How to Throw a Halloween Party

Who doesn’t love Halloween parties? you get to dress up and be whoever you want. Throwing a party for Halloween is way more fun. And it doesn’t have to cost your Christmas present budget. It just takes some creativity and you’ll have a party that will be the talk of the year. At least till your next one.

If you’re having the party at home, remember kids aren’t the only ones who make a mess. If you’re ok with red wine on the couch, hey, that’s your deal. If not, I’d suggest black, orange, or purple bedsheets to try to cover the couches. Or a no food/beverage rule outside the kitchen. Cover tables with table clothes. They make some with bugs or body parts on them. Whatever works for you.

When it’s time to eat, make life easy on yourself – break out the disposable plates, cups and utensils. We have a black sharpie marker by the cups so everyone can write their name on their cup. You can even make it a game by having a cup decorating contest.

Indoor picnic tables work amazingly well. Just put a plastic tablecloth or even old sheets on it and lay out the spread. Don’t forget, you may have some people with special dietary needs. Make sure everything’s well labeled. Halloween is scary enough without a trip to the ER.

If there will be entertainment, serve food first. Trust me, no one wants to dance with a piece of cake in their hands.

Always remember, while some guests dig Halloween and its cool, scary appeal, some don’t. So, make sure you don’t freak out anyone too bad and keep the bathroom light on for the small ones.

6 weeks before the party:

• Make a guest list. Include parents and children
• Make or buy invitation or put an event on Facebook
• Choose a theme for the party
• If you’re not having the party at your place, then where are you having it? Call, book, do it.
• Hire an entertainer – one who fits in with the party theme.

5 weeks before the party

• Send out invitations
• Place orders at the bakery for baked treats like cakes and cookies.

4 weeks before the party

• Ask for volunteers to help out the day of the party
• Plan your costume (You haven’t been doing that since November 1?)
• Put together a box of spare clothes, hats, scarves, and such for anyone who doesn’t come in costume

2 weeks before the party

• Buy disposable plates, cups, and flatware
• Buy balloons, streamers, and other decorations
• Make some decorations

1 week before the party

• Call anyone who hasn’t replied to your invite to check if they are coming
• Plan music

2 days before the party

• Buy the food and drinks
• Start prepping any dishes that can be made in advance
• Make sure camera is charged and has film (do they still make film?)

1 day before the party

• Clear furniture from the party room
• Put away anything you would be mad, sad, angry, or upset about if it got damaged
• Figure out where the food and drinks will be
• Set a low table for kids to eat at. They can sit on cushions.
• Decorate. Use balloons and streamers for maximum color at a minimum cost.
• Do more advanced food prep.

Day of the party

• Child proof the party area and any rooms guests have access to, including the bathroom. (speaking of, is it clean? Like clean enough for your mother in law to use?)
• Close doors of rooms guests are not allowed in.
• Put pets in a roomwith food and water. Not everyone loves Fluffy and Fido. And that’s ok.
• Put finishing touches on the food.

1 hour before guests arrive

• Put on your costume
• Put on the music
• Dim the lights and PARTY!!!!!

Well, i hope this helps. Let me know how it goes.