Hosting a Halloween party is particularly fun as it is a chance to show off just how creative you can be with a spooky theme.
Below are some tips to make your next Halloween party one for the ages.
Tip # 1. Get clever with space
I was looking for a creative way to get photo happy, while still having ample space for party goers, so I made the unconventional move to turn my shower into a photo booth! I hung up a plastic table cloth and hung up a few spooky decorations over my shower rod, and voila!
Tip #2 - Pay attention to the little details
Make your party extra memorable by incorporating the small touches into your decor and hosting. Taking the time to carve a few pumpkins, or adding decorations to unexpected places, or crafting some themed drinks/ desserts will go a long way impressing people.
Tip #3 - Host a costume contest
Not only does hosting a costume contest encourage your guests to get dressed up for your party, but it adds another element of engagement for your guests. Use a polaroid camera and a sheet of poster board to display pictures of everyones costumes, and then have people cast paper ballots with the costumes they like best. For additional fun, make or buy trophies/ prizes for the winners.
Tip #4 - Find creative ways to hide your clutter
I have an open closet/ shelving system in my apartment and sometimes it can look a bit messy, so I was looking for a way to hide anything that would look untidy. I bought a 40ft wall paper roll from Party City that looked like the inside of a haunted hotel, and tapped it up over my shelves, closets, and everything else that distracted from the ambiance of the party. Not only did it hide my personal belongings (and any clutter that I couldn't hide), but it also elevated the decor of the party substantially.
Tip #5 - Prepare for the worst case scenario
When planning a party, always plan for the worst case scenario.
For instance, I planned to host my party outside, which meant that the chance of rain showers running the party was likely. To anticipate any rain, I rigged up a plastic tarp and some bungee cords so that I could quickly cover my garden space at the first sign of rain.
Anything can happen, and it is impossible to anticipate every worst case scenario, but the more prepared you can be at the start, the better you can respond to things that may happen at the party.
Tip #6 - Start Early, and End Late
Halloween is a busy time for some people, and your friends may have multiple party invites that they are juggling. Therefore I recommend having an early start time (say 4pm for an evening party) and letting people come and go as they'd like. This way you can accommodate more guests, and also keep the festivities happening all day!
Tip #7 - Start early, and end late
Halloween is a busy time for some people, and your friends may have multiple party invites that they are juggling. Therefore I recommend having an early start time (say 4pm for an evening party) and letting people come and go as they'd like. This way you can accommodate more guests, and also keep the festivities happening all day!
Tip #8 - Don't wait till the last minute to buy decorations
My biggest recommendation is to plan, purchase and start decorating as far in advance as possible (even if this means living with decorations up a few days before the party starts). You will thank yourself later when you are not scrambling to finish setting up while guests arrive.
And most of all, enjoy yourself
When the host is having a good time, usually that is a good sign that guests are enjoying themselves as well!
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