Halloween is just around the corner and we know that this year will be the best one yet. If you’re thinking of throwing a Halloween bash, but are unsure of where to start, you’ve come to the right place! Below are four creative party ideas that are guaranteed to please.
#TBT: Everyone’s favorite Instagram trend is being reinvented. If you’re looking for an original idea for your Halloween party, try throwing it back to the late 90s with a #TBT themed party.
Costumes: The possibilities are practically endless. From classic TV and movie characters, to boy bands, pop singers, and even younger versions of yourself – its all fair game.
Food: A candy bar is perfect for your Throwback Thursday party. Set up a table with 90s favorites such as Push Pops, Hubba Bubba Bubble Tape, Ring Pops, Pop Rocks, Baby Bottle Pops, Sour Warheads, and Blow Pops. Then, simply sit back and allow your guests to snack. For drinks, serve Capri Sun in various flavors.
Music: Blast your favorites from the era: Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, Oasis, Spice Girls, DMX, etc.
Atmosphere: When it comes to decorations, simplicity is key. Most 90s get-togethers were nothing more than overcrowded house parties. Pull out your boom box, dim the lights, and let the costumes do the rest.
Activities: Bringing out 90s toys and games will have your guests feeling like kids again. Operation, Lite Brite, Pretty Pretty Princess, Skip-It, Super Soakers, Pokemon, Silly Putty, to name a few. Set up as many of these novelties as you can, and let your guests find their inner child.
Murder Mystery: While this has obviously been done before, try putting an innovative spin on it. Personalizing your party will give you that extra edge. A Pretty Little Liars murder mystery is the perfect modern take on a classic theme.
Costumes: When you send out the invitations, each guest should be assigned a character from the show. Include the name and a little bit of background on the character, as well as costume suggestions.
Food: Murder mysteries work best as dinner parties. If you don’t want to stress over having to serve your guests while also facilitating the game, a buffet style meal is the way to go.
Music: Since the mood of the show varies, create a playlist that includes a mixture of genres. From the eerie theme song (Secret by the Pierces) to more sentimental tunes (such as All Those Pretty Lights by Andrew Belle), this website lists music from every episode.
Atmosphere: Your main goal is to ensure that everyone stays in character. Set up clues around the room(s), and decorate with pieces from the television series. Red lipsticked A’s, masquerade masks, and creepy dolls are just a few of the show’s trademarks.
Activities: The murder mystery is the main event. Guest will use the clues provided in order to solve the puzzle. Other than that, allow your friends to socialize and enjoy themselves as they become someone else for the night.
The Nightmare Before Christmas: This Halloween favorite makes a great party theme, especially if you plan to invite guests of all ages. Incorporate food, music, and activities that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Costumes: There are the main characters of course, but guests can also dress as monsters, ghosts, vampires, werewolves and witches.
Food: Search the web for Halloween recipes, and choose your favorites. Spoonful even has a few Nightmare Before Christmas themed desserts.
Music: Utilize the soundtrack, in addition to playing other songs related to the movie (I Miss You by Blink-182 is a good example).
Atmosphere: Draw inspiration from Tim Burton and the world of Halloween Town. Carve jack-o’-lanterns in various designs. Visit a party store and pick up everything from styrofoam tombstones and fake caskets, to hanging bats, stuffed black cats, and plastic skeletons.
Activities: Have multiple games set up at once, so that people can mingle and play at their own pace. Some ideas include pin the arm on Sally, apple bobbing, pumpkin carving and/or painting, and a mummy wrapping competition.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show: This cult classic is typically enjoyed in theaters, but why not bring the fun home? A Rocky Horror theme has the potential for amazing costumes and thrilling activities.
Costumes: Encourage party-goers to go all out as their favorite character. Also do some research yourself, whether it be re-watching the film or spending time on Google. It’s all about the glitz and the glamour, make sure to dress to impress.
Food: When it comes to food and drinks, you can be as imaginative as you wish. Simply coming up with inventive names for regular dishes is a great way to play up your theme. Try making small signs so that your guests catch on. Some ideas include: Frank N. Furters (mini hot dogs), Magenta punch, and “Eddie-ble” Arrangements.
Music: The Rocky Horror soundtrack, obviously. Make sure guests know to sing and dance along.
Atmosphere: Your goal is to recreate The Frankenstein Place, the castle from the film. Stock up on Halloween decorations like cobwebs, fake spiders, and gargoyle statues. Light candelabras, and cover furniture with sheets for a creepy vibe. Hang up copies of American Gothic and The Mona Lisa, just like in the movie. You can also have Rocky Horror playing in one of the rooms.
Activities: When the Time Warp comes on, start doing the moves. Your friends will join in, and you can even award a prize for best dancer. You can also provide props (rice, newspapers, cards, toilet paper, etc.) for those in the “viewing room” to use as they watch. Just make sure everything can be cleaned up afterward.
When planning your Halloween celebration, remember that the key is to put yourself in your guests’ shoes. Look at all aspects of the event through their eyes. Are there adequate food choices? Will the music offend anyone? Asking these kinds of questions beforehand can help prevent any problems from occurring. That way, when it comes time for your party, you can enjoy yourself as much as everyone else.