As soon as summer comes to a close, it is inevitably the Halloween decorations will emerge. As sure as the leaves turn yellow and the cool weather sets in, you can confirm spooks lurk just around the corner. If you can’t wait for the gobbling season each year you’re probably also someone who doesn’t miss out on throwing an epic and hauntingly Halloween party. Here are a few tips if you’re anxiously ready to plan a “spooky” night to remember.
Encourage a Potluck
The first and possibly most important part of any party is the food. Plan to make a couple of key appetizers (themed, of course) and a punch bowl, but encourage your guests to bring the rest. This is a great way to involve your everyone and take a little pressure off of yourself. By not spending all of your time, money, and effort on being the resident chef, you have more time to set the mood of the party. Plus, more money for alcohol! Everyone wins.
Create a Contest
Do you have friends who like to strut their stuff? Encourage your guests to put in some effort by setting up a costume contest, complete with prizes. Depending on your group, having everyone dress up based on a theme or by letting their imaginations run free is a great way to get everyone involved.
If you want to take the party to the next level, plan a mid-party catwalk so guest can show off their creativity. Halloween costumes are typically an easier option for women, but adult men Halloween costumes are also abundant, so take the time to pick a great one.
Get Detailed
Make sure to spend time and money on setting up decorations for an epic Halloween party. The more you can infuse the holiday spirit into your space, the better. Decorate every area that your guests will see. Do you have a walkway leading to your door? Stage a murder scene with disembodied arms and splashes of fake blood. If you want to turn things up a notch, hide a speaker somewhere close to your entrance and loop screams. Designate a guest bathroom and write spooky messages with lipstick on the mirrors throughout the night. For an added spook, continue with the murder scene theme in your bathtub with a fake murder victim lying in wait.
Have a Few Planned Activities
It’s always good to have something planned to get the party started. Your activities don’t have to be super structured, but you might have to take the reins to break the ice. This is especially true if you’re throwing a get-together with people who don’t know one another. Games are a great way to get everyone talking and mingling.
Scavenger hunts around the neighborhood can also be a great way to build morale and make memories. For added entertainment, make the scavenger hunt items funny and interactive. For example, one “item” could be a video of someone scaring someone else from behind a bush. It can be as daring or simple as you want it to be. But remember, be safe and act responsibly.
READ: More Than A Sound, More Than An Experience
Make a Killer Playlist
Music will set the tone of your party. No party is complete without some great tunes. Classics everyone knows and along with some current pop songs should keep things interesting. Include all the best Halloween hits like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” Rocky Horror’s “Time Warp,” and the Beach Boy’s “Monster Mash” for impromptu sing-alongs.
Halloween is a time for creativity and imagination. If throwing a party has been on your mind for a while, take this as a sign to finally do it. With great ideas and proper planning, you and your guests will have a night to remember.
