A Spirited Evening
By Susie Coelho
Halloween is a special time in my neighborhood as many of our neighbors are in the television industry and some work for special effects companies. Each house goes all out, from animated graveyards, to re-enactments of scenes from scary movies, to full on replicas of haunted ships on the front lawn. It’s quite a spectacle…or spooktacle? People from all over town come to trick-or-treat in this neighborhood, just to catch a glimpse of the Halloween spirit. It really inspires me! This is the one time of the year when grown men and women can step out of their routine day to day selves, and be imaginative and creative, just as they did when they were growing up.
My eight-year old loves to decorate the house and always wants to have a little party before we go out and trick-or-treat. I try to keep things fun for my children and their friends by setting the scene inside and out. Lighting is crucial to set the mood, especially on the big night. Instead of pumpkins, I like to set out lit votives along the walkway to the front door to light the way for trick or treaters.
After a night of trick or treating, one can really work up an appetite, and not just for sweets, I’m talking something hearty to chase away the October chill. I like to rally the troops at the end of the night, invite friends and family over for a big bowl of my homemade soup. This has become a tradition with our family. This month’s project adds a bit of haunted pizzazz to basic round glass votives. These votives are perfect for lighting your walkway or just circling the candy cauldron with battery operated or regular tea lights. Bring all the votives in for a quick festive element around the table and start this Halloween tradition with your loved ones. After dinner, your guests can take their own votive to light the way home.
