Halloween is a celebration that knows no age limits. People love to dress up, throw parties with themed foods, and of course trick or treat. Perhaps your idea of a fun Halloween is a scary movie and a bottle of wine. If you want to enjoy wine this week, there is no reason to sacrifice quality and flavor when it comes to finding a bottle to match the holiday. Flora Springs Winery is well known in Southwest Florida. However, some fans don't know that they also make some hauntingly good Halloween Wines. I've go the scoop for Wine Wednesday.
I've visited this winery on trips to Napa Valley in the past and have always enjoyed what they put in a bottle. Flora Springs has been producing Halloween-themed wine labels for years and this year is no exception. They are out with two new red wines which they gifted me to try.
Halloween wines
I love the label of the wine pictured above. It is the 2021 All Hallow's Eve Cabernet Franc. The wine was smooth, balanced, and went really well with all of the seasonal food I served at a pumpkin carving party this week. It's a full body wine with lots of dark fruit, and even a touch of vanilla. Everyone loved it. $75
Both of these wines are still available but you have to get them shipped direct from the winery and the production is limited. I love finding wines that match party themes and seasonal food whether it is because of the label, the story or the grapes. For me, these fit the bill.
Cool Creative Pumpkin Decorating Ideas For Halloween
Carving and decorating pumpkins is a Halloween right of passage wether you are in Southwest Florida, the Midwest or Northeast. I carved pumpkins as a kid and still do as an adult with no kids around as an excuse. It's messy, it's fun, it's creative and it's a good excuse to have a party. To help get you in the spirit, here are some cool creative pumpkin decorating ideas for Halloween and TikTok Tuesday. Because of the humidity in Southwest Florida, pumpkins don't seem to last long once they are carved. They can quickly cave in to a rotted mess. However, there are some unique ideas here that buy you a little more time for your fall and Halloween gourd decor.
From the time the calendar flipped over to October, my TikTok feed has been full of videos offering ideas for unique fall decor including the use of pumpkins. I love the idea of an elaborate carving, but never quite execute it. Perhaps giving it one go once a year does not offer enough practice.
Although it is Halloween, none of these videos are scary and/or creepy. If you want some of that, check out last week's TikTok Tuesday post here. Yikes. You don't have to have a TikTok account to view the videos. Just scroll down and hit play from this post. All videos are office and kid friendly. There are some really easy ideas as well as some that take a little more effort. You might learn a new trick or two. Check out these cool creative pumpkin decorating ideas for Halloween.
Terracota Trend
I had no idea this was a thing until recently. It's the hot new trend in pumpkin decor. It looks pretty easy too and I love how the finished product looks.
https://www.tiktok.com/@athomewithshannon/video/7149192864910642475?_r=1&_t=8gHlXI1PHjy
Are You A Top Or Bottom?
Serious question? Do you open your pumpkin from the top or the bottom? Did you even think about this hack? They say opening a pumpkin this ways helps to preserve it from decay a little bit longer the a top opening.
https://www.tiktok.com/@lindsayroggenbuck/video/7155659390350167342?_r=1&_t=8gHlOf8cxy6
Quick And Easy
Who knew a cookie cutter could be so versatile. This is a relatively inexpensive investment. After done with the pumpkin, make some cookie dough and use this as a cut out. Killed two birds with one stone.
Creative Juices Are Flowing
Check out all of these great ideas. I like a good compilation video. This might not offer a lot of "how to's" and instructions. But it does offer lots of ideas for inspiration.
https://www.tiktok.com/@spookyszn53/video/7281317089611189547?_r=1&_t=8gHlGiLbdl8
Easy For Kids
This is cute and also so easy for kids. They love getting their hands in paint. This also preserves the pumpkin a little longer so maybe you can salvage what is inside for a delicious pie.
https://www.tiktok.com/@cloudnovelty/video/7284964253176499487?_r=1&_t=8gHlCO7CRbv
