Planning a pirate party? Food is a big part of the fun! We've got you covered with simple ideas that make a big impact without adding stress to the ship's cook. In fact, mini-pirates can put most of these together themselves. (Or maybe they're too busy swabbing the deck?!)
![Pirate party food ideas](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/c2954cbb-3622-4cd7-9f68-6497c7a53735.jpg)
Hot Dog Ships
For the world's easiest transformation of turning hotdogs into a fleet of pirate ships, simply cut out squares of paper for the sails and poke them through an extra-long toothpick. Make flags (or find printables online), glue to the top of the toothpick and affix the sails.
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
![pirate ship hot dogs](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/c5074ff8-4c33-459c-b048-7f64893d1468.jpg)
Treasure Map Pizza
Use your favorite pizza recipe for this one, gently shaping the dough into a rectangle. Add sauce and cheese and bake before adding a sliced olive trail, pretzel-broccoli trees, a bell pepper boat and of course an "X" to mark the spot.
![treasure map pizza](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/ea071215-65d9-4329-9bec-0421e123fe88.jpg)
Man-Eating Octopus Veggie Tray
All you need to make this deceptively simple veggie tray is two bell peppers, two googly eye stickers and a plate of raw vegetables. The "head" is one whole bell pepper with the stem trimmed off. Cut the second pepper into eight strips and stick on your googly eyes for a dramatic effect in minutes.
![Man-Eating Octopus Veggie Tray](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/6efe75e8-0af8-4b95-b8fe-6ee06403d09c.jpg)
Crocodile Blood
Pour Yer Poison. Pirates' Bloody Brew. Yo, Ho, Ho & This Bottle of Rum. Any red punch will do for this toe-curling drink — the effect is all about placing a sign next to your jug once you decide on a name.
![Crocodile Blood](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/e6e2d478-91a1-4b0d-97da-f71e405b43b8.jpg)
Shark Bait
Doing double duty for adding to the maritime theme and offering a familiar food to any less-than-adventurous eaters, you can never go wrong with these famously shaped crackers.
![sea dwellers goldfish crackers](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/e228d06f-268c-40d0-b858-ebdc855fe092.jpg)
Tip
Paper cupcake liners make easy (and inexpensive) serving cups.
Dead Men's Fingers
Mini sausages make a perfectly creepy pop of protein for party tables that are usually loaded with sweets.
![dead men's fingers](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/4deab8d5-c711-4fa3-8e1b-4932836841f4.jpg)
Shark Teeth Cheese
With one carefully placed sign, white cheddar cheese wedges instantly become a spooky snack.
![shark teeth cheese](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/c625936f-707b-4002-a17b-c0ad9f03bd1f.jpg)
Tip
To make flags, fold a piece of paper in half then cut twice to make a triangle. Use glue to fasten onto an extra-long toothpick.
Sweet Sea Creatures
Nothing rounds out a swashbuckling buffet like fish-shaped candies or chocolates with golden wrappers. Arrange on a platter or scatter throughout the serving area.
![sea creatures candy](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/fffc3f40-e1e8-4fcf-b3b7-948716d55a3e.jpg)
Pirate Booty Favors
Bundle gold-wrapped candies in treat bags with a ribbon to send every pirate home with a smile.
![pirate booty favors](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/f790fd77-8996-4c91-ab81-583fc3cb3bcd.jpg)