Celebrating Sisterhood With a Halloween Twist

What started as a one-time event inspired by the movie Practical Magic has turned into a Halloween ritual for a handful of Greater Brandon friends, who keep their names secret but share freely their tips for hosting a "Witches Brew" party for sisterhood bonding. 

Each year the scene is set to reflect the season, a room outfitted with Halloween decorations and a table abundantly supplied with treats, such as Mummy Dogs, Scream Beans, Deviled Eggs, Spider Cakes and Gooey Spaghetti.

• See Halloween Recipes for Party Treats

But it’s the camaraderie among friends, the bond of sisterhood, that unites them; that draws this group of women to their annual “Witches Brew.” Their ritual started four years ago after a viewing of the 1998 fantasy film starring Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Stockard Channing and Diane Wiest.

In Brandon, for this local group of friends, the Witches Brew involves a sit-down, formal dinner, with real plates and silverware; nothing plastic or paper. The table is rich with decorations, resplendent with both the colors and themes of the season.

Jennifer, who asked that her last name not be printed, said that magic aside, witches notwithstanding, what struck her most about the movie was its focus on the strength of sisterhood in overcoming the obstacles in your way, the ridicule that blocks your way, as you forge your path to the future.

“It’s a very spiritual night for us,” she said. “It’s almost like New Year’s Eve, when you’re making your resolutions.” Only at the Witches Brew, she added, you state your intentions dressd up as witches, coming together across the cauldron.

“What else do you want to dress up as, a mummy? Withes are sexy, and fun," Jennifer said. "This is not your typical bad witch, with a wart on her nose, like in The Wizard of Oz. It’s more like a good witch, a practical witch, coming together to share stories and to help each other as friends."

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