Want to have fun or create a good scare? Halloween is not only for treats, it's for tricks too. We've got some good ideas for pranks and jokes here that are sure to get a surprised reaction. Funny or not, we focus on pranks that are not destructive to anyone's property or well-being -- it's just not cool.
* Dress up as though you are the inanimate Halloween Decor for your lawn. Example: scarecrow, Frankenstein, etc. Be as still as you can. When someone walks by, jump out and scare the heck out of them. Another idea is to lay flat on the lawn, pretending to be in a grave marked with a tombstone. Imagine their surprise when you rise from the dead!
* Ring doorbell and say "canned goods or meat."
* Get dressed up, knock on door. When person answers, put candy into his bowl.
* Visit friends' houses and write on the mirror with your finger, delivering a scary message such as "I'm watching you!" Breathe on the mirror and you can see your words. Let it dry naturally. When your friend takes a shower, the words will appear again when the mirror fogs up.
* Give away fake, plastic turds for treats.
* Get dressed up so you are unrecognizable. Join a group of trick-or-treaters, preferably some you know. It will drive them nuts not knowing who you are.
* Decorate your yard with all things superstitious. Ladder, black cat, broken mirror, crows. Put the number 13 on your door.
* Dress up in a hospital gown and walk around at night saying "They think I'm crazy, but I'm not. They deserved to die. They can't take me back, etc, etc."
* Dress up, ring doorbell. When someone answers, say "pull my finger."
* Traditional, ring doorbell and run.
* Toilet paper your own yard and accuse someone else of doing it.
* Gather everyone's jack o' lanterns and line them up on the sidewalk in middle of the block.
* Have any college or pro football fans in the neighborhood that like to fly their team flag? Swap it out for a rival team flag and watch the fireworks. (Make sure you return their flag after you get a good laugh.)
* You know those colored dot stickers that can be used for various office purposes or rummage sales? Purchase the dots in two or three colors, preferably red, yellow, and blue. When it's dark outside, stick one dot on the each of your neighbors' front doors. Put one on your own door so that you aren't suspect. The next day will be interesting when neighbors try to figure out what the dots mean and why there are different colors. Those with red dots may get a bit paranoid and think it's some sort of a conspiracy.
Party Pranks
* Before guests are to arrive at your Halloween party, have someone dress up and discretely "haunt" the route your guests will take to get to your house. Later on, tell a "true" story about how someone died a horrific death and the ghost haunts the vicinity.
* At your party, keep a cooler on hand for beverages. Put in fake spiders and insects near the bottom. Someone will discover it sooner or later.
When serving food at your Halloween party, add a set of fake fangs or dentures to the serving bowl.
* For a hay-rack ride, have someone lay in the ditch, perfectly visible, face down, pretending to be dead. Add fake blood for visual effects. Stop the hay rack to investigate and let party-goers approach the "body." Give your guests the scare of their life when the body jumps up (wearing a very scary mask or makeup) and chases them.
Showing posts with label Party. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Party. Show all posts
Monday, October 18, 2010
Halloween Party Themes
Pick a party theme and decorate accordingly. For example, a haunted house, graveyard or mausoleum theme would encourage specific costume types such as ghosts, vampires and zombies. Decorate with spider webs, tombstones and fake body parts. Send out theme appropriate invitations.
Try a history or time-era theme, from the Victorian era to the 1970s and 80s and have everyone dress appropriately. Decorate in accordance to the time era and serve old-fashioned, homemade snacks.
Adult Party Themes
For Adults, try a couples theme and have everyone come in pairs. Choose real couples or character couples. For instance, Romeo and Juliet or Tom & Jerry. To expand on this idea, group themes for a larger party are oodles of fun. Imagine answering the door to The Three Musketeers, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, or Dumb and Dumber. See the potential? It makes for great memories and pictures!
A gender switch theme is one sure way to keep everyone guessing. It's definitely trickier to guess who is who if you have the women dress like a man and visa-versa. If there are couples doing this, make sure they stay away from their significant other, that is until everyone's figured out just who they are. We had a party where several guests did just that and they were the life of the party. The pictures are fabulous!
On the spookier side, what's more frightful than a haunted house? Mix and match the monsters and you'll have a houseful of scary fun -- just call it the Monster Mash. For braver folk, a "Blood and Gore" party theme will give Dracula and Frankenstein a chance to shine. Have your camera ready to catch the guests as they arrive.
Children's Halloween Party Themes
Costumes and decorations for children are a tad bit easier as local merchants tend to cater to the younger crowd. After all, aren't they the ones who are supposed to have fun? Kids love watching cartoons and they're often passionate about their favorite cartoon characters. One idea is to let them dress up as their favorite character, another is to pick one show and have them all choose a character from that show. Since you'll probably have more than one of the same character at your party, you can award prizes for the best costume. For example, the best "SpongeBob SquarePants," "Patrick" or "Mr. Krabs."
A little more Halloweenish is to opt for a monster theme featuring less scary monsters like ghosts or goblins. Having the children stick to traditional spooks adds to the spirit of Halloween.
Try a history or time-era theme, from the Victorian era to the 1970s and 80s and have everyone dress appropriately. Decorate in accordance to the time era and serve old-fashioned, homemade snacks.
Adult Party Themes
For Adults, try a couples theme and have everyone come in pairs. Choose real couples or character couples. For instance, Romeo and Juliet or Tom & Jerry. To expand on this idea, group themes for a larger party are oodles of fun. Imagine answering the door to The Three Musketeers, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, or Dumb and Dumber. See the potential? It makes for great memories and pictures!
A gender switch theme is one sure way to keep everyone guessing. It's definitely trickier to guess who is who if you have the women dress like a man and visa-versa. If there are couples doing this, make sure they stay away from their significant other, that is until everyone's figured out just who they are. We had a party where several guests did just that and they were the life of the party. The pictures are fabulous!
On the spookier side, what's more frightful than a haunted house? Mix and match the monsters and you'll have a houseful of scary fun -- just call it the Monster Mash. For braver folk, a "Blood and Gore" party theme will give Dracula and Frankenstein a chance to shine. Have your camera ready to catch the guests as they arrive.
Children's Halloween Party Themes
Costumes and decorations for children are a tad bit easier as local merchants tend to cater to the younger crowd. After all, aren't they the ones who are supposed to have fun? Kids love watching cartoons and they're often passionate about their favorite cartoon characters. One idea is to let them dress up as their favorite character, another is to pick one show and have them all choose a character from that show. Since you'll probably have more than one of the same character at your party, you can award prizes for the best costume. For example, the best "SpongeBob SquarePants," "Patrick" or "Mr. Krabs."
A little more Halloweenish is to opt for a monster theme featuring less scary monsters like ghosts or goblins. Having the children stick to traditional spooks adds to the spirit of Halloween.
Halloween Party Planning Ideas
Are you trying to organize the best Halloween party that will be talked about for weeks after your special event? Don't fret... Here you'll find fresh tips from party planning to Halloween ideas that will guarantee your guests have fun.
Depending on how much money you want to spend on supplies and how much effort you're willing to put into it, the more of these ideas used -- the scarier your party will be.
Mix and match tips to fit your preference and check your haunted house or party setting over for any hazards your guests may run into. For a safe Halloween party, plan ahead and remove any possible dangers.
Party Tips
Halloween parties make a great alternative to trick-or treating. For an incredible, well-put together Halloween party, it's best to make arrangements well in advance. Here's some party planning tips for a terrifying good time.
Send out Invitations
Get your party invitations out 1-2 weeks before the party. To avoid any confusion, clearly state instructions about themes, costumes, and when the party ends.
Have Adult Supervision
For children, adult supervision is necessary for safety reasons as well as preventing any property damage. Adults can help with the party and enforce rules, while the guests have fun.
Have a Camera Ready
Take pictures and arrange them in a photo album to show your guests after the party. Better yet, Buy a huge photo album and add pictures every year, after your annual Halloween Party. It's hilarious to watch how the costumes evolve over the years.
Another idea is to have someone take Polaroid pictures of each guest as they arrive. Give everyone their pic as they leave your party in remembrance of the occasion.
Have a Backup Plan
If you're planning your party outdoors, be prepared for inclement weather. Have other arrangements ready at a moments notice.
Get Help in Decorating
Allow some guests to arrive early and help with the Halloween decorations. This will ease your workload and add some creative minds.
Supply Food and Candy
And plenty of it. What's a party without goodies? Try dressing up your food to look like gross things such as eyeballs, body parts, etc. Make the punch look like blood.
Hand out Party Favors
Don't let the kids leave empty handed. Hand out gifts to game contest winners and make up some party favor bags with Halloween candy.
Depending on how much money you want to spend on supplies and how much effort you're willing to put into it, the more of these ideas used -- the scarier your party will be.
Mix and match tips to fit your preference and check your haunted house or party setting over for any hazards your guests may run into. For a safe Halloween party, plan ahead and remove any possible dangers.
Party Tips
Halloween parties make a great alternative to trick-or treating. For an incredible, well-put together Halloween party, it's best to make arrangements well in advance. Here's some party planning tips for a terrifying good time.
Send out Invitations
Get your party invitations out 1-2 weeks before the party. To avoid any confusion, clearly state instructions about themes, costumes, and when the party ends.
Have Adult Supervision
For children, adult supervision is necessary for safety reasons as well as preventing any property damage. Adults can help with the party and enforce rules, while the guests have fun.
Have a Camera Ready
Take pictures and arrange them in a photo album to show your guests after the party. Better yet, Buy a huge photo album and add pictures every year, after your annual Halloween Party. It's hilarious to watch how the costumes evolve over the years.
Another idea is to have someone take Polaroid pictures of each guest as they arrive. Give everyone their pic as they leave your party in remembrance of the occasion.
Have a Backup Plan
If you're planning your party outdoors, be prepared for inclement weather. Have other arrangements ready at a moments notice.
Get Help in Decorating
Allow some guests to arrive early and help with the Halloween decorations. This will ease your workload and add some creative minds.
Supply Food and Candy
And plenty of it. What's a party without goodies? Try dressing up your food to look like gross things such as eyeballs, body parts, etc. Make the punch look like blood.
Hand out Party Favors
Don't let the kids leave empty handed. Hand out gifts to game contest winners and make up some party favor bags with Halloween candy.
Halloween Party Activities and Games
You've got your invitations, theme, costumes and food picked out for your Halloween Party. Now, what activities are you planning to entertain your guests? Need some ideas for your special event? These activities will satisfy children and adults to ensure the best Halloween party ever.
Indoor Activities
Planning your party indoors ensures there won't be any adverse affects from the weather. Here's some fun activities and games to do when your ghosts and goblins arrive. Always have some extra games planned, in case they don't take as long as originally planned.
Crafts
The most popular thing to do is to paint and decorate pumpkins. If you do this, choose small to medium-sized pumpkins that are easy to carry, and have plenty on hand in case one of your guests make a mistake and need to start over.
You can find many magazines and party planning books that have fun Halloween crafts to make with construction paper, beads, gourds, pipe cleaner and just about anything else you can think of.
Cooking and Baking
Bake and decorate Halloween cookies and candy. Have all recipes out and ready to go. Be prepared and and consider mixing some of it up ahead of time. Keep party favor bags handy so your guests can take home the treats.
Bobbing for Apples
One of the oldest traditional of Halloween games. The size of the tub and apples will make a considerable difference in the difficulty of the game. For children, make the apples smaller and the tub shallower. Choose a soft variety of apples, they're easier to bite into.
Pick off the stems before dropping into the water and have paper towels on hand for afterwards. Prizes are commonly awarded for those who first retrieve an apple, specially marked apples, and all of those who successfully fetch an apple. Use your imagination on this one, and you'll get some great ideas.
Haunted House
This takes a lot of effort and planning. Set up your garage or part of your house for a good, old-fashioned spookfest. Enlist some volunteers to dress up as monsters, vampires, zombies, etc, to scare your guests as they venture through. Use special lighting such as strobe lights and blacklights to set the atmosphere and don't forget sound effects.
Halloween Costume Contest
This contest is a must for any Halloween Party! Choose the categories for the contest ahead of time and let your guests know well in advance so they can plan their costumes accordingly. You can hand out a certificate and prize for each category winner.
Outdoor Activities and Games
Outdoor parties are at the mercy of the weather. On your invitations, clearly state that the party will take place outdoors and that a jacket or coat may be needed after the sun sets. Have an alternate location and activity for a backup plan -- and put that at the bottom of your invitation. Take every precaution necessary to ensure safety and you must consider any liability issues.
Hayrack Ride
Hayrack rides are traditional Halloween party fun! For those of you who live in the country, these are much easier planned. Hay racks can be pulled either by horses, a tractor, or even a pickup truck. (I don't recommend using horses, especially on a windy night. They're unpredictable and may be nervous with all of the commotion.)
Safety should be your # 1 concern. You could consider having the ride for kids before sunset, followed by the party. Take a cell phone and first aid kit for emergency purposes.
Place dry square bales of hay or straw or hay for seating. Have plenty of blankets and flashlights on hand. Serve hot chocolate and coffee when the ride is finished to take the chill away.
Barn Party
Turn you barn into a hub of Halloween activity! Make this setting as spooky and realistic as possible with plenty of spider webs, fake spiders and hay. Make your barn haunted with sounds and shadows. Have plenty of "witches brew" for thirsty ghouls.
Pumpkin Hunt
Similar to an Easter egg hunt, this game uses miniature pumpkins. If you're doing this (outdoors) after nightfall, hide the pumpkins in a much smaller area. Mark one pumpkin with a symbol or sticker and award a special prize for that particular pumpkin.
Scavenger Hunt
Everybody gets into the thrill of a hunt! Scavenger hunts can be a lot of fun if the game is planned correctly. Limit the area of the hunt and alert any neighbors to what is taking place. Add spooky and creepy things to your list and be specific.
Ghosting
Ghosting is a tradition that's quickly catching on around the world. Consider spending the evening outdoors and ghost the entire neighborhood. Since it's important to remain anonymous, careful coordination will be required. In your letter, instruct them to begin on a new neighborhood to keep the spirit alive.
Indoor Activities
Planning your party indoors ensures there won't be any adverse affects from the weather. Here's some fun activities and games to do when your ghosts and goblins arrive. Always have some extra games planned, in case they don't take as long as originally planned.
Crafts
The most popular thing to do is to paint and decorate pumpkins. If you do this, choose small to medium-sized pumpkins that are easy to carry, and have plenty on hand in case one of your guests make a mistake and need to start over.
You can find many magazines and party planning books that have fun Halloween crafts to make with construction paper, beads, gourds, pipe cleaner and just about anything else you can think of.
Cooking and Baking
Bake and decorate Halloween cookies and candy. Have all recipes out and ready to go. Be prepared and and consider mixing some of it up ahead of time. Keep party favor bags handy so your guests can take home the treats.
Bobbing for Apples
One of the oldest traditional of Halloween games. The size of the tub and apples will make a considerable difference in the difficulty of the game. For children, make the apples smaller and the tub shallower. Choose a soft variety of apples, they're easier to bite into.
Pick off the stems before dropping into the water and have paper towels on hand for afterwards. Prizes are commonly awarded for those who first retrieve an apple, specially marked apples, and all of those who successfully fetch an apple. Use your imagination on this one, and you'll get some great ideas.
Haunted House
This takes a lot of effort and planning. Set up your garage or part of your house for a good, old-fashioned spookfest. Enlist some volunteers to dress up as monsters, vampires, zombies, etc, to scare your guests as they venture through. Use special lighting such as strobe lights and blacklights to set the atmosphere and don't forget sound effects.
Halloween Costume Contest
This contest is a must for any Halloween Party! Choose the categories for the contest ahead of time and let your guests know well in advance so they can plan their costumes accordingly. You can hand out a certificate and prize for each category winner.
Outdoor Activities and Games
Outdoor parties are at the mercy of the weather. On your invitations, clearly state that the party will take place outdoors and that a jacket or coat may be needed after the sun sets. Have an alternate location and activity for a backup plan -- and put that at the bottom of your invitation. Take every precaution necessary to ensure safety and you must consider any liability issues.
Hayrack Ride
Hayrack rides are traditional Halloween party fun! For those of you who live in the country, these are much easier planned. Hay racks can be pulled either by horses, a tractor, or even a pickup truck. (I don't recommend using horses, especially on a windy night. They're unpredictable and may be nervous with all of the commotion.)
Safety should be your # 1 concern. You could consider having the ride for kids before sunset, followed by the party. Take a cell phone and first aid kit for emergency purposes.
Place dry square bales of hay or straw or hay for seating. Have plenty of blankets and flashlights on hand. Serve hot chocolate and coffee when the ride is finished to take the chill away.
Barn Party
Turn you barn into a hub of Halloween activity! Make this setting as spooky and realistic as possible with plenty of spider webs, fake spiders and hay. Make your barn haunted with sounds and shadows. Have plenty of "witches brew" for thirsty ghouls.
Pumpkin Hunt
Similar to an Easter egg hunt, this game uses miniature pumpkins. If you're doing this (outdoors) after nightfall, hide the pumpkins in a much smaller area. Mark one pumpkin with a symbol or sticker and award a special prize for that particular pumpkin.
Scavenger Hunt
Everybody gets into the thrill of a hunt! Scavenger hunts can be a lot of fun if the game is planned correctly. Limit the area of the hunt and alert any neighbors to what is taking place. Add spooky and creepy things to your list and be specific.
Ghosting
Ghosting is a tradition that's quickly catching on around the world. Consider spending the evening outdoors and ghost the entire neighborhood. Since it's important to remain anonymous, careful coordination will be required. In your letter, instruct them to begin on a new neighborhood to keep the spirit alive.
Ghosting - Spooking
Ghosting is fast becoming a popular Halloween tradition in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and other countries as well. Depending on your location, the new custom may be known as "Ghosting," or "Boo-ing" but the concept is the same.
Ghosting is a fun way to spread the Halloween spirit amongst friends and neighbors. This activity can begin any time in October but the first or second week of the month is the best, allowing sufficient time for the entire neighborhood to be "ghosted."
Typically, you will need to "ghost" two people or families. You can do this with the following items:
* Two Halloween goodie bags or brown paper sacks filled with treats.
* Two pictures of a ghost or tissue paper ghosts.
* Two letters stating that "you've been ghosted (or boo'd)" with simple how-to instructions to carry on the tradition.
After you have assembled your (two, separate) treat bags, ghosts, and letters, you should deliver them after dark to your target families by dropping one on each porch, ringing the doorbell, and running. You should remain anonymous, so don't get caught. If you're a child, it's important to be safe and take an adult with you.
Letter and Instructions
You can compose your own letter, along with quick instructions, or add an elaborate Halloween poem. Whatever you decide, the instructions should be clear. Two more families will need to be ghosted (or booed) within two days in the same manner in which you've been ghosted.
Along with the "scare" kit, leave a ghost or "boo" that should be left on the door. This will "mark" the recipient, allowing others to know that they've already been hit. Below is an example you can use, with the poem and instructions combined:
Poem
You've Been Ghosted!
Late last night, we left you a treat. The tradition is fun, one we hope you'll repeat.
Take the ghost and pin it on your door, to let others know, you need ghosted no more.
Now it's your duty to pass on the surprise, to two more families, we must advise.
Gather some treats and deliver them soon, within two nights, under the light of the moon.
Include a ghost with each package you give, along with this poem for the tradition to live.
Ghosting is a fun way to spread the Halloween spirit amongst friends and neighbors. This activity can begin any time in October but the first or second week of the month is the best, allowing sufficient time for the entire neighborhood to be "ghosted."
Typically, you will need to "ghost" two people or families. You can do this with the following items:
* Two Halloween goodie bags or brown paper sacks filled with treats.
* Two pictures of a ghost or tissue paper ghosts.
* Two letters stating that "you've been ghosted (or boo'd)" with simple how-to instructions to carry on the tradition.
After you have assembled your (two, separate) treat bags, ghosts, and letters, you should deliver them after dark to your target families by dropping one on each porch, ringing the doorbell, and running. You should remain anonymous, so don't get caught. If you're a child, it's important to be safe and take an adult with you.
Letter and Instructions
You can compose your own letter, along with quick instructions, or add an elaborate Halloween poem. Whatever you decide, the instructions should be clear. Two more families will need to be ghosted (or booed) within two days in the same manner in which you've been ghosted.
Along with the "scare" kit, leave a ghost or "boo" that should be left on the door. This will "mark" the recipient, allowing others to know that they've already been hit. Below is an example you can use, with the poem and instructions combined:
Poem
You've Been Ghosted!
Late last night, we left you a treat. The tradition is fun, one we hope you'll repeat.
Take the ghost and pin it on your door, to let others know, you need ghosted no more.
Now it's your duty to pass on the surprise, to two more families, we must advise.
Gather some treats and deliver them soon, within two nights, under the light of the moon.
Include a ghost with each package you give, along with this poem for the tradition to live.
Fun Activities for Adults on Halloween
Who says that Halloween is just for kids? They were wrong. Adults love Halloween too and this is one holiday that has a tendency to make grown-ups act, well, not so grown-up. Whether it's revisiting a favorite childhood tradition or simply cutting loose, the following activities top the list of fun ways for adults to celebrate Halloween sans kids.
Dinner Party
Good friends and good conversation are what makes dinner parties a popular pastime. Add some decorations and candlelight and you have the perfect atmosphere for a delightfully scary dinner with a Halloween theme.
Murder Mystery Theater
Ready for some interactive fun? A performance by a group of actors turns everyone in the audience into a present day Sherlock Holmes when they look for ideas and clues to find out whodunit. Make reservations and look for group discounts to save money.
Costume Contests
It's not about the candy. Really! Adults like to dress up and show off their costumes just as much as the little ghouls and goblins trick-or-treating. The difference here is the value of contest prizes. Why settle for a goodie bag when you can win a cool gadget, gift card, or cash prize?
Haunted House
Some grown-ups just aren't satisfied taking a stroll through the local Halloween haunted house or maze, they want to become a monster and participate. One thing is for sure, Halloween is a night where imaginations run wild and devious behavior is rewarded.
Midnight Movie
Midnight showings for Halloween week usually include low-budget cult classics such as Freaks, Night of the Living Dead, Eraserhead or The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which is the longest running theatrical release in the history of film. Some theaters offer enticing double features that will keep you on the edge of your seat into the wee hours of the morning.
Scary Movie Marathon
If you're in for the long haul, pop some popcorn, dim the lights and invite some friends over for a scary movie marathon. From creepy classics to modern-day horror movies, there's plenty of sources for movies, whether it's network TV, satellite, or DVD's. Better yet, have each friend bring a favorite movies and draw names to determine the schedule.
Dinner Party
Good friends and good conversation are what makes dinner parties a popular pastime. Add some decorations and candlelight and you have the perfect atmosphere for a delightfully scary dinner with a Halloween theme.
Murder Mystery Theater
Ready for some interactive fun? A performance by a group of actors turns everyone in the audience into a present day Sherlock Holmes when they look for ideas and clues to find out whodunit. Make reservations and look for group discounts to save money.
Costume Contests
It's not about the candy. Really! Adults like to dress up and show off their costumes just as much as the little ghouls and goblins trick-or-treating. The difference here is the value of contest prizes. Why settle for a goodie bag when you can win a cool gadget, gift card, or cash prize?
Haunted House
Some grown-ups just aren't satisfied taking a stroll through the local Halloween haunted house or maze, they want to become a monster and participate. One thing is for sure, Halloween is a night where imaginations run wild and devious behavior is rewarded.
Midnight Movie
Midnight showings for Halloween week usually include low-budget cult classics such as Freaks, Night of the Living Dead, Eraserhead or The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which is the longest running theatrical release in the history of film. Some theaters offer enticing double features that will keep you on the edge of your seat into the wee hours of the morning.
Scary Movie Marathon
If you're in for the long haul, pop some popcorn, dim the lights and invite some friends over for a scary movie marathon. From creepy classics to modern-day horror movies, there's plenty of sources for movies, whether it's network TV, satellite, or DVD's. Better yet, have each friend bring a favorite movies and draw names to determine the schedule.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Halloween Party Decorating Tips
Halloween Party Decorating Ideas
There's no lack of resources in October for Halloween party decorations, props and accessories! Look around the discount and novelty stores for all kinds of traditional spooky items for your party that will scare your guests silly.
Keep your eye peeled at Haunted Houses and around your city for new ideas. Someone always has a unique Halloween display that catches your eye and you can use those ideas for your own indoor or outdoor party. From traditional to new-age, here's some inexpensive decorating tips and ideas to set the creepiest mood possible:
Jack-O-Lanterns
What's Halloween without a jack-o-lantern? Find some stencils to carve or paint scary faces on your pumpkins to add the traditional touch to your party.
Candles
Use candles inside your carved jack-o-lanterns to make the faces glow. Put some dark colored candles in creepy candleholders around your snack table for a gothic touch. Use caution with open flames and make sure no costumes will come near them.
Crepe Paper
Use traditional crepe paper decoration to add Halloween colors to your party table and anywhere else you see fit.
Spider Webs
Buying fake spider webs is one of the most cost-effective decorations. They're cheap and can be found at your local discount store. You can make your own with cotton batting found in the crafts department. Then, you're going to need spiders. Pick up some creepy, fake spiders to add to the webs. Better yet, add some fake bugs too for your spider's victims.
Fake Blood
What's creepier than blood? You can find fake blood in the stores or make your own blood cheap! Using fake blood is better left for outdoor parties if you're concerned about any messes or staining. If you use it indoors, make sure it's contained. Click here for some realistic fake blood recipes.
Shadows
Cut out spooky shapes such as a bat, ghost or cat in some heavy construction paper. Tape it to a flashlight and place it in a strategic position to make your guests look twice.
Sound Effects
There's plenty of tapes and CDs available with creepy sounds such as lightning, screams, banging and creaking. Use these outside or in an entryway for the element of surprise.
Lighting Effects
Use special lighting to compliment your sounds. Dim lighting is always preferable to set the spooky setting and a strobe light adds a special touch to simulate lightening. A black light sets an unsettling atmosphere and can be found in most party supply stores.
Coffins
Use your imagination! You can build your own coffin with 6-8 wood pieces and place a dummy in it. Or consider having it closed and place one of those fake arms coming out of it. Add some fake blood to the side for a downright gross affect.
Scarecrows
Perfect for the Autumn season, scarecrows are fascinating to look at and add mystery to your yard. Set the atmosphere for your scarecrow by adding bales of hay, cornstalks, and Indian corn -- and he'll definitely get attention. Use our scarecrow instructions for easy homemade scarecrows.
Tombstones
Perhaps one of the creepiest things is a tombstone with the inscription R.I.P. which is reminiscent of old-time graveyards believed to be haunted according to old myths and urban legends. You can find tombstones in the holiday section of most stores around Halloween, or make your own and add some originality!
Fog Machine
There's nothing like fog around to send chills up your spine. Fog machines are easier to find these days around Halloween and aren't near as expensive as they used to be. Most fog machines are water based and are simple to use.
Paint it Black
Go gothic with a black party scheme. Choose all black decorations and tableware. Buy some flat black spray paint for items such as vases, napkin holders, pumpkins -- anything you can think of. Don't want black? Try purple, orange, or midnight blue.
Ravens
Create chills with ghastly grim, black ravens, sparrows, or crows placed on shelves, tables, and unexpected places like on the serving table or in the bathroom. Your guests will get goosebumps at the ominous implications of seeing these mysterious birds indoors.
Backdrop
If you've got some background to hide, you can make a backdrop with the largest black trash bags that you can find. Cut at the seams and attach together with black duct tape. After they're hung, spread fake spider webs in the front and then add the plastic bugs and spiders.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)