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Dinner Entertaining

3 Tips for Conquering Halloween Chaos

3 Tips for Conquering Halloween Chaos #NeverFlySolo @RedBaronPizza #easypizzadinner #halloweendinners #RedBaronPizza

This post is sponsored by Red Baron but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

A certain conversation starts in September around here.

I just listen, sometimes giving applause and encouragement, while other times trying to shield the look on my face that reads “you’ve got to be kidding me, right?”

I’m talking about Halloween and all the chaos, yes chaos, that surrounds it. It’s kind of my own personal “war story” each and every season. But, as the years pass, I think I have finally settled into a groove where I’ve figured out how to make the holiday less hectic so I can enjoy it more. 3 Tips for Conquering Halloween Chaos #NeverFlySolo @RedBaronPizza #easypizzadinner #halloweendinners #RedBaronPizzaFrom purchasing costumes, to rushing out the door, to obsessing over candy that leads to tummy-aches, here are my 3 solutions to making Halloween a little less chaotic.

Encourage my kids to take hold of their imaginations and interests and create their own costumes.

I struggle with the idea of overspending at the store on a mass produced costume that is bound to be stuffed in a bin and forgotten about afterwards. It’s a lot more exciting to see what they come up with and so much more affordable. Not to mention, my spooky little spider witch will change her costume idea a dozen times so, we can’t commit too early. The possibilities are endless for creating their own costumes and more often times than not, the kids will find what they need right under our own roof. It may require a trip to the dollar store or pulling out my hot glue gun to assemble something, but I can handle that. 

Anticipate and prepare for late night hunger and tummy aches. I’ve made the mistake one too many times thinking there would be time for dinner after trick or treating only to realize my kids have been consuming candy all evening, leaving them with a sugar high and an upset stomach.  If there is anything my kids love as much as candy, it has to be pizza. Before the final touches are put on costumes and we head out in the neighborhood, I make sure my kids have full bellies even amidst the excitement. 3 Tips for Conquering Halloween Chaos #NeverFlySolo @RedBaronPizza #easypizzadinner #halloweendinners #RedBaronPizzaOur solution for getting a dinner on the table quick so we can get out the door fast is by enjoying Red Baron pizza right from our freezer. 3 Tips for Conquering Halloween Chaos #NeverFlySolo @RedBaronPizza #easypizzadinner #halloweendinners #RedBaronPizzaThis pizza is always crowd-pleasing and is available in 11 different flavors from our family favorites, Pepperoni or Cheese Trio, to unique pies like Chipotle Chicken. I’m a fan of the Red Baron Classic Crust pizza because it is not too thick, not too thin, with a crispy, airy, flaky layered crust. The sauces are robust and the cheeses are premium. 3 Tips for Conquering Halloween Chaos #NeverFlySolo @RedBaronPizza #easypizzadinner #halloweendinners #RedBaronPizza

3 Tips for Conquering Halloween Chaos #NeverFlySolo @RedBaronPizza #easypizzadinner #halloweendinners #RedBaronPizzaWith Red Baron for dinner, my kiddies will be well fed (and I’ll have an easy clean-up) before the night even begins which makes things a whole lot less scary for me as the night comes to an end. There’s no flying solo with this pizza on the table because it takes the chaos out of mealtime. My kids won’t turn into monsters begging for a late dinner or complaining of a candy hangover as they are spreading out their loot at the end of the night. 3 Tips for Conquering Halloween Chaos #NeverFlySolo @RedBaronPizza #easypizzadinner #halloweendinners #RedBaronPizzaDonate.

Unless it is sentimental or it’ll work as a hand-me-down, I avoid collecting costumes that become clutter in the basement. Local consignment shops love buying costumes for the season. Even our PTO hosts a Costume Craze each year where donated costumes are sold for just $5! It’s an easy way to make some earnings for the school.

“I have too much candy!” said no kid ever, but sometimes there really is just too much sugar rushing going on in the house. Did you  know that you can donate leftover candy? Look for organizations that collect candy to give to soldiers or first responders. Or check your local dentist office who may exchange the candy for healthier offerings like toothpaste and toothbrushes.

Now that I know how to avoid the dreaded chaos of the evening, I’m looking forward to a fun night out with my kiddies.

Do you have any parenting “war stories” to share when it comes to Halloween?

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Comments

  1. Beth says

    October 24, 2018 at 3:40 pm

    Pizza is our traditional meal on Halloween. One year I thought I would be clever and pick some up at the local pizza place. It was a terrible idea because everyone had the same idea. I waited forever to get some “to go” pizzas. Red Baron is a better choice.

    Reply
    • Olive Jude says

      October 25, 2018 at 9:39 am

      Oh, the nightmare of having a schedule and thinking take-out pizza would be quick! We’ve been there too! Red Baron is a perfect solution!

      Reply
  2. Jalisa Harris says

    October 6, 2018 at 10:21 pm

    We love Red Baron pizza especially during the busy season.

    Reply
  3. Amy @ Orison Orchards says

    October 6, 2018 at 7:06 pm

    I feel the same way — Halloween is chaotic! Just like you, I always turn my kids loose and let them take care of the decorations and costumes, and it really helps!

    Reply
    • Olive Jude says

      October 7, 2018 at 10:57 am

      Turning over the creativity to the kids is so helpful.

      Reply
  4. Jasmine Hewitt says

    October 6, 2018 at 11:03 am

    red baron is pretty decent pizza! especially when you dont feel like cooking

    Reply
  5. Emily says

    October 5, 2018 at 8:45 pm

    Frozen pizza is my go-to Halloween dinner. It’s so easy and I know everyone will eat it, so I think it helps cut down on the candy intake a little bit because their bellies are full!

    Reply
    • Olive Jude says

      October 7, 2018 at 10:59 am

      Totally with you! If they are full of yummy pizza before we leave the house, they seem to be more interested in saving the candy instead of begging to eat it all night long.

      Reply
  6. jenna | the urben life says

    October 5, 2018 at 1:33 pm

    Such a great idea to have an easy dinner prepared! My husband and I will be in our first home this year and I’m so excited for all the parties and trick or treaters but I should probably be a little more prepared haha

    Reply
    • Olive Jude says

      October 7, 2018 at 11:01 am

      So fun! I actually prefer staying home and answering the door so I get to see all the trick or treaters.

      Reply
  7. ShootingStarsMag says

    October 5, 2018 at 1:20 pm

    I love that your kids come up with their own costumes. How fun! And it’s definitely a good idea to eat dinner before heading out.

    -Lauren

    Reply
    • Olive Jude says

      October 7, 2018 at 11:01 am

      Thanks! It is a blast to see what they come up with!

      Reply
  8. Stephanie says

    October 5, 2018 at 9:54 am

    I remember eating Ellio’s Pizza as a kid and thinking it was the best pizza in the world. Hehe. I actually love Red Barron’s – I think it tastes like pizza you’d get at a restaurant and we all know taking kids to restaurants is not for the faint of heart, so frozen pizza for the win!

    Reply
    • Olive Jude says

      October 5, 2018 at 10:04 am

      Yes! Red Baron is totally impressive in flavor and I love its convenience. Thanks for checking it out!

      Reply

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Welcome!

Welcome to Olive Jude! I'm Jen...wife, mother, daughter and home enthusiast! Infused with some sweet recollections and a side of sarcasm, this blog shares my creative adventures in cooking, decorating, and entertaining. I am inspired by my mother's belief and attitude that with just a little extra effort, you can make something ordinary into something extraordinary. Read More…

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