Here in the Northstate, Halloween isn’t just for kids; this is a holiday the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re partaking in all the spooky festivities the Redding area has to offer or throwing a Halloween party of your own. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Halloween Happenings in Redding

The Nash Ranch has a haunted house that’s beyond scary, with zombies and no shortage of things that make your skin crawl. This is the 21st year of their haunted house, and they just keep raising the bar on scary! This year, the theme is “Dreams of Darkness.” They also offer a 15-acre pumpkin patch, where you can find your next jack-o’-lantern.

Hawes Farms offers a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, a zip line, cow train rides, and lots more for the family. For those seeking monster thrills, check out the zombie attack ride and the “Carnival of Fear”! Hours of operation vary, but both facilities are open on October 31.

Halloween Party Ideas: Haunting Sweets and More

Having a Halloween party? The perfect way to set the mood is in the food presentation. Here are some fun, quick, and easy tricks that will inspire your zombie guests and get the party started.

• Finger Food: Sugar cookie dough becomes “fingers” when rolled into finger-sized pieces, place a sliver of almond at the end to make a fingernail. Lay the fingers on a greased cooking sheet and bake at 350 degrees until golden brown. Eat as-is or dunk them into the vampire-approved dipping sauce described below.
• Bloody Fun: To make a bloody treat fit for a hungry vampire, heat white chocolate in a chocolate fountain and add red food coloring. The illusion will be frightful.
• Monster Mush: Tint instant vanilla pudding with a hint of green food coloring. Pour into small clear plastic cups. Draw scary faces on the front with black marker to resemble Frankenstein. Top with crushed Oreo cookies for his hair.
• Ghostly Goodies: Cut 24 six-inch rounds of white fondant. Drape the fondant over baked, cooled, and frosted cupcakes. Create cupcake ghosts by drawing eyes, nose, and mouth on the white fondant with an edible marker.
• Ghoulish Brew: Set the mood of your Halloween party by making a cauldron filled with dry ice the centerpiece of your refreshment table. Just before guests arrive, pour water over the ice for a spooky illusion.
• Helping Hand: Tint a gallon of water with green food coloring. Pour water into rubber gloves; tie off each glove with a rubber band and freeze. Right before the party starts, peel off the rubber from the hands and place in a punch bowl.

In addition to the snack table, don’t forget to add some spooktacular flair to the rest of your party decor. No matter what age group, your guests will delight in vases wrapped in gauze with flickering LED votive candles. Add orange and black accents and a frightful tablecloth, and you have the makings of a “bootiful” Halloween party that will keep your guests howling for months to come!

Image Source: Flickr

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