Simple, inexpensive and not over the top Halloween. Welcome to my party!

I decided to invest in a pub table since I throw a lot of parties. But this can be done with something as simple as a TV stand. All the tables had purple under-lights. This table has a 23.7 inch top and I used a 108 inch round table cloth. The spider web lace cloth is from Christmas Tree Shops. The acid jar was found at an antique store, the candlesticks were from a craft store then painted black and used black taper candles. All set on a silver tray from the dollar store.

These pre lit branches were purchased last year on Halloween clearance. Get everything you may need after Halloween! The books were a creepy craft posted a few weeks ago and teacups stacked were collected from thrift stores.

Fondue station! To add dimension to your table, simply put some boxes or books under your table cloth. To easily remove wine label bottles, I use the boiling water technique. I like to save my labels but soaking and scrubbing works well too.  The fondue was a very simple recipe and can easily be made into gluten free. 1 bottle of beer, 1 brick of cream cheese and 8 oz freshly shredded cheese. I ended up needing to thicken it so some cornstarch or flour will do the trick.

I tore up some cheesy bread, baked Annie’s pretzels and salami to dip into this godly fondue.

Also on the menu: Pumpkin Dip, Roast Beef Bites with Horseradish Creme Fraihe, cheese board with honey, fig and grapes, brownie bites, caprese skewers drizzled in balsamic reduction and a special box of chocolates from Burdick’s Chocolates. I did need to accommodate for gluten free so ginger snaps, brownies, graham cookies and some breads were gluten free. Find a bakery that specializes in gluten free bread for an unnoticeable switch.

Find inexpensive and festive platters at Christmastree Shops, Marshalls, dollar stores and thrift stores. These can transition from holiday to holiday and will be used year round if you love to host! My night-before trick is to use post its to map out where every food goes so if I need help, my husband can jump right in.

Candles and creepy cloth go a long way and are a very inexpensive way to add ambiance.

For the kids or kidults, have some games or activities set up out of the flow of traffic. For the kidult in me, I keep a set of window crayons handy.

Hope everyone has an amazing Halloween and throws some great parties! Happy Halloween!