Games to Play at your Kid's Halloween Party

No party is complete without entertainment. With Halloween around the corner, here are some games to keep your guests entertained, courtesy of Martha Stewart and  games from the web.

Pin The Pumpkin Face

Any child who has played Pin the Tail on the Donkey will pick up this game quickly. Cut out eyes, noses, and mouths from black construction paper. Stick a reusable adhesive, such as Blu Tack, on the back of each cutout, and give a set of cutouts to each player. Place a large pumpkin on a low table or a bench. With blindfolded players starting four feet away (little kids may stand closer), instruct them to walk toward the pumpkin and create a jack-o'-lantern face (without peeking). After each turn, take a picture of the player with the finished pumpkin.


Bat Pinata

Party guests will shriek with delight as they beat this pinata to reveal a shower of sweets.
This bat pinata, created using the technique of papier-mache, is creepy enough to be the center of your party decorations. Just be careful after dark; he might swoop down and give you a fright.

Tip: When using black tissue paper, wear gloves and cover your work surface because the dye may run and stain

Step 1
Paste Layers of Tissue Paper on Balloon

Begin by resting a large balloon on an empty jar (this will prevent the damp tissue from discoloring or sticking to the work surface). Dab diluted craft glue (2 parts glue to 1 part water) on a small section of the balloon, and cover with two full layers of newspaper. For each strip of paper, apply glue and overlap each one slightly before brushing on more glue. After the second layer, tie a long piece of string around center (this will hang your pinata), then continue with 2 more layers of newspaper, followed by black tissue, from the balloon's crown to its knot. Repeat for small balloon (this will become the bat's head), but don't include the string.

Note: This picture is meant to illustrate the technique, but you will be using newspaper and black tissue paper, rather than orange tissue paper, for this project.

Step 2
Hang to Dry

Using clothespins, hang the tissue-covered large and small balloons from the clothesline by their knots; let dry completely (several hours or overnight).

Step 3
Cut Hole for Candy

Cut a hole in top of body (the large balloon) with utility knife, and save the piece to use for ears. Pop the balloon by making a slit with scissors next to the knot; remove. Cover cut edge with tissue and fill the body with wrapped candy.

Step 4
Assemble the Bat

Pop and remove the balloon from smaller piece. Place small sphere (the head) onto large one (the body). Drape several layers of black tissue paper over the head toward the body and around the neck, brushing with diluted glue until neck is secure. Let dry. Draw a bat's face onto white card stock. Cut out features; attach with undiluted glue. Cut ears from reserved piece; glue in place.

Step 5
Make the Wings

Sketch large wing shapes on black poster board, and cut them out. Secure wings to the sides of the bat's body with black duct tape. Paste black tissue paper over the joints to cover the tape. Next, use tape to attach a length of string to the end of each wing. (This will allow you to suspend the wings as if in flight.) Cover the tape with tissue paper. To hang the bat, suspend from body string. Then, tack the two wing strings to the ceiling to make the bat look as if it is flying.

Nosey

Halloween games of disguise survive in many old sources, and they don't necessarily involve elaborate costumes. In "Nosey," the party guests are divided into two groups and sent into adjoining rooms. A curtain or heavy sheet with a small slit in it is hung in the doorway. One of the players sticks his or her nose through the slit, making sure nothing else shows. Then the game leader chants, "The witches have stolen somebody's nose. Who does it belong to, do you suppose?" and everyone on the opposing team attempts to guess the owner of the nose. If correct, the guessing team scores a point and the opposing team must present another nose for their regard. If the guess is wrong, then the guessing team must now start offering up noses -- which, it should be noted, can be very hard to recognize without any accompanying features!

Pucker Up

Pucker up....this game requires skill, speed and raw straw-sucking power.

What You Need
Straws
Construction paper
Bowl

Instructions
Before the party, ask your kids to help you cut ten Halloween shapes, such as ghosts, bats and pumpkins from construction paper. Each shape should be about the size of a silver dollar. Place the shapes in a pile beside a small bowl.

Using the straw as a vacuum, each contestant tries to pick up a shape and place it in the bowl to create the Witch's Stew. Time the players to see who can get all ten in the bowl the fastest.

Tips:
Cut out several sets of shapes and let the players race head to head.

Mr Bones Relay Race


What You Need
Skeleton Template
Printer Paper
Craft Foam & Glue, optional
2 Bowls
Poster Board & Double-Sided Tape, optional

Instructions
Before the party, create the parts for complete skeletons (you'll need 1 for each team) by printing them out.
Cut out all the parts. You can glue them onto craft foam or just use the paper parts.

At game time, divide players into teams of 2 or more and place each team's parts in bowls across the room.

At "Go," team members take turns retrieving 1 part from the bowl to build their skeleton. Players can assemble their skeletons on a flat surface or use double-sided tape to stick them to poster board mounted on a wall. The first team to correctly complete its skeleton wins.

Variations:
For an added challenge, put all of the parts together in a single bowl.

Going over the Moon with Macaroons

Yes, it's true! Macaroons are here to take over cute cupcakes as the latest gifting trend and dessert centrepiece, and about time too! I had my first bite of macaroons when my ex-boss brought some back from Laduree, Paris. I personally prefer less sweet desserts but the colours were just so attractive!

What is this "Macaroon" you say? Well, according to Wikipedia, it's a type of light, baked confection, described as either small cakes or meringue-like cookies depending on their consistency. The original macaroon was a "small sweet cake consisting largely of ground almonds" similar to Italian or Moroccan amaretti.

The English word macaroon and French macaron come from the Italian maccarone or maccherone. This word is itself derived from ammaccare, meaning crush or beat used here in reference to the almond paste which is the principal ingredient.

Most recipes call for egg whites (usually whipped to stiff peaks), with ground or powdered nuts, generally almonds. Alternatively, coconuts can be used. Almost all call for sugar. Macaroons are commonly baked on edible rice paper placed on a baking tray.

Where can you have a taste of macaroons in Malaysia? Here are some places or bakers you can try:



Bite Me!

Babycakes Sweet Shoppe, G City Club Hotel

Cafe Cinno

Levain

Nathalies Gourmet Studio, Plaza Dutamas

Strudels

Party Planning- The Lowdown

Establish the Basics

Organization is key to make hosting a breeze. There are six questions to answer to get started: What is the date? How many guests will be there? Where is the location? What type of party will it be? What is your budget? Is there going to be music or entertainment?

The Date

Sending invitations is not necessary for informal parties. A simple telephone call several weeks in advance is sufficient. For formal affairs, invitations can be sent out three to four weeks in advance, or even earlier for very important events. If you are sending invitations, be sure to include an R.S.V.P. And don't hesitate to call people for responses -- not knowing how to calculate quantities for an event is a sure cause of nervousness. It's safe to say that 20-30% of the total number of guests invited won't turn up so you can gauge how much food to order or prepare.

The Guest List

It could be a group of people you like; it may be professionals you need to entertain. Be strict about the size that fits your space and try to find an idiosyncratic mix of people who would make an interesting ensemble.

Location

Evaluate your space like a critic -- don't excuse a small oven or single bathroom -- and don't exceed the space and equipment you have. If guests will be standing, the average-size room can generally accommodate 30 people, a three-room expansive about 60. For any form of buffet, you must provide seating. Consider renting a place or equipment if your home isn't equipped to handle the party you want. Think outside the box -- a restaurant or art gallery could provide an interesting edge to your party.


Cocktails or Dinner?

Why you are throwing the party -- a birthday, for fun --will help set the date and size. Add to that your location, budget, and equipment to determine the type. Cocktail parties are the least expensive and most versatile. For a sit-down meal, you must have (or rent) dishes, flatware, glassware, linens, seating, and serving pieces. A buffet is almost as versatile as a cocktail party, and the size and price can be tailored to your budget.

Your Budget

Consider liquor, food, rentals, service, music or entertainment, and flowers or decorations to establish your initial budget. Think drinks first, as alcohol can be a major expense. Don't feel as though you need to be as well stocked as a restaurant; consider serving a signature drink. Be inventive with your food choices to limit costs -- instead of fillet of beef, have a Mexican fiesta.

Music and Entertainment

Music can make or break a party but doesn't have to be complicated at all. Match your selection to your budget and style. For simpler affairs, it is generally there for background support. Hook your iPod up to speakers and create a specific playlist. For more theatrical parties, consider live music. Student musicians are a good source for quality and affordable entertainment. If it is for dancing, choices range from a rented jukebox to a hired disk jockey through neighborhood rock groups or an expensive and established swing band.

Putting It All Together

Once you have answers to these questions, the framework for your party is in place --the time, place, and style have been established. Now use this information to figure out the details. The type of party will dictate what you need for equipment, the season can inspire the menu, and the budget will factor into the type of entertainment you choose and if you use a caterer. Outside of that, be creative and tailor a party you would want to attend.

Easy Party Food

There are numerous ideas for simple party foods. Whether you are planning a birthday party, housewarming or an intimate get-together, offering a simple menu can be both time-saving and stress free for the host or hostess. Who wants to be in the kitchen all day long when you could be out mingling with your guests? Keep the food simple to make the day easy for all involved.

First, consider what style foods you would like to serve. There are tons of finger foods that can be prepared in advance and set out when the guests arrive. By offering finger foods you don't have to worry about a sit-down style dinner. Some simple finger food ideas include:

•Chips and salsa
•Vegetable crudités and dip
•Cheese and crackers
•Fresh fruit
•Bruschetta
•Chicken wings

Another option to consider is having a dessert only menu. Serve a variety of desserts such as cookies, an assortment of cakes and brownies. You could also offer a healthy option such as fresh fruit for those not wanting to indulge!

If you are going with a party theme, then have your simple foods fit into the theme. For example, for a luau you could serve simple food items such as grilled pineapple, vegetable kabobs and satay.

For a child's birthday party, serve simple foods that kids will like and you won't have to spend much time creating. Items like pizza, cupcakes and a variety of snacks are always a big hit with children.

A cocktail party is a great way to have your guests mingle and get to know each other better. By serving simple foods that are portable, guests will be able to eat while socializing. A full-menu is never expected at a cocktail party. Instead offer simple hors d'oeuvres and appetizers including:

•Fresh fruit
•Peeled shrimp
•Antipasti platter
•Assorted cheeses and crackers
•Tarts

Other Options

If cooking is not on your agenda, then you could always visit your local market and pick up a few pre-made items. Sandwich rings, deli trays and pre-made salads are all great options. Add some snacks such as chips and pretzels and you are ready to go.If you live close to a warehouse club, there are a variety of frozen items to choose from that only need to be heated and are ready to serve.

Don't Forget The Drinks!

Complete your simple party foods menu by offering a variety of drink choices. Instead of standing around mixing up individual cocktails, whip up a pitcher of margaritas or make fresh lemonade. Keeping the drinks simple will also save you time and energy. There are also easy punch recipes that can be made in advance and served either with or without alcohol. You could also serve several different wines and have your guests pick their favorites. Always offer both red and white wines.

Keep it simple and not only will your guests enjoy themselves but you will as well.

Some recipes for you to try:

The key to making recipes for party finger foods is to have items that do not drip, fall apart or require any utensils whatsoever. Remember to provide serving spoons, toothpicks and napkins for your guests.

Tortilla Rollups

Tortilla rollups are a good finger food for a variety of parties. You can customize them to fit almost any palate by swapping out the seasonings, vegetables, cheeses and meats. The recipe for a taco rollup is listed below; use the ingredients in parentheses for a pizza version.

Ingredients

•5 to 10 10-inch flour tortillas
•8 oz. cream cheese
•8 oz. sour cream
•1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese)
•1/2 package of taco seasoning (2 tsp. Italian seasoning)
•1 can diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained (1 cup diced pepperoni)

Directions

Mix together the cream cheese, sour cream and seasoning. Fold in the cheese and diced tomatoes/chilies. Spread over flour tortillas. Roll up tortillas and place in refrigerator. After chilling for a few hours, slice them into 1-inch pieces.

Kebabs

Kebabs are the perfect party finger food. Virtually anything that isn't liquid-based can be put on a kabob. Kebabs are great luau party finger foods, but they can work for any occasion. Skewer fruits, like watermelon, cantaloupe and strawberries, in the summer. Put lamb, green peppers, tomatoes and onions on a kebob and marinate in a bottled Greek dressing before grilling for a Mediterranean twist. Grapes, strawberries and cheese cubes are perfect kebabs for a wine tasting party.

The best thing about kebabs is that you can make your own recipes even if there isn't a recipe available for something that fits your theme. You could bake kebabs with hot dog slices and French fries in the oven for a child's party or put tofu with raw vegetables on a kebab for a vegetarian twist.

Lamb shish kebabs are easy to make and are very tender. This recipe for lamb shish kebab is easy, requires few ingredients, and is perfect for dipping.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

•1 lb. lamb fillet
•2 medium onions
•salt and pepper to taste
•olive oil

Preparation:

Cut lamb fillet into 1 inch cubes. Generously sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cut onions into eighths. Sprinkle with salt and pepper as well.

Lightly oil skewers with cooking oil. Thread lamb and onions alternately onto skewers. Sprinkle kebabs with olive oil.

Spray grill with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place lamb kebabs on grill. Cook for about 5 minutes each side, or until lamb is lightly browned.

Serve lamb kebabs with fresh vegetables, hummus, baba ghannouj. French fries are commonly served with grilled lamb.


Pecan Mini-Tarts

Skip the typical cookies and bars and put a unique twist on dessert by making pecan mini-tarts. These tasty treats are similar to the pie, but without the mess.

Ingredients

•1 cup finely chopped pecans
•1 cup brown sugar
•2/3 cup melted butter or margarine
•1/2 cup flour
•2 beaten eggs

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line mini-muffin pan with paper. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside. Mix butter and eggs. Add to dry ingredients and stir until just mixed (there may be small lumps). Bake for approximately 20 minutes (oven times may vary), until a toothpick in the center mini-muffin comes out clean. Place on wire racks to cool.

Hollywood & Pirate Party Themes

Best Events specialises in making your party extraordinary. We can completely transform a room using theme props, lighting and state of the art technology. Using a specialised crew we can create a party theme to suit any idea, whether it be a Monopoly party theme, 1920's party theme or a Pirate themed event to name a few. You may of course have your own ideas and opt for something completely new.

At Best Events we like to make everything as easy and convenient as possible for you, so we can supply the complete party theme package. Alongside your theming, we can include a sound system that plays music relevant to the themed event, live acts, intelligent lighting, meet and greet staff in costume and everything you need to compliment the theme and of course photography and videography to capture special moments.

Party Themes Tailored For You

Whatever your budget, we can tailor a party theme to suit and always aim to be one better than the competition.

Our magazine will start featuring some of the party themes available to give you a headstart in choosing the right theme for your event be it for a corporate or private affair, or wedding.

This month we will write about the popular Hollywood theme & adventurous Pirate theme.

HOLLYWOOD THEME

The minute your guests arrive at the glitzy Hollywood party they will feel like they have become stars for the night!

They will enter the party over a plush red carpet with chrome posts and red silk rails.

The entrance to the function suite will be adorned with authentic looking props relating to the early film industry including directors chairs, 3D MGM camera on a stand, 2D vintage cars and Hollywood star cut-outs. Topiary trees with twinkling lights will add to the feel of a night amongst the stars!

As soon as guests have entered the function suite, they will be inspired by the opulent ambience. Intelligent lighting will be programmed by computer to sweep Hollywood gobos around the room creating a spectacular effect.

Tables will be dressed with black table slips, elegant floral arrangement and candles. The black and white dance floor with stone effect pillars and overhead trellis will transform the dancing area into what feels like a set from a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers classic film.

PIRATE PARTY

Celebrate Ye Ol' Talk Like a Scurvy Pirate Day!

Guests step over the bamboo walkthrough party theme entrance observed by Blackbeards crew onto a moonlit beach. You can hear the sea lapping away in the background together with sword fighting.

All around are articles from Blackbeards ship carried ashore to aid in the celebrations which will go on into the early hours.

The sea view is spectacular. palm trees surrounded by fireflies enclose the area, and a treasure chest displaying Blackbeards wealth is on show, celebrating the latest success in capturing unsuspecting cargo ships.

11 tips to get your Year End Party right

Are you getting ready to throw a party and beginning to feel the pressure? If you are, you’re not alone, as many people turn into a ball of nerves pre-event. Organising a party takes planning, planning and more planning! There are many important factors to consider and it’s important you get it right

Don’t worry though; with a little bit of thought and a lot of preparation you’ll be able to ‘WOW!’ your guests. We’ve put together a few great tips and guidelines to get you through the party planning process with your sanity and a smile! And this one goes to eleven…

Step 1 – Decide what kind of party it’s going to be

Be realistic about what is achievable with the time and resources you have. Does it need to be informal or formal? Large or small? Inside or outside? A reception or a seated dinner? What do you need to achieve from the event?

Step 2 – Determine your budget

The budget needs to be specific so you know what you can and can’t achieve. For some there might be revenue opportunities (ticket sales, sponsorship and donations, etc.) but one thing’s for sure – for all of us there will be expenses from catering to entertainment and staffing to printing costs, to name but a few. If you keep good records and plan ahead you will be halfway there – don’t be caught out though, expect the unexpected!

Step 3 – Guest list

Think about who you need to invite, not just who you want to invite! If you’re organising a corporate party make sure you include all the necessary people from all the relevant departments. It could be devastating for the individual missed off the list, so save yourself the embarrassment and double, triple check in advance!

Step 4 – Location, location, location

Selecting a suitable site is more than just finding out what rooms the venue has available. Think carefully about where you want the party to be. Where will the guests be travelling from? Is the venue easily accessible and is there any nearby public transport or parking facilities, it all makes a difference to your guests.

Step 5 – It’s all about the venue

Hotel, restaurant or boat? Is there enough space for your guests and are there any noise restrictions? After all, we all like a good party and if you’re having a good time nobody likes to be told to ‘pipe down!’ Do you need disabled access, do you require a stage, dance floor or special equipment and if so is there enough room? And finally will you need any overnight accommodation?

Step 6 – Catering

Food and drink at your event is crucial. Think carefully about what style of food you want to serve; will it be buffet, bowl food, sit down, food stalls or canapés? What beverages will be available too – if you’re having a reception will you be having cocktails and canapés or some fizz, wine and soft drinks? How do you want things served, and who do you want to serve them? Who clears up afterwards?!

Step 7 – Pick a theme

I know themes aren’t everyone’s cup of tea but for most they can be really good fun! A year end party doesn’t have be just a colour themed party – we’ve done all sorts over the years from Winter Wonderland to a recent 1920’s Prohibition themed Murder Mystery, the Seven Deadly Sins to an outrageous Electric Eighties party. Entertainment, performers, table centres and full room décor really compliment a theme as well and really bring a party to life.

Step 8 – Entertainment

I can’t stress enough how important ‘good’ entertainment is. Research your performers, ask for testimonials and make sure they are reliable. A lot of entertainers and bands have footage or MP3 files online these days which help. Also think carefully about what type of entertainment you want; would you like something interactive like a game show or murder mystery or would you prefer a cabaret or solo artists such as stilt walkers

Step 9 – Itinerary

Make sure you have one, without one you are destined for failure. I have been a party planner for years and believe me when I tell you that there is no way you can retain all that information in your head at a live event. You need a detailed itinerary and all the necessary contacts numbers at your finger tips.

Step 10 – Inspired Invitations

The invitation is your guests first impression of what the party will be like and should include the correct information – your guests will need to know what the dress code is, the date, what time the party starts and finishes, if there is any food and drink available, the address, who to RSVP to and if you are having a cash bar later pop it on the invite as not everyone will think about bringing a pocket full of cash! You can also use chosen party theme to inspire your creation.

Step 11 – If in doubt, call us!

Make no mistake, organising parties and events takes MASSES of time! So why not call in the experts? Best Events doesn’t do this just for fun; we do it because we’re extremely good at it! From free venue finding service, entertainment, venue dressing and theming, bar hire, catering and staffing solutions – you can take advantage of all or part of these services http://www.bestevents-asia.com/

Host a Pampering Party

Your friends come to your house and are led to your private lounge where they are served welcome drinks and desserts. The Image Consultant will impart her knowledge on how to pick up cuts and styles of clothes that would suit you not just at work, but even at home.

The bra expert then arrives and teaches you how to find the right bra to result in instant cleavage. Your friends get excited over the line of sexy lingerie which is then revealed. But that's not all, they then each get a manicure and hand massage while exchanging gossip.

Ahh..but a party is not complete without photos and a goody bag. The photographer takes group potraiture shots and the party wraps up with a lush goody bag consisting of a night robe and a voucher to enjoy a spa treatment at a later date.

Sounds like a party you would like to have? Good news! Best Events is now offering this Pampering Party package perfect for Hen Nights or Birthdays. Call us to ask for more information.

Creepy Recipes

A Halloween party isn't complete without creepy bites!

SWEET BONES (by Martha Stewart)

These meringues can be baked three days ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Make meringue bones using one continuous motion: Begin by piping a horizontal S shape at top. Continue piping meringue downward in a straight line to form the middle of the bone. Finish by making another horizontal S shape at the bottom. Repeat until all of the meringue is used up.

Ingredients

Makes about 18

6 large egg whites
1 1/2 cups sugar

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Put egg whites and sugar in the heatproof bowl of an electric mixer. Set bowl over a pan of simmering water; whisk constantly until sugar is dissolved and mixture feels warm to the touch, about 5 minutes.

2.Return bowl to mixer, and fit mixer with the whisk attachment.Beat on high speed until very stiff peaks form, about 8 minutes.

3.Transfer meringue to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch plain round tip, such as a Wilton #1A. Pipe bone shapes, each 5 to 6 inches long, onto two baking sheets lined with parchment paper (as shown below). Bake until crisp throughout, about 1 hour. Let cool completely on a wire rack.




GRAVEYARD CAKE (by Martha Stewart)

A pumpkin spice cake with bleeding chocolate glaze -- is the pumpkin pie of a spectral Halloween menu. Espresso shortbread headstones mark each slice. This spiced pumpkin cake can be made one day ahead and refrigerated, without the glaze. Several hours before serving, make the glaze and finish the cake.

Ingredients

Makes one 9-by-13-inch cake

8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pan
4 cups cake flour, plus more for dusting
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
2 1/2 cups packed light-brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cups canned solid-pack pumpkin
Bleeding Chocolate Glaze
Espresso Shortbread Headstones
1 tablespoon ground ginger

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Generously butter a 9-by-13-inch cake pan. Line with parchment paper; butter lining. Dust with flour; tap out excess. Set pan aside.

2.Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in a large bowl; set aside. Put butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; beat on medium-high speed until pale and f luffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Reduce speed to low; alternate between adding flour mixture and buttermilk, beginning and ending with f lour. Add pumpkin, and beat until completely combined.

3.Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake until golden and a cake tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Let cool in pan on a wire rack 15 minutes. Unmold; peel off parchment. Let cool completely on rack, top side up.

4.Set cake and rack on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pour warm chocolate glaze over cake. Using a small offset spatula, gently smooth glaze over top of cake, letting it drip down sides. Let stand at room temperature, or refrigerate until set. Arrange 6 headstones on top; serve with the remaining.

WITCH FINGER COOKIES (by Jeanne Benedict)

Halloween party finger food, literally. Form zesty cookie dough into creepy witch fingers and use a blanched almond for the fingernail (recipe below).Makes about 48 cookies

Ingredients

•1 Cup butter, softened
•1 Cup(s) powdered sugar
•1 egg, lightly beaten
•2 Tsp lemon juice
•2 2/3 Cup(s) all-purpose flour
•1 Tsp baking soda
•1 Pinch of salt
•1 Cup whole, blanched almonds

Directions

•Add butter and powdered sugar into a mixing bowl and beat until smooth. Beat in egg and lemon juice. Sift together flour, baking soda and salt and stir into mixture until combined. Cover and chill for 1 hour.

•Preheat oven to 325F. Spray baking sheets with light coat of nonstick cooking spray.

•Form fingers from 1 tablespoon of dough, by rolling dough with clean hands. Use a knife to score lines for the fingers knuckle. Press an almond firmly into the dough for a fingernail.

•Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and cook for 20 minutes until golden brown. Cool for five minutes and place cookies on a rack to cool completely. Arrange on a spooky platter and serve.

MUMMY DOGS

Ingredients:

1 (11 oz) can refrigerated breadstick dough
2 slices cheddar cheese, quartered (optional)
8 hot dogs
black mustard seeds

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. If desired, place one cheddar cheese slice on your hot dog. Then wrap each dog to look like a mummy, leaving a open area for the eyes.

3. Cut two tiny slits in the exposed hot dog and insert two black mustard seeds for eyes. If you'd like to give your mummies entire faces, you can cut a little slit for a mouth, which will gape open a bit during cooking.

4. Place mummy dogs on an ungreased baking sheet and bake around 15 minutes, until golden.

5. Serve with plenty of ketchup and mustard and listen to the kids rave about having such Halloween recipes fun.

Halloween Decor Ideas

Decorating the home for Halloween can be great fun for both adults and kids. Here are our fave picks from Martha Stewart:


PAPER MICE

These creepy, crawly paper mice are not so nice. Stick these unsavory critters on stair risers, baseboards, or any spot where they might give unsuspecting passersby a little jump.

CREEPY SILHOUETTES

As day turns to night, call on candles to cast an eerie glow throughout your home. When fierce silhouettes are propped above them, spectacular shadows dance across the walls.


CLOTHES PEG BATS

Spine-chilling as it sounds, a colony of bats hanging from the highest reaches of your house serve as the perfect welcome for guests -- if you're throwing a Halloween party. You can also clip these clothespin bats onto tree branches or bushes outdoors to greet trick-or-treaters.


BATTY LAMPSHADES

Your visitors will shudder when they spot a bat-lined lampshade as part of your decor. Some of the paper cutouts are suspended from threads, while others are stuck inside the shade.


BALLOON HEADS

Draw simple features onto inflated balloons with permanent marker; choose an assortment of geometric shapes that are easy to create freehand.



CATTY SILHOUETTES

Use double-sided tape to place these cats where guests might least expect to find them -- whether they're ready to jump out of two framed prints or hiding in the window

PRESERVED SPECIMENS

Clear cookie jars can filled with food colouring to achieve the look of formaldehyde. Fill the jars up with lotus plants or even fake limbs and insects. Do note that some fake limbs are filled with cotton so do pick something durable and cheap.

Making your own scary head centrepiece

We know you can make lanterns from pumpkins but what local fruits can you use to make scary table centrepieces?

Here, we've used two easy-to-get local Malaysian fruits the Papaya and the Watermelon.

Halloweeeen Murder Mystery Party

Our favourite party season is here! Halloween, when guests come dressed in all sorts of fancy costumes and taking on different personalities.

For those who like a little murder mystery solving, we have a Halloween Murder Mystery Game which might be to your liking. 20 guests (including the host) take on roles and attend a Costume Ball (your party venue) to discuss a recent "murder" which took place.

The Annual Costume Ball is the social event of the year. The Royalty of the Mage Guild, Were Clans, Vampyr Houses and Fae Court will be in attendance. As always when the Immortal Court gathers you can expect political intrigue, barbed innuendos, backstabbing and betrayal. Not much different than any other day among royalty.

We dare you hire to us for this party but hurry! We only do ONE party a night from October 25-31, 2010 and some nights are already booked! We're dying to entertain!

Pamper Party on Oct 2, 2010

Women just love hanging out together to chat over desserts and wouldn't mind splurging on some pampering once in awhile especially if a special occasion calls for it.

Our pamper parties fundamentally consist of a basic manicure, spa treatment, makeup and image consultation, desserts and of course a take home goody bag for a minimum of 5 guests (including the host) and are typically held at a spa where privacy is assured.

Think this is a party you would like to have? This is your chance to enjoy this experience at only RM150 per person instead of the usual basic package of RM720 per person. We're having a little "try out" party for you to have a taste of what a pamper party is like. Care to join in the fun?

A spa, beauty, health and wellness day out with your
girlfriends and new friends complete with shopping,
inspiration and dessert.

Saturday, 2 October 2010
11.00am- 5.00pm at Ravissante Beauty Shop
(Kindly book your appointment in advance)

Ticket Price: RM150 per person
Promotion Price: Buy 5 tickets for only RM700!

PARTY INCLUDES:

Treatments and Services worth more than RM1,500!

Complimentary Ravissante Spa or Facial Treatment worth RM180++
Pamper your hands with a Ravissante Basic Manicure and Hand Massage
Find Your Right Bra Size with Bu Ra Girls Bra Fitting Consultation
Analyze your body with a Free Body Fat Analysis
Zap unsightly fat with a Free Slimming Trial worth RM348
Erase unwanted wrinkles with a Facial Spa trial at only RM30
Complimentary Portraiture Session by Joe Low of Photics Production
Be dazzled by Finding Snowflakes handcrafted jewellery

Tickets are sold at Ravissante Beauty Shop till 26 Sept 2010, so quick grab your friends and join in the fun!

Ravissante Beauty Shop
A-1-9 Pelangi Square Business Center, PJU 6 Persiaran Surian, Pelangi Damansara, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Contact: +603 7728 2577 or 012 379 2389
Email: spa@ravissante.com.my or
bestevents88@gmail.com

A clearer image of the invite and a map is available on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/BestEventsAsia

Our top 5 Event Entertainment picks

What makes a company event special? The food, the people, the ambiance, the entertainment. So many elements to play with. Let's talk about the entertainment!

When you walk into a party, the decor and the activity of people is what you see and this influences the way you feel. The more excited people are, the more excited you automatically feel.

How do we get guests excited and involved? Have activities that guests can take part in. Have entertainers greet the guests as they walk in be it mime artists, fire eaters or even palm readers. This is especially great for themed parties. Have an area where the guests get to mingle with the entertainers and have photos taken instantly.

Here are our top 5 picks for year end party entertainment this year:

Circus Acts and Acrobats

Who can be bored with the many unique acts? Book a stilt walker to make a big announcement for your company at an annual conference or meeting. It is a fun and guaranteed way to get everyone's attention. Booking a cirque act is a great idea when the event needs something remarkable or to get a buzz going. Make sure you can accommodate for the space some of the cirque acts require.

Celebrity Impersonator & Comedy shows

Hire a celebrity impersonator to come to the event and sign autographs and take pictures with guests. You can even hire comedians to set a light mood for the evening.

Graffiti Artist

A graffiti artist that can create a painting of someone or something with a large crowd watching. Some artists do this type of thing super fast, making it intriguing to watch.

Singing Waiters

Singing waiters is a surprise act featuring three talented and charming singers posing as real waiters before taking the guests through a highly amusing, yet sophisticated show.

Subtly, the performers infiltrate the function as members of the ‘real’ service staff. However, not all is what it seems. To the surprise of the guests, an unexpected story unfolds, culminating in a dynamic performance a la “The Three Tenors”.

Sand Artist

When a sand artist performs for an audience, a video camera would be fixed above the table to capture the process, to be projected onto a screen.

The animation is synchronised with the background music's rhythm and music.
The art itself is environmentally friendly. No art paper is wasted and no chemicals are used.

Year End Party Decor Trends 2010

We organized our first Annual Dinner for the second half of the year two weeks ago and was it fun! Themed "Pajama Party" our client's staff walked in wearing sexy nighwear to two-piece jammies complete with bedroom slippers!

The waiting lounge was decorated with colourful lit structures, a backdrop which looked like a bed and even a bedroom set. The ballroom had plenty of helium balloons and mood lighting.

What made the event successful was not only the decor, or the entertainment, or even the hot emcee but really the attitude of the staff. They were ready to party and they were dressed for it! Their energy filled the air and everything just fell into place.

With companies starting to plan for their year end parties, we thought we'd give a little input on some trends to look out for and some of our fave venues.

Everything Is Illuminated

This season, swanky product launches, retail openings and VIP affairs all have one thing in common: illumination. We're not talking light bulbs, of course, but more of table lamps as centrepieces to color-saturated LED lighting. LED lighting They produce an enormous range of color while using almost no electricity.

Also, think glowing columns, changing mood lighting. Extra cool is that these lights can be pre-set to change colors, or changed by remote control. Event decorators are using them as is or dressed up with sheer fabrics for an exciting palette of otherworldly, gorgeous effects. When combined with equally color-satured lighting throughout the room, and maybe even a matching gobo on the ceiling or dance floor, the effect is truly spectacular.

The effect lighting has on a room, when done properly, pulls you into the space.

You, emotionally, are drawn into a space that you may have seen a hundred times before; but never in a way that you are seeing it now.

Spankin' New Spandex

Oddly, another '70s refuge is back in vogue: spandex.

During the intervening decades, some as-yet-unheralded designer figured out that when stretched over metal frames, Spandex allows light to shine through, casting an uber-cool color-rich glow. Event furniture companies are now offering illuminated Spandex lines of bars, highboys, cocktail tables and cubes. Generally, they're made of metal frames with acrylic or glass tops.

Ice is Nice




Yes, we know you're thinking those ice sculptured swans and hearts but ice sculptures have evolved! Not just for igloos anymore, massive blocks of ice are now being used to make beverage bars. They can even come with laser etched logos specific to your event.

We're also seeing ice used to create "ice luges," artistically sculpted blocks that have channels inside liquid can flow through. An attendant takes a bottle of say, white wine, pours it into the top of the luge. The wine flows down the channel, getting chilled en route, and into your cup, waiting at the bottom. Relatively new to the event scene, luges always seem to be surrounded by excited crowds, not unlike the earliest days of the now-ubiquitous (but still worshipped) chocolate fountain.

Balloons


Some of us grimace when thinking of balloons being used for adult parties but at a recent gala for the New Museum of Contemporary Art, an artist was commissioned to a design a pod of enormous, vibrant balloon sculptures of animals and sea creatures, which hung from the ceiling. And when famed clothing designer/ groovy girl Betsey Johnson held a fragrance launch in her home for a gaggle of newspaper and magazine beauty editors, her ceiling, too, was dotted with dozens of hot pink round balloons.

Edible Centrepieces


A high-end event decor firm in Florida is getting rave reviews from its centerpieces made mostly of vegetables, which use flowers only as minor accents! Think clusters of exotic-palette, texture-heavy artichokes, grapes, eggplants.


For non-vege lovers, you can opt for other food stuff, of course!