Happy Halloween!

Hi Friends,

May your Halloween be filled with Fun, Magic, Memories and Great Design.

Happy Halloween from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Adults Only: Magic Up Potent Potables

Compliments of Sam Henderson

Hi Friends,

Unleash your Halloween guests' hidden wild side with this Mr. Hyde cocktail. Made with vodka, aromatic herbs and blackberry liqueur, it's frightfully refreshing. Get the recipe below:

Ingredients
8 ounces vodka
4 ounces parfait amour liqueur
1 ounce blackberry liqueur
2 ounces tarragon simple syrup (recipe follows)
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
1 ounce lavender syrup, available at most liquor stores
4 lavender sprigs
8 blackberries
dry ice (optional)

• Note: Always observe dry ice safety measures: Never touch dry ice with bare skin and do not swallow.

purple sanding sugar for rim (optional)

Yield: 4 cocktails

Instructions
1. Prepare the tarragon simple syrup by placing 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan.

2. Heat over medium-low heat until it reaches a low boil. Add two sprigs of fresh tarragon and reduce heat to low. Heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove tarragon and allow syrup to cool.



3. Place 2 blackberries on each lavender sprig and set aside. Tip: For best results, insert a toothpick through blackberry first to make a small hole for the lavender stem.



4. Cut and juice lemon. Strain to remove pulp, if desired. Add spirits, syrups and juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake until very cold (about 20 seconds).

5. Pour drink into beakers, add a small piece of dry ice (optional) and a lavender-blackberry skewer. Note: Drink is safe to consume only after dry ice has completely dissolved.

Tip: Alternatively, moisten the rim of a cocktail glass and dip in purple sanding sugar. Add cocktail and small piece of dry ice. Lay lavender-blackberry skewer across the top of the glass and serve.



Cheers...

Check back for more great Halloween ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Halloween Party Food: Potato Beetles Recipe

Compliments of Sam Henderson

Hi Friends,

Crowd-pleasing fingerling potatoes, wild rice and creme fraiche combine to create a spooky Halloween snack that looks as though it could crawl right off the platter.

Makes 24 potatoes

Ingredients:
24 small fingerling potatoes, preferably the purple or black varieties
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup wild rice
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
pastry bag, fitted with a very narrow tip (You could also use a zip-top bag with a tiny hole snipped in the corner.)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil and garlic salt. Spread in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet, then roast until tender, about 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

2. Using about 10 pieces of wild rice per potato, create "legs" by sticking rice into either side of potato.

3. Fill pastry bag with cream cheese, then pipe "eyes" onto front of each potato. Pipe stripes or wavy lines to create decorative patterns.



These tasty little treats will trick your guest...

Check back for more great Halloween ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Halloween Party Appetizer: Cheesy Eyeballs

Compliments of Sam Henderson

Hi Friends,

Who knew creamy mini cheeses, olives and a little food coloring could look so creepy yet taste so yummy?! Fill up your party guests with these savory little mouthfuls for a fun take on standard cheese and crackers.

This fun-to-make appetizer will have your Halloween party guests doing a double take. A few simple ingredients make this savory snack a scary-easy addition to your party table. Here's the recipe...

Ingredients
24 mini cheese rounds
24 green olive slices
8 black olives
red gel food color
chopstick or skewer
small paintbrush

Instructions
1: Remove the wax casing from the cheeses. Use a paring knife to carefully cut a divot in the center of the cheese that's approximately the size of a green olive slice (Image 1).

2: Press a green olive slice into the divot firmly, being careful not to damage the olive slice (Image 2).



3: Use a paring knife to make three round slices from each black olive. Place the black olive round in the center of the green olive to make a "pupil." Tip: For best results, use a chopstick or skewer to push the edges of the black olive inside the green olive's center.



4: Dip a small paintbrush into the red gel food coloring and paint squiggly lines from the olives outward to give the eyes a bloodshot effect. Six to eight lines per eyeball will provide the best look.



5: Keep cold until ready to serve. Serve alongside fresh veggies and your favorite crackers or pita bread for a healthy Halloween party snack.

Enjoy the eyeballs...

Check back for more great Halloween ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Set the Scene

Compliments of H. Camille Smith
Photo By: Rennai Hoefer

Hi Friends,

Throw an unforgettable monster mash with these easy ideas for DIY Halloween decorations, snacks, party favors and games you can craft. See our earlier post for excellent options and ideas.

For noe, get your haunted house ready for the festivities by decorating any areas where guests will gather, including outdoor spaces. But, be sure to adjust the scare-factor based on what age groups will attend. If only adults are on the guest list, spook it up -- but -- if kids, particularly small children, will attend, nix the blood and gore and keep the decorations family friendly. The printables, like this free banner, and Halloween decorating ideas will help you set the scene in a way that all ages can enjoy.

Templates were posted earlier this month with great ideas to decorate your party. Print, be creative, but most of all have fun......

Check back for more great Halloween ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Halloween Linen Sacks

Compliments of Kim Stoegbauer

Hi Friends,

These small linen sacks came pre-printed with their Halloween designs, but you could easily dress up plain sacks with foam stamps or a stencil and craft paint. Fill with candy and toys for the party guests to take home.

Templates were posted earlier this month with great ideas that can be used for these linen sacks. Explore the options, be creative and most of all have fun....

Check back for more great Halloween ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

How to Display Your Address on a Pumpkin

Courtesy of Stuart Tyson

Hi Friends,

Give your curb appeal a fall twist with this easy house numbers pumpkin project.

Here's how...

1. Click here to download the house number template.
2. Print and cut out your numbers.
3. Use a pencil to trace them on a real or faux pumpkin (the Craft-Tex one shown is from wayfair.com).
4. Fill in the outlines with crafts paint. We used Beetle Black by Martha Stewart Crafts.
5. Let dry.

Share this proud display idea with family and friends and have them visit us here for more great options from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

5 Tips for Keeping a Carved Pumpkin From Rotting

Courtesy of Erica Reitman
Photo: Matej Moderc - Graphic: Erica Reitman

Hi Friends,

With Halloween just around the corner, pumpkin-carving season is almost here. But we think the biggest challenge every year is exactly how to keep your pumpkins from turning into a moldy, mushy mess before Halloween arrives. Well, those days are over; here's How to Clean It, Cut It and More...

While there is no way to completely stop your pumpkin from rotting since the process starts as soon as you cut into it, we’re sharing all the steps you need to take to ensure that your pumpkin lasts as long as possible this season.

1: Pick a Healthy Pumpkin
First, make sure that you start with a fresh and healthy pumpkin. Choose a firm pumpkin with no soft spots and its stem in tact. Starting off with a firm pumpkin means that your carved pumpkin has a good chance of lasting longer.

2: Get Rid of All the Guts
Once you open up the pumpkin to carve it, it’s important that you rid the cavity of the guts. You want to make sure that the inside of your pumpkin is as clean and dry as possible, and that can only happen if you ditch all the pumpkin guts and seeds.

3: Use Petroleum Jelly
To extend the life of your carved fruits, rub a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the inside of the pumpkin to reduce mold and slow decay.

4: Refrigerate Your Pumpkin
If you can, refrigerating your pumpkin each night will go a long way in helping to rehydrate your carved pumpkin (and keep it away from any bugs or critters). This is an especially good idea if you live in a warmer climate. If you try the refrigeration method, spray it down with a homemade peppermint spray first, then put the carved pumpkin in a small garbage bag before putting it in the fridge.

5: Soak Your Pumpkin Overnight
Another method for rehydrating your pumpkin and keeping it fresh is to soak it in water overnight. This is a great method to try if you notice that your pumpkin is starting to fade or wilt. You can fill up a bucket or tub, then put your pumpkin inside overnight for a refreshing bath. If you notice an improvement, you can try to do it again in a day or two. Make sure to use cold water, as hot or warm water can speed up the rotting process. Some people also swear by this method; however, instead of water, they use bleach.

Great tips, right?

Good luck with extending the life of your pumpkin this Halloween...

Happy Halloween!

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Them Bones, Them Bones

Compliments of Kim Stoegbauer

Hi Friends,

Mini candy bones give these marshmallow treats a crunchy texture kids love. To create them, skewer a regular-sized marshmallow onto a 6-inch lollipop stick. Dip into melted chocolate and, while the chocolate is still warm, roll in candy bones. For perfect presentation, display in small cupcake liners and top each stick with a little black bow.

A special treat for your guest to enjoy and rave about with family and friends...

Check back for more great Halloween ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Rock Star

Compliments of Kim Stoegbauer

Hi Friends,

Kids love rock candy sticks. Place them by the door and they won't be able to resist taking one for the road as they leave the party. To add a little embellishment, cut strips from the printable black-and-white striped paper, attach with double-sided tape and cut into a flag shape. Display on a white platter so the colors pop.

Template for the striped paper was posted last week. Print and have fun...

Check back for more great Halloween ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Mini Candy Jars

Compliments of Kim Stoegbauer

Hi Friends,

Small glass or plastic jars can be found inexpensively at many craft and dollar stores. Simply fill with candy corn, gummy worms or individually wrapped chocolates and attach a punched Halloween tag with twine for a finished look.

Set a few of these out at your party for your guest to admire and enjoy...

Check back for more great Halloween ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Spooktacular Sodas

Compliments of Kim Stoegbauer

Hi Friends,

Being a party guest is thirsty work, and what kid could resist these dressed-up soda bottles? Chill sodas prior to the party and embellish right before it starts with our printable black-and-white striped paper and a punched tag. Tie on a straw with twine; open bottles if guests will be enjoying them during the party, or leave the caps on if they'll be taking them home as a favor.

Enjoy the party...

Check back for more great Halloween ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Candy-Corn-Colored Gumball Necklace

Compliments of Kim Stoegbauer

Hi Friends,

All you need to make this sweet necklace is gumballs, ribbon and a few tools. Use a skewer to puncture each gumball, one side at a time. Thread ribbon through a large needle and slide through gumball, tying a knot between each as you go. Add a ribbon bow for a little extra finishing touch.

Perfect to share with family and good friends; they will appreciated the special gift...

Check back for more great Halloween ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Follow the Ball

Compliments of Kim Stoegbauer

Hi Friends,

This classic game with a Halloween twist is sure to provide tons of fun for the kids. Give each child a set of three white paper bowls with "eyes" made by hole-punching black paper and attaching the punched dots with glue. Give kids a gumball and show them how to play the game with a partner by hiding the gumball under one of the ghosts, moving the ghosts around and having his/her partner guess which ghost has the gumball.

Have fun with game ...

Check back for more great Halloween ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Cupcakes To Go

Compliments of Kim Stoegbauer

Hi Friends,

Everyone loves cupcakes, especially kids! Place cupcakes in paper or plastic bowls and wrap with cellophane for a portable container they can take with them. Add one of the free printable Halloween tags from yesterday's post to dress it up.

Happy Halloween decorating...

Check back for more great Halloween ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

FREE Printable Halloween Templates

Courtesy of Kim Stoegbauer
FREE Printable Templates Compliments of TomKat Studio

Hi Friends,

Enjoy the FREE Halloween printable templates, compliments of TomKat Studio. TomKat Studio is one of the largest resources for printable templates and party planning ideas in the industry.


Download printable Beware of Monsters Sign template.


Download printable Candy Sign template.
Download printable Points for Marshmallow Toss Game template.


Download printable 4x6 Photo Frame template.
Download printable Sweet Treats Label template.
Download printable Black Stripe Candy Bar Wrapper template.


Download printable Trick-or-Treat Tote Bag template.
Download printable Happy Halloween Flag template.
Download printable Bottle Wrapper template.


Download printable Treat Bag template.
Download printable Party Favor Striped Flag template.
Download printable Party Favor Treat Flag template.


Download printable Striped Treat Cone template.
Download printable Party Favor Thank You Tag template.
Download printable Small Eek! Boo! template.


Download printable Party Black-and-White Invite template.
Download printable Large Bat template.


Download printable Party Graphic Invite template.
Download printable Party Trick-or-Treat Station Snack Label template.


Download printable Haunted House Invite template.
Download printable Boo! Eek! Labels template.


Download printable Halloween Cupcake Party Invite template.
Download printable Striped Spider and Bats Label template.


Download printable Fancy Cupcake Label template.


Download printable Multi-Color Tag template.


Download printable Large Party Circles template.
Download printable Monster Mash Invite template.


Download printable Black-and-White Striped Paper template.

Join us in a special thank you to TomKat Studio for sharing their printable templates at no cost. Thank you, TomKat Studio!

Continued success to TomKat Studio from you fans at Interior Design...

Happy Halloween Printing!

Check back for more great Halloween ideas.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne