So, our idea, back in early September, was that we'd break in the new kitchen by having a Halloween party. We had one last year, and it was a blast.
Unfortunately, the kitchen's not done yet, but we had the party anyways, and we had a ball. Mr. Throwing Spoons managed to get some plywood down for temporary countertops, so I have the most functional kitchen I've had in quite some time. Speaking of Mr. Throwing Spoons, he dressed as Norm Abram from PBS' This Old House; yours truly dressed as the scariest thing I could think of: our old kitchen counter. :)
Actually, if I'd been able to pull it off, dressing as the original floor might have been scarier. We'd seen a bit of it, but when we pulled up the layer of vinyl floor covering it... well, a picture is worth a thousand words, so here you go:
Perhaps the best moment of the night was later in the evening, when I walked into my kitchen, and everyone - EVERYONE - was gathered around my new kitchen island, talking and laughing. It really affirmed some of the design decisions that we made when planning the kitchen. It nearly brought tears to my eyes.
We kept the menu pretty simple, apps and desserts; I'm recording it here for posterity, so I can check back next year.
Crackers and cheese
Chicken wings
Buffalo chicken dip
Curry dip and raw veggies
Taco dip and chips (courtesy of my friend Laura)
Peanut butter and Oreo truffles (also courtesy of Laura)
Pumpkin cupcakes (courtesy of my friend Andrea)
Jell-O brain (courtesy of my friend Anne)
Trash candy
Caramel apples - which looked great, but I'm the only one who ate one...
Assorted candy