Tips for a Romantic Halloween

Though some people may not believe it, Halloween is actually one of the world's sexiest holidays. Think about it: you get to dress up and pretend to be someone else, the lighting is usually dim, and everything's just spooky enough to make you snuggle closer to your sweetie. Whether you love to be scared, or enjoy a good role-playing scenario, Halloween is the perfect time to try on different personas and play. Here are just a few tips for getting your Halloween freak on.

Candy is dandy...
Who doesn't love candy? Halloween is all about sweets, and lots of them, so be sure to have plenty of chocolate on hand. Though the drugstore variety is good in a pinch, if you really want to impress your date, show up with a box of gourmet chocolates like gorgeous Marie Belle, delicious Godiva, or exotic Vosges.

...But liquor is quicker
Of course, a romantic evening at home wouldn't be complete without a good Halloween-themed cocktail to start things off! Epicurious.com has lots of great drink recipes to choose from, whether you're in the mood for a classic Bloody Mary or an ultra-strong Corpse Reviver. If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, they've also got tons of great punch recipes, including one for a spectacular Witches Brew.

Frightening food
While we're on the subject of food, what about a Halloween-themed dinner party? For those that love to cook, Epicurious offers a great Halloween menu, with everything from Deviled Eggs (and other deviled items like crab cakes, fried chicken and potatoes) to Fettucine with Pumpkin, Shiitakes and Mascarpone. Adventurous eating, ahoy!

Graveyard picnic
Though it may sound a bit creepy, a graveyard picnic can be a romantic Halloween activity. Bring a bottle of wine, a few snacks and a blanket to lie on, and you're all set. To add to the mood, bring a flashlight and a copy of Edgar Allen Poe's classic Halloween poem, "The Raven," and take turns reading aloud. Or tell each other your own scary stories, and then snuggle up close when you spook yourselves out.