Halloween Parties & Fun
Halloween is a holiday that screams for a big party and some real scary fun. The shorter days in October allow for more nighttime party hours and the cool weather is comfortable for dressing up in costumes.If you're ready to plan the perfect Halloween party, we've got lots of ideas for themes, activities, and games for both kids and adults. Just how scary it's going to be? That's for you to decide.
10 Favorite Things about Halloween
Yes! It's that time of the year again. For Halloween enthusiasts, it's time to begin decorating and planning parties. For others, it's really no big deal. Of course, there's plenty that separates Halloween from other holidays that can't be denied -- things that make this season fascinating and a whole lotta fun. Here's a list of our top ten, favorite things about Halloween.1) Beautiful Scenery
The visuals of the season is what makes autumn and Halloween so popular. The phenomenon that makes the leaves turn to brilliant colors of red, yellow, and orange change the landscape as nature prepares for winter.
2) Cooler Temperatures
After a long, hot summer, autumn's cooler temperatures bring a welcome relief. Not everyone is enthusiastic about winter but it's nice to turn off the air conditioner and open the windows while you still can. Soon, you will hear the leaves blowing in the wind. For those in cooler climates, this signals that Halloween is just around the corner.
3) Decorations
Natural decorations such as pumpkins, gourds, and Indian corn have beautiful colors and help us appreciate earth and celebrate autumn. But, it's the Halloween decor and unique yard displays that add a mysterious atmosphere to the changing seasons. Spiders, spooks, and ghouls, oh my!
4) Spooky Movies
Halloween brings out the best in television if you want to be scared. Whether it's special programming or a movie marathon, there's plenty to watch in October that's suitable for children and adults. Of course, you can rent DVD's or buy boxed sets that have all of the good horror classics. Whatever your preference, October is the month where things really do go "bump in the night."
5) Haunted Houses
Haunted houses aren't for the squeamish but there's a fascination with them that's undeniable. Perhaps that's why local groups manage to get the extra funding every year to set one up. Great alternatives include haunted mazes, haunted barns, and haunted garages. Feeling jumpy yet?
6) Halloween Candy
Halloween is a favorite day for those with a sweet tooth. A guilt-free day, sort of like a "free pass" to load up on sugar. Stores have a large variety to choose from that's not available all year long. It's easy to mix and match your favorites, especially when they're on sale. Cross your fingers for leftovers after the last trick-or-treater has rang the bell.
7) Parties
Get ready for a final fall fling! It's parties galore! School parties, club parties, home parties, nightclub parties. There's always something for kids and grown-ups to do. Hosting a Halloween party is part of the fun but get your invitations out early because there's lots of competition. If you miss the opportunity, an Indian Summer Party is your next best bet.
8) Anonymity
What other holiday are disguises not only accepted but expected? Devious personalities embrace this custom and choose to hide their identity behind their costumes. This adds mystery and keeps everyone guessing. How long has it been since you assumed another persona?
9) Shopping
No, not Christmas shopping. We mean shopping for Halloween costumes, props, and decorations. Need costumes? Just hit the costume section and you'll find pre-made costumes and accessories. Then, look for decorations. Store displays are frightfully fun to look at and give you creative ideas for your own Halloween haunts. This will surely get you into the Halloween spirit.
10) Trick or Treating
It wouldn't be Halloween with out trick-or-treating. It's a favorite tradition amongst children that allows them to show off their costumes and collect candy. Nowadays, many parents are opting to take their kids to school parties or controlled trick-or-treating environments such as malls or church parking lots. Although the tradition is evolving due to safety concerns, there's still a chance that a little ghosts, goblins, or ghouls will show up on your doorstep if you leave the porch light on. Make sure you have candy and a smile ready to greet them.
Fun Activities for Adults on Halloween
Who says that Halloween is just for kids? They were wrong. Adults love Halloween too and this is one holiday that has a tendency to make grown-ups act, well, not so grown-up. Whether it's revisiting a favorite childhood tradition or simply cutting loose, the following activities top the list of fun ways for adults to celebrate Halloween sans kids.Dinner Party
Good friends and good conversation are what makes dinner parties a popular pastime. Add some decorations and candlelight and you have the perfect atmosphere for a delightfully scary dinner with a Halloween theme.
Murder Mystery Theater
Ready for some interactive fun? A performance by a group of actors turns everyone in the audience into a present day Sherlock Holmes when they look for ideas and clues to find out whodunit. Make reservations and look for group discounts to save money.
Costume Contests
It's not about the candy. Really! Adults like to dress up and show off their costumes just as much as the little ghouls and goblins trick-or-treating. The difference here is the value of contest prizes. Why settle for a goodie bag when you can win a cool gadget, gift card, or cash prize?
Haunted House
Some grown-ups just aren't satisfied taking a stroll through the local Halloween haunted house or maze, they want to become a monster and participate. One thing is for sure, Halloween is a night where imaginations run wild and devious behavior is rewarded.
Midnight Movie
Midnight showings for Halloween week usually include low-budget cult classics such as Freaks, Night of the Living Dead, Eraserhead or The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which is the longest running theatrical release in the history of film. Some theaters offer enticing double features that will keep you on the edge of your seat into the wee hours of the morning.
Scary Movie Marathon
If you're in for the long haul, pop some popcorn, dim the lights and invite some friends over for a scary movie marathon. From creepy classics to modern-day horror movies, there's plenty of sources for movies, whether it's network TV, satellite, or DVD's. Better yet, have each friend bring a favorite movies and draw names to determine the schedule.
Get Organized for Halloween: 10 Spooktacular Tips
Ghosts, witches, goblins and black cats... yes, it's Halloween once again. Here are 10 tips to ensure this holiday is a fun one for your and your family.1) Make a List
Make a checklist of everything you'd like to do for Halloween--such as making/getting costumes, having a party, attending a festival, carving a pumpkin, getting some scary books or videos at the library and taking the kids trick-or-treating, safety precautions, and baking pumpkin pie.
2) Decorate for the Season
It's time to pull out your tried-and-true Halloween decorations from year's past. If they're not in one organized place this year, be sure you put them all in one organized place for next year when you're done with them.
3) Find the Festivities
Using the Web and your local newspapers, find out what Halloween festivities are happening in your area. Schedule some outings for your family and enjoy the season. Apple picking, pumpkin picking and hay rides are popular this time of the year.
4) Search Your TV Listings
Search through your TV listing and make a schedule of all Halloween programs and cartoons you wish to watch. If the family can't be together when a particular program is airing, video tape it and watch it together later on.
5) Buy Ahead of Time
Pick up Halloween treats at the supermarket now so you're ready for trick-or-treaters.
6) Organize Treats into Treat Bags
Spend time before Hallowing, placing an assortment of treats into each treat bag (or plastic baggie.) Every trick-or-treater will then get an equal amount of treats.
7) Organize a Halloween Party
If you plan to have a Halloween party at your house, plan for the party ahead of time. Make a list of everything you plan to do, and everyone you wish to invite. Be sure to get the invitations out early. Begin preparing meals and baking before October 31st.
8) Get Ready for Parties You're Attending
If you already have plans to go to a Halloween party elsewhere, determine what you'll need to bring to the party. Will you need to bring food? Find out what dish you'll be bringing, and determine if it can be prepared ahead of time. Need a costume? Begin making one now, or be sure to hit the costume shops early, while you still have time.
9) Send Out Halloween Greetings
Halloween is a great time of year to keep in touch with family and friends. Send Halloween greetings in the mail, or save money and send e-mail greetings.
10) Enjoy the Season
Go outdoors and enjoy the fall foliage. Take a walk in the brisk air. Enjoy your neighbors' Halloween decorations around town. Take some photos for your memory book. After all, this holiday doesn't linger after October 31st--you'll be heading right into the holiday season!
Ghosting, a.k.a Boo-ing
Ghosting is fast becoming a popular Halloween tradition in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and other countries as well. Depending on your location, the new custom may be known as "Ghosting," or "Boo-ing" but the concept is the same.Ghosting is a fun way to spread the Halloween spirit amongst friends and neighbors. This activity can begin any time in October but the first or second week of the month is the best, allowing sufficient time for the entire neighborhood to be "ghosted."
Typically, you will need to "ghost" two people or families. You can do this with the following items:
- Two Halloween goodie bags or brown paper sacks filled with treats.
- Two pictures of a ghost or tissue paper ghosts.
- Two letters stating that "you've been ghosted (or boo'd)" with simple how-to instructions to carry on the tradition.
Letter and Instructions
You can compose your own letter, along with quick instructions, or add an elaborate Halloween poem. Whatever you decide, the instructions should be clear. Two more families will need to be ghosted (or booed) within two days in the same manner in which you've been ghosted.Along with the "scare" kit, leave a ghost or "boo" that should be left on the door. This will "mark" the recipient, allowing others to know that they've already been hit. Below is an example you can use, with the poem and instructions combined:
Poem
You've Been Ghosted!Late last night, we left you a treat. The tradition is fun, one we hope you'll repeat.
Take the ghost and pin it on your door, to let others know, you need ghosted no more.
Now it's your duty to pass on the surprise, to two more families, we must advise.
Gather some treats and deliver them soon, within two nights, under the light of the moon.
Include a ghost with each package you give, along with this poem for the tradition to live.
Halloween Party Planning Ideas
Are you trying to organize the best Halloween party that will be talked about for weeks after your special event? Don't fret... Here you'll find fresh tips from party planning to Halloween ideas that will guarantee your guests have fun.Depending on how much money you want to spend on supplies and how much effort you're willing to put into it, the more of these ideas used -- the scarier your party will be.
Mix and match tips to fit your preference and check your haunted house or party setting over for any hazards your guests may run into. For a safe Halloween party, plan ahead and remove any possible dangers.
Party Tips
Halloween parties make a great alternative to trick-or treating. For an incredible, well-put together Halloween party, it's best to make arrangements well in advance. Here's some party planning tips for a terrifying good time.Send out Invitations
Get your party invitations out 1-2 weeks before the party. To avoid any confusion, clearly state instructions about themes, costumes, and when the party ends.
Have Adult Supervision
For children, adult supervision is necessary for safety reasons as well as preventing any property damage. Adults can help with the party and enforce rules, while the guests have fun.
Have a Camera Ready
Take pictures and arrange them in a photo album to show your guests after the party. Better yet, Buy a huge photo album and add pictures every year, after your annual Halloween Party. It's hilarious to watch how the costumes evolve over the years.
Another idea is to have someone take Polaroid pictures of each guest as they arrive. Give everyone their pic as they leave your party in remembrance of the occasion.
Have a Backup Plan
If you're planning your party outdoors, be prepared for inclement weather. Have other arrangements ready at a moments notice.
Get Help in Decorating
Allow some guests to arrive early and help with the Halloween decorations. This will ease your workload and add some creative minds.
Supply Food and Candy
And plenty of it. What's a party without goodies? Try dressing up your food to look like gross things such as eyeballs, body parts, etc. Make the punch look like blood.
Hand out Party Favors
Don't let the kids leave empty handed. Hand out gifts to game contest winners and make up some party favor bags with Halloween candy.
