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. 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?
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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!
Menu? Chex Mix!
Hahaha!!!!
You guys are SOOOO FUN!! Love following you!!
Happy Halloween
This is creepy AF. (And I mean that as a compliment!)
Great job with the make-up! I had to look twice at Polly! What do you do about all the thumbtack holes in the ceiling after you take down the floating candles?
They remain. Haha. We have a textured ceiling and it's really not detectable. :)
You guys look amazing! And an unrelated question: how's the Sleep Number working for Chris' back? My husband has some similar back problems and after months (years?) of various therapies and doctors we're wondering if it's time to switch from our Tempurpedic, which we had thought would help. I looked back at your Sleep Number post but couldn't comment as the giveaway was closed. I'd love an update!
We both LOVE it. We go away on vacation and can't wait to get back home to see on our own bed.
So good to know. We'll have to check them out. Thank you for letting me know : ) Have a great party!
We have a party every year also, but the guest list is under 20 :-). Because there are a lot of kids, we do a haunted backyard, where we set up decorations and had some of the dads scare the kids. LOVE the costumes!
I love the idea of a haunted backyard! We definitely have a lot of kids here the night of the party and try to have something going on for them, too--weather permitting this might be perfect!
Sheesh! You throw the raddest Halloween parties :) I love the costumes and every year I look forward to your decor posts :)
200 people?! Cater that shindig. Seriously. By the time you buy and cook that much, catering is probably worth it. ???? And your invites are AWESOME!!! So cute and a little creepy.
Those floating candles STILL get me. So, so creative!
How did you do your eyes??????? WOOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW it's all so fabulous!!!
Lots of white eyeliner below! ????
Too good! Chris's face is the best!
creepiest invite. EVER.
I can't get over how amazing this is!! It looks like a blast!!
What great costumes! I'm sure the invites to your annual party are quite coveted.
Just wondering if you dress up for the party with your invite costumes or if you opt for different costumes?
We always do different costumes. We let our girls be whatever they want and Chris and I are usually something we can throw on and be ready in 15! Hahaha
When we host a ton of people we always make a massive pot of chili and corn bread and then set out tortillas and different dips. It's satisfying, easy and always a hit!
I am seriously impressed with your energy levels - hosting a huge gathering is officially Hard Work! I would definitely go down the simplified food route - although sometimes lots of snacks options can be more work than a couple (one veggie) of one-pot choices. Maybe this is the perfect year for a local restaurant/caterer to be roped in?
I also love your themed invitation - you all look fabulous (although could I also gently [really annoyingly?] point out that your apostrophe is in the wrong place...unless you've already sent them out, in which case pretend that I didn't mention it!).
200 people oh my goodness that's like a Wedding reception. We still have our Halloween party we had when you were little but it's just family and I feel overwhelmed. The past 2 years with Shan and James in college we have narrowed it down to just our little family since coordinating was too hard. You guys are amazing. ( I also have to send you photos James redid his room with your girl's room as an inspiration, i.e. Bunk bed and reading nook) Have fun at the party I say keep the good simple.