Killoughs: The Next Chapter: Halloween in London

Halloween in England is not as big a deal as back home in the US. Kids don't really trick or treat. Over here, dressing up in "fancy dress" (aka costume) is something they love...any excuse, any time of year, to have a theme party. That's why it's so strange they don't celebrate Halloween. It's becoming more and more commercialized and popular over the past 10 or so years. So it's no surprise that the two Halloween parties we had were hosted by American groups we're in. And we helped plan both of them!

Friday night we had a party with the Junior League at a posh members club in Chelsea. I was on the Events committee and helped organize - about 150 people, fancy cocktails and canapes. It's part of our yearly fundraising to run community service projects. I've met some really nice girls in JL, so it was great to get the husbands together for a fun night out. Some really creative costumes too.

Saturday night was the University of Texas Alumni party. As the 'Events Director', Kent had organized the venue and details for the 8th Annual Texas Exes Halloween party at a pub in the City. It's the main fundraiser for the scholarship the UKTE does, and the party attracted about 400 people this year! A mix of American University Alumni, other ex-pats, and those Brits that want to celebrate Halloween!

As you can see, we made use of the same costume both nights. We found the best sheet you can buy at Primark, added some gold & purple clothe from Portobello road plus the gaudiest jewelry we could find --- and voila -- we are Romans!