The Crazy Halloween Dinner Tradition

As you've probably guessed by now, while I love the Autumn profusely, Halloween, on the other hand is a bit understated in our house (still haven't gotten my decor up yet!). However, one Halloween tradition that was started about 6 years ago is one that my kids look forward to each year (I even really like this one!). It's the Crazy Halloween Dinner.

Here is how it works:

Each person is given a menu with 12 items to order which will be divided into 3 courses. On the menu, you choose which course you'd like each item to be served in. However, the caveat is that you don't know exactly what it is that you're ordering...You see, each menu item is disguised by a crazy Halloween name that vaguely describes what it might be. And the clincher? You not only order your food for each course, but also your drink and silverware.

Every year, someone inevitably orders their spoon, a knife, a side dish, and a roll for one course, and the next they have their dessert, a main dish, a napkin, a drink, with no silverware. Yep, a little crazy, but lots of fun! It's especially entertaining when we have another family over to share the surprises with.

The following is a past year's menu and key for you to use if you'd like to implement this yearly tradition! Just click to enlarge, and print.


This year, my niece and her husband hosted our dinner, so it was entertaining for me, as I didn't have a clue what I was ordering either! They were great hosts and came up with unique new dishes that our family hadn't tried before, which made it extra fun for us all!

The most popular and talked about dish of the night? The "Kitty Litter!" It consisted of vanilla pudding topped with crushed graham crackers and an occasional melted tootsie roll that looked like...well, you know what. Rather disgusting, but delightful for the youngsters at the same time!

Here is Blondie determining which menu items she wanted for each course:



A.W. had to eat his "Ogre Buttocks" (ham) and "Sliced Snail" (pumpkin roll) with a knife:



And by the time Blondie got to this course, she had no silverware!

It was a great night, and filled with great memories!

Dinner was followed with pumpkin carving a la "Tim the Tool-Man Taylor"...

and a "Bertie Botts Every Flavor" Trivia game.


If you answered a question incorrectly, you had to take the jelly bean that the hosts chose for you. The most awful tasting of the night? The pizza, ketchup, gravy, and onion jelly beans.

Here A.W. is not too keen on the cheese flavor he just ate!

The Crazy Halloween Dinner is a great tradition in our home, and if you try it, I hope it's a fabulous time for your family as well!

What Halloween tradition does your family enjoy?