Spooky Wine Tasting

Again, this year, as years past, I planned the Ladies Mt Carmel Society Italian Women's Club annual Halloween party, in conjunction with my mom and my aunt. Being more pressed for time this year, we decided to keep it simpler than some years in the past had been and simply planned a Spooky Wine Tasting theme. 

The first step was to create a buffet area that would go with the theme. The main table was covered in black party table clothes then strewn with some creepy clothe and fall grapevine swags. From there displays were added that incorporated some elements of wine and skeletons, to get that spooky effect. Grape crates were used to create height and battery candles added to the lighting. The food buffet was placed among these vignettes. 

Of course, being a wine tasking, we had to have wine! Labels were found on Pintrest, printed out and taped around the bottles to cover the current labels just to add some more creepiness to the event. A cart was set up near the bar area with a skeleton sommelier to help in deciding which wine to imbibe in.

At the tables, cheese plates were used as centerpieces along with a rubber rat who may want a nibble.

I also created a wine tasting cheat sheet for each guest to use during the actual tasting portion later in the night. I have added a copy of that sheet as well below, should you be inclined to have your own tasting. 

What cute Halloween party ideas have you used? Comment below...

 

Our Lady Mt Carmel Display

So this fall my Mom and I were given the honor of redoing the display for the Our Lady of Mt Carmel statue that is used for the parade mass that kicks off the annual festival. No one had redone this window in years and you can see it needed some TLC. 

The walls were a drab beige color and the floor was indoor outdoor carpet that had a fake grass appearance. Some attempt was made at decorating by placing pieces of tulle at the front of the window but this was certainly not a well decorated place of honor to display the Virgin Mary.

We decided to go to with a feminine look with pink florals and billowy blue satins. We covered the walls and floor with blue satin to give the appearance of the Madonna floating in a heavenly sky. Behind the statue we placed an arbor draped with blue and white chiffon fabrics and a garland of ivy with pink roses. 

We reused the pedestal that was already in the window and added a tall urn on the opposite side to balance the heights as well. More garlands of pink roses and ivy were placed around the base of the statue. I know there is a glare with the glass in the photos but certainly it is definitely an improvement in the display. The new window display is more reverent and heavenly display for the holy statue. What do you think? Comment below...