Halloween Party Planning Tips

MIDORI(R) MELON LIQUEUR AND PARTY PLANNER TO THE STARS CREATE THE ULTIMATE HALLOWEEN BASH ... FOR ADULTS!

From candy to costumes, Halloween has become the second-biggest commercial holiday in the United States. And now, more than ever, adults are partaking in the fun by dressing up and hosting Halloween parties in their own homes. With this spooktacular holiday only weeks away, the time has come to start planning. And, in an effort to help the host, Midori(R) Melon Liqueur has teamed up with Lorena Bendinskas, party planner to the stars and owner of The Silver Spoon, a Los Angeles event production company, to reveal the ins and outs of creating the ultimate at-home Halloween bash for adults.

"Food and beverages are crucial to throwing a killer party, so be sure to put them at the top of your list," says Lorena. "You can get creative and keep costs down by adding a festive flair to simple finger foods." For example, cut pigs in a blanket in half and add a touch of ketchup to the ends to create a creepy toe nail effect.

For beverages Lorena says to "stick to colorful liqueurs or juices to brighten up the room. Use black licorice as a festive garnish or an unexpected, but delicious drink stirrer." And when the clock strikes twelve, awaken spirits with a touch of Midori, the melon flavored liqueur by Suntory. Its bright color will light up the bar and add a festive green glow to a midnight toast. Here are some Halloween recipe suggestions:

  MIDORI's Witch's Cauldron Punch
 1 750ml bottle of MIDORI Melon Liqueur
 63 oz. Orange Juice
 12 oz.  SKYY(R) Vodka
 32 oz.  Club Soda

Mix all ingredients into a punch bowl or cauldron. Stir and serve with a spoon or ladle. Serves 15- 20

  MIDORI Phantom
 1 oz. MIDORI Melon Liqueur
 1 oz. Pernod
 1/2 oz. Water
 1 egg white

Pour 1 oz. MIDORI into the bottom of a champagne flute. Shake the Pernod and water, and pour on top of the MIDORI layer. Add the foam of one egg white. Use a dash of MIDORI to create green foam.

As for decor, Lorena says, "Remember to keep the theme consistent throughout all elements of the party. Light the bathroom with scented pumpkin candles and drape all mirrors with faux spider webs." Increase the fright factor with a fog machine at the entrance or life size skeleton that just happens to be sitting on the living room couch.

If you're looking for just the essentials, here are a few items which according to Lorena, will add just the right touch:

  -- Pumpkin Place Mats
    $42 set of 4 at Williams Sonoma

 -- Faux Glitter Candelabra
    $59.95 at http://www.zgallerie.com/

 -- Skull Cocktail Shaker and Double Old-Fashioned Glasses
    $19.00 at Pottery Barn

 -- Michael Jackson's Thriller 25th Anniversary Edition CD
    $17.86 at Tower Records

 -- Spiced Pumpkin Scented Candle
    $24.99 for a 22 oz. jar by Yankee CandleFor more party tips and recipes
    log onto http://www.midoriusa.com/