These Witch Finger Cookies are so grisly-looking, you almost wonder if they're too gruesome to serve at a party. But isn't that the whole point of Halloween -- to scare the pants off your guests?

The good news is that these cookies don't just look festive, they're tasty, too: It's flaky shortbread and blood bright berry jam to hold the silvered almond "fingernails" in place. Another idea? You could also tint the dough green to make these witch fingers even more "realistic."

When it comes to food safety, a holiday like Halloween can be particularly stressful because so much of it revolves around parties, candy, food, and consuming as many treats as humanly possible. But you've got it all under control when it comes to avoiding scary food dangers. Or do you? Take our quiz to see if you're on your "A" game when it comes to food safety this Halloween.

You don't need to be a fabulous cake decorator to make adorable, professional-looking Halloween cupcakes. In fact, these Vampire Cupcakes are so easy, you could probably do them with your eyes closed (although maybe keep your eyes open just in case). There's cherry-pie filling inside, which dribbles out for a dramatic bloody effect. You can make vanilla cupcakes like the photo here, but I think dark chocolate and cherries is a more perfect combination.

The following is a post from our sponsor, Kmart.

As the air turns crisp and pumpkins begin to ripen, one thing is certain, Halloween is right around the corner! A major component of spreading the Halloween joy is the parties. Whether you’re inviting friends, family or co-workers, your party needs to be the talk of the town! For parties big and small, Kmart is the place to go for all your Halloween needs.

Of course, you would never in a million years guess it just by looking at her, but Martha Stewart celebrated her 70th birthday this August. Her friend, the ever-talented Darcy Miller (who is Celebrations Expert for The Martha Stewart Show on Hallmark Channel and Editorial Director of Martha Stewart Weddings), threw an intimate birthday party for Martha back in July and, as you would expect, the decorations, menu, and favors were absolutely fabulous. After all, this was a celebration for the Domestic Goddess and Queen of Party Planning herself -- nothing could be too perfect.

Darcy shared her amazing DIY decorating ideas on The Martha Stewart Show (airing later today). But we've got a sneak peek now. Let's take a look:

There are parties and then there are parties -- the kind you remember forever, the kind people keep talking about for years.

No knock against the casual party where you just put out a few snacks and drinks. Sometimes all you want is to see our friends in a low-key setting. But for a really special occasion you want to kick it up a notch. Anyone can rent a bouncy castle -- and yeah, it's popular for kids and the parents who want those kids out of their hair. But if you're ready to take your guests on a walk on the wild side keep reading for some unexpected ideas they'll love.

Can you find the Easter egg in the picture? I know, it's a bit tough to spot. See, who said an indoor Easter egg hunt was no fun?! For city kiddos that live in apartments or those that live where there's snow on the ground come Easter Sunday, an indoor hunt is their only option. Sigh.

Don't feel bad for them though ... the parents, that's another story. Trying to come up with good hiding spots around the house can be challenging, but leave it to us here at The Stir to help out. We have the best indoor hiding spots for all of your eggs -- dyed, plastic, and chocolate!

We're hopping with excitement over here -- Easter is just around the corner. What does that mean? Well, it is the best excuse other than Halloween to eat loads of candy and chocolate guilt-free! Ah, Easter ... time to break out your pretty party dress, dye some eggs, and throw your annual Easter Egg Hunt.

We have the must-haves and a few new ideas to make your hunt egg-tra special this year!