Leaves turning to brilliant fall colors, children in costumes, jack 'o lanterns in the night and the fresh autumn air, all tell us that Halloween is here.  More households decorate for Halloween than any holiday except for Christmas.  There are so many traditions that are fun inspiring us to create the ultimate Halloween party.  Whether it's funny or spooky or both, for children or adults or both, planning a party is as much fun as the party itself.  We'll present ideas for decorating, party favors, and food.

Create ghostly ice hands for your punch by filling latex gloves with water.  You can insert half a red grape or a bit of red apple in each fingertip to make fingernails.  Suspend the gloves by their cuffs in cut off milk cartons so that they keep their shape as they freeze.  Once frozen solid, they can be stored until the day of the party.  Strip off the glove and float a couple in the punch bowl for a creepy garnish. 

Dressing up a scarecrow to greet your guests is fun and easy.  Stuff old clothes with straw, add a funny mask or draw on a face, and there you are.  A clever gimmick is to use a straw broom for the head.  Insert the broom stick down into the scarecrow so that the bristles form the head and spiky hair.  Glue on features and add a bandana around the neck.    

Use little pumpkins as party favors and have a pumpking carving contest, or, for smaller children, let them use markers to draw faces on their individual jack 'o lanterns.

Hollow out a pumpkin large enough to hold a bowl and fill the bowl with dip or chips or other party food.  Set a few on a table for a festive buffet.  This brings us to the party food.  

You will want to please everyone, yet have healthy choices for those who need them.  A tray of raw vegetables is always nice, served with a light yogurt dip or bottled diet ranch dressing.  A fruit bowl is a good idea too, with either whole or cut up fruits.  Serve nuts and pumpkin or sunflower seeds as well. You might want to have the traditional caramel apples and popcorn balls.

We found quite a few articles on About.com about great Halloween decorations and food.  Please do read Gross Recipes for Halloween for additional ideas.

Let your imagination go wild.  We have a few recipes for you that will be pleasing additions to your party table.  Some of this week's recipes are not especially low in calories, so consider your portion size when enjoying them. 

• Mexican Pumpkin Stew
• Oozy Halloween Cupcakes
• Light Waldorf Salad
• Carrot & Raisin Salad