Outdoor Living for all Seasons – Harvest/Halloween Parties for kids

Hi again! We’ve talked about extending our living space into our backyard and the basic elements it takes to make it enjoyable and fun over the past few weeks. Today I’m thinking of some of the fun ways to use this space to the fullest – parties – and not just for adults – for kids!
Autumn, Harvest time, Halloween all are rich with outdoor fun. Nature provides the backdrop with colored leaves and many harvested items. Cornstalks, Hay Bales, Scare crows, candy apples and pumpkins are some inexpensive, all time favorites. After their trip through the neighborhood your little trick-or-treaters and those of your friends’ can join in your yard for a wonderfully scary trek of Halloween fun. With simple décor such as ghosts made from sheets, spider webs found in dollar stores, dim lighting (if using candles keep them up high and out of children’s reach), spooky jack o’lanterns are great to line walkways, silhouettes of bats, witches or black cats to hide in corners (with some back lighting), add some spooky music and your stage is fully set for some great fun. Since the candy will have revved up the kids you’ll want some fun games to have them spend your energy. Depending on the weather (this is a good time for your outdoor heater to shed warmth) you may be able to combine outdoor and indoor activities. Pin the nose on the pumpkin (tack a large cardboard pumpkin to the wall. In turn blindfold each child and give them a black nose with double sided tape on the back. Have them walk to the wall and pin the nose on the pumpkin), pumpkin penny toss (carve out a large pumpkin, give each child a handful of pennies. Have them stand an appropriate distance from the pumpkin and try to toss the penny in, one at a time. For each penny into the pumpkin the child gets a Halloween candy. Wrap the mummy (divide the children into groups of three to five kids. Select one child in each group to be a mummy. The other children receive a roll of toilet paper and are instructed to wrap the mummy with it, leaving eyes, nose and mouth uncovered. The first group done with their roll of paper wins). Search the internet if you want more games at your fingertips. Wrap up the evening with yummy treats such as hot dogs, apple cider, root beer, caramel apples and other kid friendly snacks. All this should add up to a memorable and safe evening.
I’m sure you can see how in all this planning appropriate lighting, heating and sturdy but attractive furniture will be foundational to making the party a success. Find some great outdoor furniture at either of our sites "Outdoor Cedars" or Teaks n More" (the links are on the right) and create cozy outdoor spaces for all seasons and parties.