Halloween Party Planning

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays.  I’ve been throwing Halloween parties since I was eight and attending them for even longer.  I decided it was high time to organize some of my favorite creepy ideas in one place so I don’t have to reinvent the wheel every year. 

Halloween Party Planning Tips

Keep it simple.  I always want to make hundreds of cool things, but after several years of feeling stressed and rushed as the bewitching hour approaches, I have to admit that simple is best.  That doesn’t mean you can’t create your favorite intricately decorated miniature cupcakes, but don’t get caught up in decorating and realize 5 minutes before the party starts that you haven’t decorated the house or put your costume on yet.  Be realistic in budgeting your time.  It’s better to make a few, really tasty dishes than many okayish dishes.  And a word to the wise–a party is NOT the time to try out new recipes.  Stick with your old favorites, or plan ahead and give the new recipes a run through before it’s time to start party prep.

Atmosphere is everything.  When it comes to creating atmosphere on All Hallow’s, I listen to what the great philosopher Marley said: “Turn the lights down low and pull the window curtains; let the moon come shining in.”

• Candles and jack-o-lanterns are what it’s all about.
• Black plastic bag bats: cheap, easy, dramatic!
• Fake cowebs
• Creative Creeps: everyone’s got their own collection of unique stuff hanging around that can be used to make decorations–use your imagination.  For example, when I was at home we had this great old barn that practically had haunted written all over it, it was dark and creepy with holes in the floorboards and broken junk all over the place.  It was crying out to host a Halloween party.  Maybe you have a sewing dummy or the bust of Einstein or an old candelabra, a coat hook or ring holder that’s in the shape of a hand…dig around your house and basement for treasures with potential scare factor.