I took last week off from the farm to focus on a few things around the house — and to prepare for something brand new: our very first Halloween party at home.
When I first floated the idea, I imagined maybe 15 kids, some parents, and an easy evening of chili and caramel apples. But as the RSVPs rolled in and the list grew to over 30 kids (and their parents), I had that oh no, what have I done? Moment.
We decided on a chili bar and a caramel apple station — because, of course, why not make things sticky and spicy? I’d hosted events during my Air Force years, but back then I had at least a three-person team. This time, it was just me, a few lists, and a prayer.
The week leading up to the party was a blur of chopping vegetables, scrubbing floors, and rearranging breakables. I prepped the chili ingredients the day before so I could toss everything into crockpots the morning of. I cleaned one or two rooms each day to avoid the last-minute chaos. A friend loaned us hay bales and cornstalks for the photo area, which I decorated with scarecrows and fall flowers. It all looked perfect… until the sun sets at 5:30 as guests started to arrive and no one could actually see the photo area. Lesson learned.
When the day finally came, our home filled with laughter, the smell of chili, and the squeals of costumed kids. Parents mingled, some reconnecting after not seeing each other for a while, and others (like me) were just thankful to be part of a warm community.
There were hiccups, of course. One child managed to pull down my blinds mid-scavenger hunt, another spilled caramel, and someone tracked in dog-poo on their shoe (which was a lovely smell!). But for every small mishap, there was a mom ready to help — fixing blinds, running games, comforting crying kids. That sense of community made every ounce of pre-party stress worth it. During the event, I can honestly say I wasn’t as stressed as I thought.
When all was said and done, my husband surprised me by saying, “That went really well. We should do it again next year. But bigger.” I nearly dropped my dish towel in shock — but I had to agree. It wasn’t perfect, but it was beautiful in all the right ways.
So, while I initially thought I was planning a simple fall party, God used the experience to teach me a few things about preparation, peace, and letting go of perfection. Here are a few of the lessons I’m carrying forward:
Lessons Learned From Our First Halloween Harvest Event
- Preparation is everything. I’m grateful for the early prep that made the day smoother.
- A well-organized space matters. Chili in the kitchen, desserts in the dining room, extra trash bins — it all helped.
- Focus on the experience. We had games, crafts, and coloring for the kids — and a little breathing room for the adults.
- Ask for help. Community is a gift. Let others bless you with their presence and their hands.
What I'm Thankful About
- My family, who helped clean and prep.
- Moms who brought food — cornbread, cake, fruit, and veggies.
- Friends who loaned crockpots, hay bales, and even sparkling juice.
- Those who stepped in to help when things went sideways.
Of course, not everything went perfectly — and that’s okay. Hosting anything (especially with kids involved!) rarely goes exactly as planned. But those imperfect moments are often the ones that teach us the most.
What I'll Do Differently During the Next Halloween Harvest
- Start earlier so the photo area isn’t hidden by darkness.
- Keep the caramel supervised at all times. It didn’t burn but it was close!
- Have more outside game options for both inside / outside.
Finding Grace in Hospitality
Looking back, the night wasn’t perfect — but it was full of grace. There was laughter, teamwork, kindness, and connection. And that’s what hospitality is really about: not creating flawless moments, but opening our homes and hearts to the people God places in our path.
Hosting this party reminded me that joy doesn’t come from having everything together — it comes from showing up, making space for others, and trusting that even the sticky caramel and toppled blinds can still point to something beautiful.
As I cleaned up that night, I realized something: hospitality doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. The spilled caramel, crooked decorations, and burnt-out candles didn’t matter. What mattered was the laughter echoing through the house — and the reminder that opening our doors opens our hearts, too.
Scripture Highlight: Romans 12:13 says, “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
That verse feels alive to me now — sticky caramel and all.
