Halloween Skeleton Buffet Table

About 19 years ago, I found this idea for a Halloween Party buffet in a cookbook. I made a copy and held on to it in case I ever had a Halloween party. So far I’ve been to many Halloween parties, but I’ve never had one myself. However, it’s such a fun and creative idea that I thought I’d share it on my blog.

This buffet is perfect for kid’s parties, office buffets, costume parties and anything Halloween. So let your creative juices find expression with this fantastic table.

What You’ll Need
6-foot=long paper skeleton (black and white)
Large head f leafy green cabbage
Mylar curtain in a silver color
4 small glass bowls, 3” diameter
2 large glass fruit bowls

Setup
Cover table or buffet with silver Mylar curtain (available at most party supply stores)
Place paper skeleton on Mylar
Carve out the cabbage head so a large glass bowl can be set into it
Put cabbage on head of skeleton
Fill bowl with potato salad and decorate with olives, strips of pimentos and other vegetables to create a face
Roll up deli meats and secure with toothpicks
Arrange deli meats on torso of skeleton. Follow shape if ribs
Fill large glass bowl with coleslaw and place on stomach
Put bread slices down both arms
Set a small glass bowl filled with mustard and mayonnaise on each elbow
Leave paper hands uncovered
Put cheese slices down both legs
Set a small glass bowl filled with mustard and mayonnaise at each knee
Add any detail or decoration using food that you wish to both the skeleton and the table.
As the party goes on, fill skeleton in with fresh food.

It’s ok to use other food instead of potato salad or coleslaw. Use whatever your guests will like.

Happy Halloween!

Decorating Rules to Break #6 thru 10

The decorating rules to break numbers 1 thru 5 (as described in My Newsletter) are:

1. White Walls Make a Room Look Larger
2. Use Same Color Wood Tones in a Room
3. Vintage Pieces Should be Left As-Is
4. You Can't Go Wrong with a Mirror Over the Mantle
5. The bed Should Not be Placed in Front of the Window

But wait....there's more.....

7. Fake Trees and Florals Are Tacky
This rule was probably started by nursery owners. And who could blame them? The quality of today's silk greenery and florals is outstanding. Oftentimes, you have to actually touch them to see if they're real. If you have a green thumb and prefer live plants, that's great, but most of us can't or don't have the time to keep them alive and looking good. Silk is the way to go. But DO invest in the BEST silk you can afford. It makes a huge difference.

8. Paint First

The reality: Paint Last. You can go to Sherwin Williams and buy paint in every color of the spectrum. You can even have paint mixed into any color imaginable. But try finding a rug or an upholstered chair or artwork that ALL compliment the wall color you chose first! Get the idea? A much better plan is to choose fabrics, rugs and upholstery first....THEN chose the paint colors.

9. The Sofa is the Most Important Piece In the Living Room

It IS true that, traditionally, a family/living room has a sofa...but there's no reason why you have to have one, especially if an alternate seating arrangement works best for your family and the way you live. Instead of a sofa/loveseat/chair combination, try an arrangement of all chairs. If a different arrangement works best for you, DO IT. You will be much happier with the way the room functions for you!

10. Place furniture against the wall.

I know that we, in general, are ALL about wanting more space, but this rule is almost never appropriate unless you don't have a choice. Especially in the living or family room, furniture should be arranged in conversation vignettes. Sometimes, more floor space is not as important as intimate, cozy, warm and inviting areas for relaxing and conversation.

Which rule have YOU struggled with? I'd love to hear from you. Write a comment or

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Till next time,

Alba