AMCK, wander over to the Gardenweb "Holidays" forum and ask this question! They will give you LOTS of ideas and even recipes and such!
Mainly, have a good time!

jaybird - Thanks for your response. Have never been to "Holidays" but will check it out.

For the before, buy maybe three blocks of cheese and set them out with a cheese knife (or any knife) and crackers. Simple but people love this. Very easy to get out and ready, also very easy to put away before you leave. And it goes great with wine or cocktails.

The coffee/tea with bite size desserts is perfect. I'd set all of it up before the "before" party. Have the cups, spoons, small plates for dessert, sugar, tea bags all set out. Put the coffee & water in the coffee maker so that all you have to do is plug it in when you get home.

For the desserts I'd do brownies and something non-chocolate like lemon bars. Have them already cut up and on serving trays or platters, and take them out of the fridge just as you are leaving before the event. That way they'll be able to come to room temperature and all you'll have to do is take off the saran wrap (or whatever) and say, "voilà !".

Thanks for the suggestions, lowspark. Your post just reminded me to pick up the coffee urn from my sister's house. We all use a French press for everyday coffee, but my Mom, sister & I "share" the big perk pot for these occasions.

amck, an easy non-expensive appetizer is always the T&T block of cream cheese at room temperature with a jalapeno or spicy/savory jelly poured over, served with crackers. It goes so well with wine & liquor & always disappears. I'm making it at Thanksgiving with a spicy cranberry sauce (see following). I like lowspark's suggestion of brownies & lemon bars.

For decorating, a couple of potted mums & maybe some fall-colored leaves would be nice & not elaborate.

Have fun!

CRANBERRY JEZEBEL SAUCE
Yield: 2 1/2 cups Can be made ahead

1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 (12 oz) bag fresh or frozen cranberries
3 Tbsp prepared horseradish
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
Combine first 3 ingredients in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat. Add cranberries, and return to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let cool to room temp.
Stir in horseradish and mustard; cover and chill. Garnish, if desired. Serve with beef or pork; or spoon over cream cheese, and serve with crackers.
Sauce may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to two weeks.

kathleenca- That sauce sounds delicious, is seasonal, and I can prepare it ahead - yeah! Thanks for posting.

The Royal Cider Grog is an afforable drink and you could always have it with out the alcohol and it will be a hit!

http://www.hostesswiththemostess.com/themes/halloween/playful_mod_halloween_party/drinks

Here is a link that might be useful: Hostess With The Mostess