Dan Taylor

It’s that time of the year again.  The evening air takes on a crispness to it.  The days begin to grow shorter, and leaves begin the annual cycle of changing color, and dropping to the ground.  Autumn.  Autumn also means one of my most favorite holidays: Halloween!

From candy to costumes, parties to pranks, Halloween has become the second largest commercial holiday in the US.  While Halloween used to be relegated simply to the kids and candy collection, more and more Adults are planning  in-home Halloween festivities weeks before the actual event.

Midori Melon Liquer has recently teamed up with Lorena Bendinska, party planner for Hollywood’s elite, and owner of The Silver Spoon, an LA event company, to bring us some helpful tips for planning this years Halloween bash.

“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.

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.”

Halloween specialties from Midori:

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.

My question is, do I really have to wait until Halloween to try these?  Surely a good host would want to do a test run ‘just to make sure’.  If I can still type in the morning, I’ll give you my opinions on both.  Enjoy!