How to Throw a Halloween Party
by Kelli Gugisberg
Everyone loves Halloween. Many of us have grown too old to trick and treat, so we need something else to do for fun. Throwing a party is a good way to get all of your friends together for an unforgettable night. Parties are a good way to let loose and stay out of trouble.
Preparations
- First, write up a guest list. Invite people who will be able to get along with each other, but keep in mind the ratio of men to women. The party should run nice and smooth if the ratio is close to equal.
- Now that you have a guest list, it’s time to make invitations. You can get the word out via e-mail, printed invites or even word of mouth. The invitations must make it clear to the guests that they are to wear a costume. Let your guests know there will be prizes for costumes.
- For Halloween, party decorations are a must. Get some ghosts and goblins to decorate your home. Having decorations outside your house is a nice touch. Fake cobwebs can be used to add a spooky effect.
- Purchase food and drink for the guests. Alcoholic beverages are fine as long as people are of age. Beer can even be dyed orange with food coloring. Non-alcoholic beverages are needed also. There will be people who don’t want to drink. Designated drivers are needed at every party. Make the food simple. Chips, pretzels and crackers don't require much preparation.
- Have a mix of music set aside so people can listen to different styles of music throughout the night. Halloween music would add a nice touch. When the music is turned up, it causes a problem for those who want to socialize. As the night goes on turn the volume up so people can dance.
- Everybody loves prizes. Have prizes for the people with the best costumes. Everyone at the party can vote for who deserves the prize for best costume. Prizes can also be given away for people who win a game.
- Make sure to mingle. As a host, it is important to make sure everybody is doing ok. Ask if anyone needs a drink refill.
End of the night
When people are ready to depart, make sure they are sober enough to drive. You don’t want anyone driving home drunk. Find everybody a sober driver or let them stay the night. After people have gone home, do some picking up before going to bed and leave the major cleaning for the next day.
TIPS:
- Have disposable cameras available for people to take pictures.
- Have games ready to play. Drinking games and non-drinking games to satisfy everyone.
- Buy lots of ice. You don't want to run out.
- Garbage cans are a good idea. They cut down on the amount of cleaning later.
- As a host, have a comfortable costume yet try to make it an original.
- Have prizes for best costume.
Party products:
Kelli Gugisberg ©2004
Questions, comments, e-mail for more information. Kelli Gugisberg
Last updated October 2004