Mexican Folk Art Theme

So I was telling my friend Mari that I've been thinking about Halloween a lot. Halloween makes me kind of giddy (which might explain the previous post about bunnies). Normally I spend most of the summer preparing for the holiday, which is a favorite of mine.

However I haven't done anything to prepare for Halloween this year, which is odd for me...

So I now trying to sort out a plan for this year. I've always wanted to host a party, but never had the time to make it happen. So I end up decorating my domicile and my person but doing very little celebrating. Perhaps it's time to change that.

This year I want to make a real attempt at having a mixer for my family and friends. As I travel on this journey to Halloween awesome I will share with you any tips and projects I use along the way. I'll also try to get pictures of everything : )

Now, I'm thinking the theme might be Day of Dead, Mexican Folk Art, sort of merry spooky.
Examples found here:

I think I want to start with the food items, since I love food!

Here's My Menu Template:

Soup (something kind of orange or red I think).

Soup Recipe

Possibly some homemade chips on the side.

Homemade Chip Recipe

Salad

Salad Recipe
I'm not sure I'm going with this salad, but I am leaning towards it.

Desert

Cake Recipe
Again, not sure if I'm going with this particular one, but I do want to do a Chocolate cake.

YUM.