Hi, my name is Shay and I’ll use any excuse to make it a party. Including pumpkin carving.
I just cannot get enough holiday stuff in my life. I cram it in like there’s no tomorrow and one of my favorite October traditions is when we carve those jack-o-lanterns. So, I thought I’d make a special menu for the night to make it seem even more fun (plus, the menu is easy so you don’t have to fuss with food while you’re carving).
This got me reminiscing, so I thought I’d share a pic from four years ago when we carved our pumpkins. Where did my babies go?! They’ve gotten so big!
Instead of just carving your pumpkins, make it an extra special affair (we play spooky music while we do it!). Here’s a spooktacular menu to go along with your evening…
Bacon Wrapped Smokies are one of my kiddos’ favorite appetizers. I love them because they can be prepared in advance and then just popped in the oven (or you can eat them room temp). These will go like crazy!
Brunswick Stew is one of our all-time favorite suppers to make around Halloween. The best part? It’s made in the slow cooker, so you don’t have to do any of the work right at dinnertime.
If you’re not into stew, try my Three Bean Chili. It’s also made in the slow cooker! #easypeasy
My Avocado & Orange Salad rounds things out for a side. Any salad will work, but my kids are crazy about avocados, so this one is popular at my house.
For dessert, either dip gingersnaps into my delicious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Dip (again, made in advance so that you don’t have to fuss with it on carving day!) or…
…have some of my Candy Corn Cookies ready to be eaten (or you can decorate them as a family after you carve your Jacks!).
Happy Friday, friends!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Are kids into avocados nowadays? That’s great, it’s so healthy!
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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Erika Slaughter says
How fun is this?!! GREAT idea!!
Alexis deZayas says
What a fun menu! Carving pumpkins and decorating cookies sounds like the best night!
Narci says
What fun!! That dip looks delicious! Yum!!
Angela Ellingson says
I love that you make every celebration special! Great menu!
Laura @ Laura Likes Design says
This has me craving chili! Might have to make some this weekend!
LauraLikesDesign.com/Blog
Melissa D. says
Your Three Bean Chili has been on rotation at our house ever since my oldest (who detests any sort of bean) went back to college this fall! The rest of us look forward to it a couple times per month! Thanks for making such a delicious and super-easy recipe to share!
Meredith says
I just love your blog. It’s so fun! I literally save your emailed posts for fun reads when I get five minutes to myself. I also make a bunch of your dinner recipes, and they’re so yummy and family-friendly. Thanks!
Paula says
Pumpkin carvi g in Christmas pj’ s. Priceless!
Analeigh says
We did this growing up with spooky music and yummy treats. Side note, Is your adorable family complete with 4 kids?! Are you thinking of a 5? Such adorable babies! Love all the pictures! 🙂