After more than a year of isolation and forced distance from loved ones, the prospect of returning back to normal is exciting. It looks like by the fall we’ll be able to do nearly everything we could do pre-pandemic, and just in time for Halloween! This means it’s time to dust off that party-planning hat and start putting together the perfect Halloween party. Follow these 6 steps to throw a Halloween event your guests will never forget.
Decide the vibe
So, you’ve decided to plan a Halloween party. But what kind of party are you going to throw? The first step to planning any great party is to decide what kind of vibe you’re hoping to create at the event. Will it be a swanky dinner party or a loud and rowdy house party? Consider who you’re hoping to invite and where the party will be held. Most important of all, plan the Halloween party that you would like to attend! Hosting a party takes a lot of time and energy, so make sure to plan a party where you’ll have a good time, too.
Build a guest list
Once you’ve decided what kind of party you’re having, start to put together a guest list. This may be somewhat dictated by the type of party you’ve decided to throw. A dinner party will have a smaller, more intimate guest list than a block party. It all depends on what you’re going for!
Pro-tip: If there are families coming, plan to incorporate some kid-friendly activities, or consider hiring a babysitter for the party so that parents can enjoy the night with everyone else.
Plan a costume contest
The best part of a Halloween party is the built-in theme, but not everyone likes to get dressed up. Incentivize participation by adding a costume contest to your party, and raise the stakes by offering a cash prize. To lower the cost for yourself, we suggest asking each of your guests to contribute a small amount to the pot (No more than $5, it’ll add up quickly).
When the time comes, have the crowd judge the competition and award the spoils to the winner. And dressing up isn’t just for the ladies! With so many great men’s Halloween costumes out there, your guy friends have no excuse this year. Add a gender category to the night to encourage them to join the fun.
Provide themed drinks and snacks
Adding a seasonal flair to the food at your party adds another level of Halloween spirit. If you’re hoping for a more upscale mood, pair food with spooky cocktails before the meal or order some custom printed cookies if it’s more of a family affair. If it’s a larger group, or you’re on a budget, red or green food coloring gives any mixed drink or punch a perfect ghoulish vibe without breaking the bank.
Decorate
The decor of your party will set the mood of your Halloween event from the second your guests walk through the door. Don’t be afraid to go all out! Give your home a creepy (in a fun way) energy by renting a fog machine or let the kids contribute with a decoration station. Trust us, if you make your home inviting by decorating inside and out, we guarantee your friends will never want to leave!
Have fun!
The last and most important part of planning a party is to have fun. Hosting a party can be stressful, but when it comes time, make sure you let loose! The party will be more fun for everyone if you’re having fun, too.
Start planning early to get a head start on Halloween and put together an unforgettable seasonal party. If you follow our 6 steps to throwing the perfect Halloween party, we know that you and your guests will have a blast!
