Happy October! It’s hard to believe, this is our 7th year (!!) throwing our annual costume party. To be honest, I wasn’t sure I was going to be up for it this year. Having just had Polly 2 months ago, and coming off a major photoshoot, I knew I was going to be tired. But, as soon as I start thinking about costumes and dressing up and seeing all of our friends get dressed up–I get too excited to pass it up. Plus, we have already had so many people ask us when it’s going to be because they already are planning their costumes. So this weekend, we got all doll’d up ;) and took our annual invite photo–it really sends the message home IT’S A SERIOUS COSTUME PARTY.
Besides suspenders for Chris and borrowing Polly’s Cabbage Patch wig from a friend, we had everything for these doll costumes and it was just a matter of dramatic makeup that I had fun doing. Â I love the way we all got very into it–but maybe none more than Chris. He nailed it!
For the invites, we love to put some sort of tag line or catchy font that goes along with our costumes. When we were Sandlot characters, we borrowed a line from the movie: “We’ll bob for apples in the toilet…” When we were The Beatles last year, we used their signature font for our name. So this year, “Come Play With Us” felt appropriate and creepily inviting for our doll costumes.
Last year’s party had over 200 people, and although we’re aiming for less this year (seriously, it was a mad house), getting our house ready for a large party always brings with it a to-do list. We generally cram a large project, or two!, in before the big night, but this year, we’re giving ourselves a break since we checked almost everything off before our photoshoot last year, including converting the outdoor fireplace to gas and finishing the outdoor kitchen–two things we’re excited to share details on soon.
To kick off the season, here are a few Halloween-esque projects from the archives we’re excited to implement again this year:
1. Spooky styled shelves.  (Here’s how we made the original shelves years ago!)
2. Hanging bats.
3. Carved pumpkins for dips, using sculpting tools!
5. Layered Doormats are extra cozy this time of year.
6. A layered photo backdrop (we’ve found that black photographs best!)
7. A festive front porch.
Any parties going on in your neck of the woods? We’re still trying to figure out an easy menu for this year’s party. We really want to simplify…maybe just snacks foods?
Where is the plaid floor mat from? Love it!
We do a Halloween party on a much smaller scale with about 50 in attendance. We make it easy by doing a potluck. We provide chili, a hot cider, and a dessert. We also have all the utensils and dishes, etc. Everyone that comes brings a side, dessert, drinks, or chili toppings! It is so much fun and they let us know what they are bringing when they RSVP. This will be our 8th year and we really look forward to it!
This is amazing! Especially Chris!!! I think I will picture this every time I listen to the blog now lolololol
Love all the decorations. When October 1 finally comes, our little one (who’s now 5) starts to draw a map of the neighborhood and marks all the houses he will visit to get candy!
so sweet!
That is HORRIFYING! But in the best way possible! Giving me all the good goosebumps. Chris is probably going to be in my nightmares, and BEST CREEPY TAGLINE! I love it!