How to Throw the Best Halloween Party

Halloween is on its way! And this year falls on a Thursday. You may think, “that sucks! That means we can’t have a party!” 

WRONG!!

Thursday is actually to your advantage! You can host a party on Friday or Saturday. I once threw a party a few days after Halloween on a Saturday and I posted on my neighborhood Nextdoor page that I’d pick up pumpkins people didn’t want anymore. I ended up with over 30 pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns at the party!

As with any party, there are certain things to take into consideration. 

Set a Budget:

Determine the budget you have available for the party. This will influence your decisions on the venue, food, entertainment, and more.

I often set a very conservative budget. I’ll make decorations instead of buying them. I cook the food myself. I host at my home. These things all help the party stay inexpensive, but still really cool!

Choose a Date and Time:

Select a date and time that makes sense for the event. Since Halloween has dark/spooky aspects, I like to start around sunset. This year, that’s around 6:30.

Plan the Decorations:

Decorate with festive decorations and lighting! I used lamps and candles to set a spooky mood! I used toilet paper rolls to make creepy candle stacks and hanging lights (using fishing line!), pipe cleaners to make spiders, construction paper for bats that I taped to the ceiling!

Check out this article for “how to” for decor. PS – the dollar store is your friend! 

Send Invitations:

Send out invitations well in advance to ensure a good turnout. I recommend inviting people at least three weeks before. There are often many Halloween parties and you don’t want to end up with a lousy turn out!

Use digital invitations, such as email or a dedicated event management platform to track RSVPs. And make sure to tell people it’s a costume party!!

Food and Drinks:

Plan food that fits the theme! I used a small pumpkin, lined it with foil, and then put mac n cheese inside! I also used an orange bell pepper like a jack-o-lantern and put hummus inside. By the end of the night it was drooling hummus! Consider having a variety of options, including vegetarian and vegan choices.

I generally provide some alcoholic beverages, but encourage BYOB. Alcohol gets pricey! Plus then guests can bring something they actually like. Making a themed cocktail is always fun! (Here’s a list of some creepy suggestions!) 

Always have water available! I like to put red food coloring in the water and maybe add a few eyeballs floating in it! Just be sure to label it ‘water’ so people know what it is.

Entertainment:

Set up areas for people to chat – maybe some chairs around a fire pit (s’mores station a bonus!) or if you don’t have a fire pit, grab a cauldron (you can normally get them at the dollar store) and put battery powered candles inside. Dry ice is always a fun touch. 

Games are also a good idea. Corn hole, beer pong, and ring toss are great crowd pleasers! 

Capture Memories:

Set up a photo booth so guests can capture memories from the event! Having a polaroid out is fun, but people can also just use their phones (you know they have them!). 

Include some props – masks from previous costumes, witch hats, pumpkins, spiders, eyeballs! People always have so much fun with that kind of thing!

Music and Playlist:

Create a playlist to provide a variety of music to keep the atmosphere lively and enjoyable. You can even find one on Youtube and have it play from your TV! It’s always nice to have background noise to help guests feel more comfortable when there’s a lull in conversation.

Remember, the key to a successful All Hallows Eve is to create an inclusive and enjoyable atmosphere where everyone can celebrate and have fun! 

If you’d like some personalized planning, we’re here to help!

Best,
B