REX CURRY/Special Contributor

We thought it was time the jack-o'-lantern got a new look, so we asked several creative types in North Texas to give him a makeover.
Photos: See all the pumpkins

KYE R. LEE/DMN

With some careful shopping, you can put together the ingredients you need to entertain like a pro without spending like one.
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Budget wines: 7 gold-medal wines for less than $12

Slash your party's food budget with dollar-store deals

EVANS CAGLAGE/DMN

Oyster spread is an inexpensive treat.

Faced with slashing your party budget? Don’t despair. It’s an opportunity to apply creativity and a trip to a dollar store to stretch your holiday entertaining bucks. Here's how we did it.
Photos: See party foods and the products to buy for them.

TOM FOX/DMN

Entertaining often includes some kind of cheese tray. While you can buy ready-to-go cheese trays, this is one preparation where you can be creative and introduce your guests to some new cheeses.
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