lanterns, these “Drac-o-lanterns” are perfect for small spaces. An ideal craft for little ones who are too young to carve pumpkins, all you need is fangs and push pins to make these guys!

Image via Martha Stewart

We hope these decor ideas help you whip your space into shape for Halloween. If you make any of these decorations make sure to share snaps of them with us @HomeShows on Twitter and Instagram – we love seeing what you guys come up with! 

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6 Spooky Recipes for Your Next Halloween Party

With fall comes one of our favourite holidays: Halloween. From candy galore to cute kids in costumes, there’s nothing better. This Halloween, impress the whole neighborhood with our six spooky, Halloween-themed food and drink recipes; sure to promise the Halloween party of the year!

Candy Corn No More!

Who says you have stick to candy and chocolate on Halloween? Try some scary twists on old Halloween favorites and watch the amazement on your guests’ faces. 

Poison Caramel Apples

Image via Simply Delicious

1. Place bamboo skewers in six granny smith apples and set aside.

2. In a pot, combine 2 cups of sugar, ¾ cup of water, ½ cup of corn syrup and 3 drops of black gel food colouring over medium heat.

3.When the sugar has dissolved, turn up the heat and allow the caramel to boil until it reaches approximately 150°c/310°F.

4. Dip the apples into the candy mixture and leave them to cool on a lined baking tray to prevent sticking.

5. Serve after at least an hour of cooling time. 

Spooky Spider Seven Layer Dip

Image via Our Best Bites

Layer 1: 16 oz of refried beans mixed with taco seasoning

Layer 2: 1 cup of sour cream

Layer 3: 1 cup of guacamole

Layer 4: 1 cup of salsa

Layer 5: 1 cup of lettuce

Layer 6: 1 cup of Mexican olives or jalapenos

Layer 7: 1 cup of diced tomatoes 

Finishing Touch: Pipe sour cream in a spider web design on top and add plastic spiders just before serving

Witches Wand

Image via Our Best Bites

1. Melt one package  of white chocolate chips.

2. Dip pretzel rods into the melted chocolate. Use a butter knife or spoon to cover the rod evenly. Make sure to leave half of the pretzel plain to avoid sticky fingers.
3. Shake Halloween themed sprinkles onto the pretzels, turning the rod to catch every side with some sprinkles.

4. Leave to cool and harden for 24 hours.
5. Try milk and dark chocolate too, to have a variety for all chocolate lovers!

Creepy Cocktails!

All of that delicious food will need an excellent drink to accompany it. Forget the red wine and orange drink this year – mix up your Halloween drink menu with a splash of something a little more festive.

Black Widow Cocktail

Image via Pink Recipe Box

1. Pour ½ oz of strawberry vodka, ½ oz of white rum, and ½ oz of triple sec into a glass.
2. Top up with cranberry juice and stir to mix.
3. Tip: Add licorice lace to the sides of the glass to make spider legs!

Hocus Pocus Fizz

Image via The Little Kitchen

1. Mix together 1 cup pineapple juice; ½ cup rum,¼ teaspoon coconut extract, 3 drops of red food colouring, and 3 drops of yellow food colouring.
2. Add 2 oz of the rum mixture into a glass and top with sparkling wine.
3. Tip: Rim the glass with black sugar for a festive finish.

Wizard's Potion (non-alcoholic)

Image via City Line

1. In a large pitcher, combine 6 cups of apple cider, 2 cups of orange juice, ½ cup of lemon, and stir to combine.
2. Add chilled sparkling white grape juice and serve immediately.
3. Tip: Add a few drops of orange food colouring to ramp up the Halloween effect!

We hope these ideas help make your next Halloween party a hit! For more decor ideas that are sure to wow folks regardless of the season or holiday, make sure to check out the Ottawa Fall Home Show! We'll have design and decor professionals, landscaping experts, home improvement gurus, and more ready to help with your next home project. 

Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show! 

EY CENTRE
SEPTEMBER 24-27, 2015.

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6 Games & Decorations to Revamp Your Halloween Party

Halloween parties are some of the best events of the year! Neighbours, friends, and family filling your home in costume – what could be more fun? This year, why not try some new additions to your old party favourites? We’ve put together six ways to help you throw the best Halloween party you’ve ever seen. 

R.I.P Boring Decorations

This Halloween steer clear of the typical plastic bats and black and orange balloons strewn across the room. Wow your guests with three of our favorite Halloween Decoration DIYs.

Black Cat Pumpkins: We love this DIY as a new twist for the classic carved pumpkin, inside the house or on the front porch to greet trick-or-treaters. Start with two pumpkins; one significantly smaller than the other. Cut the top off of the smaller pumpkin and clean out the insides. With the same pumpkin, trace and carve eye holes onto one side. Add ears by cutting out the shapes from black felt or card stock and attaching them on top of the pumpkin. Next, spray paint the two pumpkins black. After they’ve dried, attach the head with floral picks and remember to set a lit tea light in the head. Bye-bye boring pumpkins!

Image via Sunset

Slithering Wreaths: Welcome your guests with this super creepy, snake covered wreath. Grab a grape-vine wreath from your nearest craft store as well as several rubber snakes. Spray paint the wreath and snakes black and allow them both to dry. With a hot glue gun, begin attaching the snakes in every which way; overlapping, hanging off, whatever you like. Hang the wreath on your door to make your guests shudder! 

Image via Martha Stewart

Blood Soaked Candle: This DIY leaves you with creepy candles in under ten minutes! Start with a couple of tall, white, cylindrical candles and one bright red candle. Light the red candle and several minutes for a small pool of wax to form. Once it has, start holding the red candle on an angle above the white one so the coloured wax drips onto it. Move the dripping candle around so that the red wax ‘blood’ is dripping down the whole candle. Continue doing this with all of your candles until you’re left with several ‘blood’ soaked creations. 

Image via Sous Notre Toit

Games for Ghouls

Halloween games are often the most fun of the night! Including some games in your party plan will bring your guests together and is a great way to get the conversation flowing. These games are simple to put together and will guarantee a laugh out of anyone playing; kids or adults alike!

Costume Bingo: Our twist on the classic bingo game is nothing short of a Halloween hit! Before the party, make up bingo sheets with a different popular costume in each square. As guests walk in, hand them a sheet and something to mark the squares with (magic markers work the best!). When they see a guest wearing one of the costumes on their sheet, they mark off that square. This continues until someone has 5 squares marked in a row. The first person to get the Halloween bingo wins a prize and bragging rights for the rest of the night!

Image via Crazy Little Projects

Candy Corn Count: Fill up a large bowl with candy corn (or your favorite Halloween treat; it’s up to you!) and as you’re doing so, count how many pieces of the candy corn are going in. Leave small pieces of paper beside the bowl, inviting guests to try their hand at guessing how many candy corns are in the bowl. Once everyone has voted, reveal the number you originally counted and whoever had the closest guess wins the bowl of candy corn!

Image via Better Homes and Gardens

Guess Who? Halloween Edition: This game is a fun way to have guests talking in no time! As each of your guests comes through the door, place a sticker on their back with the name of a Halloween character on it. The guests will mingle around the room, asking yes or no questions to figure out who they’re supposed to be. Once a guest has guessed the character on their sticker, they remove it and continue to help others in guessing their character by answering questions. The game continues through the night until everyone has guessed their character. 

Image via About

So without further ado, let’s get party planning! For more holiday decor ideas make sure to visit the Ottawa Fall Home Show. The home and garden event of the season takes over the EY Centre September 24-27, 2015.

Don't have tickets yet? Well that's scarier than any Halloween decoration could be! Get 2-for-1 tickets when you connect with us on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show!

EY CENTRE
SEPTEMBER 24-27, 2015.

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Favorite Things About Fall

You can't deny it any longer, as of September 23rd it's official: summer is over. That's right folks, it's finally fall. For some of you, this change of seasons might not be your favorite. We can understand that, summer is sunny and relaxing and fall is busy and cold. But fall doesn't deserve the rap it gets - it just has a hard act to follow. In fact, there are a lot of really great things that happen between September 23rd to December 21st. Don't believe us? Check out the top six things we love about fall.

1. Colors - Fall is a season that inspires rich hues and deep, earthy tones. We love spring pastels and summer's bright palette, but fall brings out such luxurious colors.

Image via House & Home

2. Decor - Seasonal interior and exterior decorations begin with fall and continue through the winter. Creating charming table settings, front doors, porches, and entryways is a great tradition. We know you can't wait to light your jack-o-lanterns and then deck the halls.

Image via House and Home

3. Fashion - There's something comforting, comfortable, and chic about sweater weather.

Image via Cabinology

4. Pumpkin Spice - Add it to lattes, muffins, bagels, donuts, cakes, pies, ice cream, bread, whatever you can think of really...it's all good!

Image via Dessert For Two

5. Holidays - Trick or treaters and being thankful are some of the best parts of fall. Too much candy, too much turkey, too much fun.

Image via Country Living

6. The Capital Home Show! - We can't mention fall without talking about the Capital Home Show. Planning a home renovation? Looking for some tips to help spruce up your space? Need some inspiration for your new home? The Capital Home Show is full of home design, decor, and renovation experts and celebrities, service providers ready to give you advice and discounts, educational demonstrations, and so much more! The home and garden event of the season takes over the Dulles Expo Center September 25-27, 2015.

Fall is a season we love, so we have to ask: what are you favorite things about fall? Did we miss something on our list? Let us know on Twitter on Facebook!

Did you know that connecting with us on social has lots of perks? Not only will you get the inside scoop on upcoming events and celebrities lifestyle tips, you'll also get exclusive access to ticket discounts. Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets to the Capital Home Show on our Facebook ticket deals. Click here to learn more.

DULLES EXPO CENTER

SEPTEMBER 25-27, 2015.

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