How To Throw a Halloween Party

Write your guest list - Everything you plan from the date to the activities depends upon who you are inviting. When making your list make a side note of people you would like to come if some on your initial list cannot attend. When the guest list is complete you will probably already have a good idea of who will be able to come and who will not. With this knowledge you're ready to move to step two.

Choose a date - When choosing a date, for your party, cross off dates that will not work and go from there. Keep your guest list in mind and choose a date that should work for the majority.

Select the best time - Timing is important. If this is a kid party makes sure curfews are obeyed and parents are aware of when their youngster will be arriving home or should be picked up. If this is adult party make sure to considerate the needs of your guests.

Send invitation - If your party has a theme you may want to make an invitation that goes with it. Theme ideas include famous historical figures, action heroes, dress up as your favorite song, a masquerade ball and the '80s. You should ask for a quick response on your RSVP. Follow-up with a phone call to those who have not RSVP'd you five days prior to the party.

Plan food and refreshments - Get some great ideas for things like Spider Cakes, Dracula's Blood Pudding, and Halloween Hand Treats. You might even let the guests make some of their treats. Unless your party is formal, paper and plastic are probably preferential for easy clean up.

Buy costume - Buy costume at the store or make your own costume creation. Surf the Web, watch cartoons or check out your local bookstore for ideas to help spark creativity. Access Web sites that sell Halloween costumes by entering the words "Halloween costumes" into a search engine such as Google, Yahoo!, or MSN.

Fix decorations - For a dark theme, use candles, scary CDs for sound effects, spider webs and dry ice. For a light theme, make the decorations more fun and keep the lights up. Decorate with anything from crepe paper streamers and balloons to a full-fledged house of horrors. Get small plates, forks and napkins in Halloween colors.

Plan games and activities - Play one or two short games such as bobbing for apples, musical chairs or charades with a Halloween theme. Or get into a Halloween mood with a Ouija board or tarot card readings.

Prepare party bags - Make party bags for your guests to take home and stuff those treats. They don't have to be expensive, candy, Halloween Pens, pumpkin spice candles, etc.