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Friends in costumes multiplied by an infinite amount of drinks plus just the right amount of food equals a Halloween party, right?
Wrong.
There are things like invitations, a theme, decorations, beverages and much more to worry about besides just the ghouls and goblins.
And even though us Metromixers know a thing about how to throw a great party...or two...or three (if you came to our Launch party and Encore, you would know – but don’t worry, a Halloween extravaganza is brewing) we pro-partiers still need a little help now and again.
Imagine that.
But apparently keg beer and make-shift costumes just don’t cut it anymore (depending on what is cut out and what isn’t??)…There’s a lot more to the makings of a good party, according to professionals like Sharon Smith of Uniquely Yours in Northville, who actually plans them for a living.
“Start with a budget, break it down and then prioritize from there,” she says. “Themes can be all out crazy or just touches of what you’re going for. The key to a great party is paying attention to detail and the flow. Any way you can imagine is a way to get it done.”
So don’t let planning the party terrify you. Here are some helpful hints for how to throw a ‘killer’ Halloween house party.
1. Do Decorate
Use what you got at home to start, then add in the items: black caldrons, tree branches, ornaments, spiders with cobwebs, black light bulbs, haystacks, scarecrows, streamers and such from the ceiling and, anything that’s gross the better, since it is Halloween and all. Think dead bodies (not real, of course), fake rats…you get the point. And no Halloween is complete without a carved pumpkin or two.
The frightening part doesn’t have to be the cost of the party looking good, but if you are willing to spend a little more cash, try things like renting a backdrop with tombstones, maybe putting a small version of a haunted house up or hire a talent agency where you have mummies walking around or people laying in coffins, Smith says.
2. Come in costume
The best part of Halloween is you can literally be someone you’re not. So take advantage of it and dress-up. Rent it, buy it, but whatever you do -- wear it. That’s the whole point of the day after all. Another ghastly option is to change the focus to something like a murder mystery or interactive dinner, as well, Smith says. Costume contests go along with that, too -- who’s the best, worst, scariest, sexiest, take your pick; the list could be endless. Prizes are always a plus.
3. Get your drink on
The number one key ingredient is the drinks. Let’s just face it, you’re in a costume, you probably look stupid, therefore, you’re going to have to throw a couple back. Make sure to have plenty of mixing options: beer, wine and even specialty drinks, like things mixed with cider (one of my favorites is Captain Morgan and apple cider, which can be done hot or cold). Think Bloody Marys, Zombies, Devil’s Poison, Witches Brew Punch…or make-up the names of your own concoctions to fit into a spooky-spirit. Oh, and get some non-alcoholic drinks, too, because there are still some sober people out there who like to party. (But we wouldn’t recommend it..kidding…)
4. Trick or Treats
The simpler is usually the better here since everyone will probably be drinking more than eating anyway, right? Snack foods (so people can sober up) and bit-size bites (like bowls of candy -- you can’t forget the candy) and simple creations; other than chips and dip, veggie trays and cheese platters are the best. Maybe order a couple pizzas, throw some wings out there or even add some creepy creations, like edible-eyeballs (or grapes) and brains (aka spaghetti).
5. Eerie Entertainment
Scary sounds, chilling background music, recording devices with creaking floors, even Halloween CDs add the classic flare. If not, maybe hiring a DJ to spin something gruesome and to keep the crowd dancing and moving is the way to go. Also, throw in some cheesy games, like bobbing for apples or have a Ouija board on-hand. If you really want to get creative, put a maze in your home, says Smith.
