Spooky Movie Nights: Tips from a Horror Hostess

Cassandra Peterson, better known as Elvira, has been a big name in horror entertainment since the 1980s. Her show, "Elvira's Movie Macabre, " featured classic B-movies with her unique brand of humor and style. This mix of horror and comedy made her a standout in the genre. Elvira's 1988 movie, "Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, " is still a favorite around Halloween. It's a fun take on small-town life and monster movies. The film even includes a scene where Elvira hosts a movie night, showing how much she loves the idea. Now, Peterson has shared her tips for hosting the perfect scary movie night in her new book, "Elvira's Cookbook from Hell. " The book is not just for Halloween but for anyone who loves a good spooky vibe all year round. It includes ideas for different moods, like a "Beastly, Bloody Brunch" or a "Romantic Graveside Picnic. " When asked about her movie picks, Peterson suggested starting with Roger Corman's films. Corman was known for making low-budget horror movies that were both fun and creepy. Some of his best works include "The Masque of the Red Death" and "The Terror. " For those who love really bad movies, Peterson recommended "Plan 9 from Outer Space. " This 1957 film is famous for being so bad it's good. It's a classic example of how bad movies can become cult favorites. Peterson also suggested some newer horror films like "Sinners" and "Weapons. " These movies have received critical acclaim and offer a more modern take on horror. When it comes to food, Peterson believes in keeping it fun and easy. She suggests snacks like "Trick or Trash, " a mix of Chex, pretzels, and candy. She also recommends "Finger Sandwiches, " which are cocktail franks decorated to look like fingers. The highlight of her spooky spread is the "Shock-cuterie, " a cheese platter designed to look gross but tastes great. The key to a great movie night, according to Peterson, is to make it enjoyable and comfortable. It's about having fun with friends while watching bad movies and eating "bad" food. This approach makes the experience more delightful and memorable.