How to Throw a Killer Halloween Party

I love a good Halloween party, but I love throwing one even more. Halloween party-planning is an art – here are a few ideas to make sure you make your guests scream for more.

1. A Badass Costume

When you throw a Halloween party, you need to go all out and host your party in style. And no, wearing a t-shirt with a big “P” on it and coloring your eye black to be a “black-eyed P” this year isn’t going to cut it.

Check out more of our Halloween costume ideas here!

2. Decorations

Target Halloween Decor Collection, available at Target

It’s so easy and cheap to get a bunch of pumpkins and mums and fake spider webs — and Target’s Halloween collection is a one-stop destination for Halloween party hosting. But go above and beyond just buying cute Halloween decorations — make your guests gasp when they hit the bathroom by hanging bloody handprint towels or leaving notes on the toilet seat that say “Watch your back.” They will love it and hate it. And if it scares the pee out them, then they’re in the right place.

3. Party Food, Halloween-Style

You can pretty much make any food item into something festive for Halloween, thanks to Pinterest. And if you can’t, then put up a chalkboard sign next to it and call it something scary.

4. Jell-O Shots, Jell-O Shots, Jell-O Shots

Image via Bread Booze Bacon

If there was ever a time to pull out the Jell-O shots, it’s for a Halloween party. These “Black Magic Jello Shots” are the perfect spooky addition to any Halloween bash.

5. Prizes for Best Costume

Some people spend a bunch of money on their costume and pride themselves on winning a contest. You can go the fun route with gag gifts like old weird horror movie DVDs, or you can keep it more serious with gift cards. Either way, you’ll have more folks showing up in costumes than not.

6. Games

Inflatable Spider Ring Toss Game, $8.69* on Amazon
Candy Corn Bowling Set, $12.80* on Amazon

What the heck are you going to do at your party (other than drink, of course)? You should have some fun games. Maybe it’s “Bloody Mary Poker.” Or maybe fun boozy games like beer pong. Either way, if you want them to come back to your Halloween party next year, make some noise.

7. The Right Booooooze

Nothing says Halloween party like a big witch’s cauldron full of some unknown boozy concoction. Play it up with some dry ice so it’s smoking. You can find dry ice at any local grocery store. Also, make sure you pair your wine with the right Halloween candy.

8. Halloween Music

Good news – Spotify has put together the perfect Halloween party playlist to keep your guests dancing all night long. Or, if you’re just so over “Monster Mash,” mix it up and make your own playlist!

9. Horror Movies

Check out our roundup of the best horror movies of all time!

If I come to your Halloween party and you aren’t playing some slasher, good old fashioned, classic horror movie, I’m out. I realize people at parties are standing around and talking and eating, but nothing says you’re serious about your Halloween party like some Michael Myers.