Potlucks are kind of like the Olympics of dinner parties, and here’s why: Everybody has a chosen category in which they have put in years of work. It feels like the world is watching (and talking) about who brings the best to the table. And although there are no medals being distributed, it is a time to step it up and shine.

How good does it feel to stand in a corner as friends and family nod passionately and do food dances because you did the mac and cheese and everybody agrees you killed it, even that one cousin who never has anything nice to say about anybody. Maybe you haven’t yet felt this thrilling rush of validation, but there is still time for you. If you’ve got a Halloween potluck on the books this year, here are a few ideas to get you on the right track. The ingredients are perfect for a fall get-together.

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce

Butternut squash and sage set the tone for this sophisticated, seasonal take on ravioli. Are you up for making your own pasta? It’s easier than you might think, but you can always use wonton wrappers instead. Most recipes you’ll find will serve six to eight, so perhaps double it up to make it potluck-ready. Call it “booternut” squash if you want to give it some Halloween pizzazz. Get it?!

Blood Orange Mulled Wine

Maybe you know your limits and are well aware that you are not going to inspire any food dances in this lifetime. That’s okay because you can still do more than show up with a bottle, and win fans in the process. Replace the oranges with blood oranges and the Halloween theme here is abundantly clear, though we’re not lapsing into anything too cheesy. For added spice, add star anise and brown sugar. It’s perfect for warming up your insides and maybe even putting that one cousin in a good mood.

Fierce and Fiery Deviled Eggs

There’s no shortage of modern spins on this old-school Southern stunner. Mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, and sweet relish give it some hero flavors. And while you don’t have to use one, a piping bag will give your eggs just enough finesse. Make the spice level Halloween appropriate, and the puns essentially write themselves. You really can’t mess these up, and it doesn’t get much more potluck-friendly than a tray of deviled eggs!

Halloween Caramel Apple Bark

Lastly, for the sweet teeth at the party, try turning the classic caramel apples into a brand-new treat: caramel apple bark. Caramel apples are a ubiquitous part of the Halloween season, and this dessert option is a sharable way to make the iconic taffy apple fit nicely into the potluck spread. It’s salty, it’s sweet, and the apples bring a little bit of tartness to the mix.