Celeb Halloween: Snooki gets pickled, Kate Hudson stays home

Celebs of all kinds suited up for Halloween parties around the country -- Hollywood style.

Starting in Los Angeles on Saturday, actress Kate Hudson hosted her annual house party -- where she welcomed Nicole Richie and Joel Madden. Rocker Madden dressed as a gynecologist and Richie as Gwyneth Paltrow's character Margot Tenenbaum from "The Royal Tenenbaums." 

Other attendees at the Hudson bash included Amanda Seyfried, Adam Sandler, Gwen Stefani, Rachel Zoe, and Leslie Mann and Judd Apatow.

At Hollywood Forever cemetery, Adam Levine and his band Maroon 5 hosted a bash with Kirsten Dunst (as a flower child), Seth MacFarlane, Rose McGowan and Mischa Barton. The crowd sipped Bacardi cocktails and took in getups from the likes of Sophia Bush and boyfriend Austin Nichols, who dressed as newlyweds Katy Perry and Russell Brand. 

Nearly 300 miles away, Sin City was treated to bashes from Snooki and Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino from MTV's  "Jersey Shore." Snooki, dressed in a custom-made pickle costume (a nod to her favorite snack), reigned at Jet nightclub on Saturday. The Situation had hosted at the same venue the evening before, forgoing a costume but sticking close to an army of sexy zombies rocking Snooki's signature bump.

At Tao Asian Bistro, Ryan Kwanten of "True Blood" hosted Veuve Cliquot's annual Yelloween, in a gangster-inspired costume, while Audrina Patridge did a sexy take on Victorian garb at the Bellagio ...

Hollywood toasts the new Resnick Pavilion at LACMA's 'Unmasking' gala

Saturday's Los Angeles County Museum of Art gala was one of the biggest nights to see and be seen on this year's social calendar, so naturally the gold and silver masks the museum handed out to guests at the entrance languished in their hands and on cocktail tables.

LACMA had dubbed the evening "The Unmasking" because it celebrated the opening of the lavish $45-million Lynda and Stewart Resnick Exhibition Pavilion, named for the major donors and owners of Fiji Water and Pom Wonderful. And as the city's elite parted a sea of costumed performers from the John Burroughs High School, wearing 18th century European garb, to pour into the pavilion for cocktails, it was obvious that their fellow guests were nearly as compelling as the art and costume collections in adjoining rooms.

"You're divine," Barbara Davis -- widow of Marvin Davis, a former owner of 20th Century Fox -- cooed to Joan Collins after posing for pictures with her grandson, Brandon. "You're magnificent."

The younger set was represented, as well. Kim Kardashian (with mom Kris Jenner), Nicole Richie and Nicky Hilton mingled and greeted friends in the main gallery.  Fresh from a screening of his new film "Howl" in New York was actor James Franco. "House's" Olivia Wilde posed for paparazzi on the red carpet after arriving fashionably late -- but just in time for dinner and a performance by Christina Aguilera.

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson entered the Resnick Pavilion deep in conversation with Garry Marshall and his daughter, while "The Hurt Locker" director, Kathryn Bigelow, and her date studied pictures on a phone outside on the terrace. Carole Bayer Sager, surrounded by friends in the gallery, later received a shout-out from the Canadian Tenors, who performed one of her songs during the dinner. 

Nicole Richie spends a bachelorette party weekend in Mexico with Christina Aguilera and pals

Looks like that Nicole Richie and Joel Madden wedding is arriving sooner than some had expected -- given that the author and designer just celebrated her bachelorette weekend.

A group of famous and well-heeled pals took Richie to Cabo San Lucas, the Mexican celebrity haven, via private jet for a weekend of pampering and raunchy fun.

Christina Aguilera, Samantha Ronson, stylist Simone Harouche and Hollywood hair guy Andy LeCompte were on hand to ring in the occasion, even given custom T-shirts with the date and "Nicole's Bachelorette" written on the back.

In front? "Tickle your [insert mildly unprintable Spanish slang here] with Miss Richie." 

Sounds fun, ya'll. Richie officially announced her engagement in February during an appearance on David Letterman's couch. In April, Madden spoke to the Ministry about being a husband and father.

"I think you can decide to be the best dad and partner you can be, or you can run from it," Madden said. "It's a heavy thing when your life changes. But my kids make me feel good about myself; I'm not really worried about succeeding or failing."

Who do you think had a better bachelorette party, Richie or Katy Perry? Tell us in the comments section below.

-- Matt Donnelly
Twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Photo: Nicole Richie. Credit: Nina Prommer / EPA 

Get the latest news on Celebrity Weddings from the Ministry.

Famous sibs, Nicole Richie help Charlotte Ronson celebrate latest J.C. Penney collection

You gotta have friends, but honestly, it's better to have Charlotte Ronson's. The designer rolled out I Heart Ronson, her latest bridge collection for J.C. Penney, on Tuesday with the help of several famous pals.

At Milk Studios in Hollywood, Nicole Richie, Paris and Nicky Hilton, Benji Madden, Drea de Matteo, Brittany Snow and Lykke Li turned up to score goods and catch a performance by  Foreigner.

Foreigner frontman Mick Jones, Ronson's stepfather, collaborated with her on a line of T-shirts inspired by the band.

Making it a family affair, Charlotte's sister Samantha Ronson played DJ and even busted out a few acoustic tracks (yep, she sings), and producer bro Mark Ronson played emcee. The crowd sipped vodka and snacked on "I Heart Ronson" Crumbs cupcakes.  

After the big bash, stars hit Brent Bolthouse's Tuesday night party at Trousdale. Rashida Jones, Shaun White, Jermaine Dupri and Vin Diesel toasted the designer and her siblings. 

-- Matt Donnelly 

Photo: Samantha Ronson, left, cuddles up to Rashida Jones. Credit: Chris Weeks / WireImage

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Chic and simple Earth Day tips from Nicole Richie

Earth Day is not lost on the Ministry, and who better to bring you efficient but stylish tips on participating than Nicole Richie?

We caught up with the designing mom Wednesday night at West Hollywood's Satine boutique, where she participated in an Earth Day Eve do-it-yourself craft station.

With the help of the Dasani Green Cap program and DIY expert Erica Domesek (pictured -- in green, of course -- with Richie at left), Richie made green crafts and offered us practical tips for staying environmentally friendly.

Starting at home, Richie says "at my house, we use recycled plates and cups. We avoid paper cups for coffee; we turn off our power when we're out of town."

The "we" would be her fiance Joel Madden and their kids, daughter Harlow and son Sparrow.

"Even unplugging your phone charger when you're not using it, little things like that are very important. The Earth is our home and we have to treat it with respect."

For the Richie-Maddens, Earth Day could even mean enjoying time outside. ...

Joel Madden on music, Nicole Richie and kids: 'I'm the best I've ever been'

Despite his same-aged rocker peers, Joel Madden has never really been trouble. No bad behavior with his band of almost 15 years, Good Charlotte; no rap sheet of Hollywood romances before settling down with Nicole Richie (whom he calls his "partner"); and no existential crises over music and how he makes it. 

Now it seems the 31-year-old is in a class all his own. Poised to release a new Good Charlotte record and as enamored as ever with Richie and their two kids, he says he's in the best place of his life.

"I think people have an idea of me, but really I’m the best I’ve ever been," Madden said last week, spending the day with his brother and band mate, Benji Madden, at a recording studio in West Hollywood. 

"I have two kids that are my life — they’re my entire world. I have an awesome partner who is really supportive. She makes me the best version of myself that I’ve ever been."

Madden and Richie, currently engaged to be married, have been an item since late 2007; their daughter, Harlow Winter Kate, was born in January 2008, and son Sparrow James Midnight in September 2009.

"I think you can decide to be the best dad and partner you can be, or you can run from it," Madden said about his family. "It’s a heavy thing when your life changes."

"But my kids make me feel good about myself; I’m not really worried about succeeding or failing."

Indeed, Madden and his band aren't the "Total Request Live" breakout stars they were 10 years ago — pumping out hits and pleasing record execs is not a priority. In fact, their new disc, "Cardiology," was technically complete six months ago, until the band decided to scrap the entire effort and start fresh ...

Star Sightings: Nicole Richie goes Missoni, Zac Efron and Kellan Lutz toast Brittany Snow's birthday

The Ministry has received its weekly intel, packed with sightings of your favorite stars. From high fashion dinner fetes to young Hollywood birthday bashes, we've got eyes everywhere.

Nicole Richie left her brood to brave the wilds of Beverly Hills on Wednesday night, when designer Angela Missoni celebrated the opening of the label Missoni's first Rodeo Drive boutique. 

Richie and the designer enjoyed a four-course Wolfgang Puck meal at the storefront, alongside fashion elite including Eva Mendes, Rachel Zoe, Mario Testino, Rashida Jones and dad Quincy, Amber Valletta, and West Coast Vogue editor Lisa Love.  

The weekend before in West Hollywood, fashion was definitely on the bodies but not on the agenda -- actress Brittany Snow held a birthday bash at Crown Bar on Friday. Pals Zac Efron and Kellan Lutz turned out for drinks and dancing, alongside director Adam Shankman and promoter Allison Melnick.  

The next day, newlyweds Jaime Pressly and entertainment lawyer Simran Singh attended Jason Scoppa's Lo Hi Fi party at Bardot, where the pair sipped Grey Goose and soda and took in a live performance from vocalist L.P.

As for daylight activities, we're hearing things are getting Super on the set of ABC's hot show "Cougartown"...

Nicole Richie, Joel Madden engaged to be married

Joel Madden and Nicole Richie are engaged to be married, she announced Monday night on a taping of David Letterman's show. They have two young kids together: daughter Harlow, 2, and son Sparrow, 5 months. 

Though the interview isn't set to air until Friday, Nicole did flash her ring outside the studio Monday night. Madden confirmed Monday on Twitter that they'd been engaged for a while, and praised friends and family for keeping their lips zipped until the official announcement.

The Good Charlotte singer also tweeted Tuesday morning that they were enjoying being snowed in in New York City: "yeah you all forget we live in LA, we want to be snowed in. Its exciting to us. We are now putting on a dvd. Just let us enjoy this."

In addition to their day jobs and taking care of their kidlets, the two have a charity, the Richie-Madden Children's foundation, and have recently been partnered, along with Benji Madden, in 7-Eleven's Coffee Cup with a Cause, which runs through February.

-- Christie D'Zurilla

Photo: Nicole Richie and David Letterman on a show that will air Friday. Credit: CBS.

Related dispatches from the Ministry of Gossip:

New Year's Eve 2009: Nicole Richie, Joel Madden hit Lavo

Nicole Richie scores an ABC sitcom -- with a '30 Rock'/'South Park' writer

Nicole Richie hospitalized for pneumonia

Want the headlines? Follow the Ministry of Gossip on Facebook and Twitter (we're @LATcelebs). Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ministryofgossip.

New Year's Eve party report: Jersey Shore hits NYC; Fergie and Josh Duhamel kiss in Las Vegas [Updated]

While we at The Ministry hope you were drenched in confetti and kissing a loved one when the clock struck midnight on New Year's Eve, we've got the scoop on where the stars toasted 2010.

Although we told you Thursday that the likes of Lady Gaga and Nicole Richie would be hosting their own bashes across the country, a few surprises popped up in between the hyped happenings -- like the spontaneous showing of MTV's "Jersey Shore" cast at New York's Tenjune nightclub.

Snooki and her lovable gang sipped from a magnum of champagne alongside club owners Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum, as rapper Ron Browz performed his track "Pop Champagne." 

In Las Vegas, Fergie and Josh Duhamel made a united front, hitting the club LAX with her band the Black Eyed Peas. After the countdown, the two shared a passionate kiss. 

New Year's Eve 2009: Parties, pampering, diets and more!

Hollywood is gearing up for a fantastic 2010, and the Ministry has been keeping tabs on all your favorite celebs: where they're partying, how they're grooming and pampering for the big night, and details on those all-important ways to ward off the holiday weight.

Check out what some familiar and fabulous faces -- including Nicole Richie, Lady Gaga, Adam Lambert, Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kristin Cavallari -- are all doing as they gear up for the big ball drop at midnight ...