Whether your vibe is creepy and atmospheric like Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho or sweet and silly like Hocus Pocus, Halloween is one of the few holidays that can appeal to all kinds of people of all ages. Trick-or-treating may be off the table for adults, but that doesn't mean you can't dress up to the nines, deck out your house to fit your favorite Halloween theme, and have all your friends over. Be it a movie marathon, murder mystery role-play games, or a true Monster Mash bash, you can throw a killer Halloween party with a little inspiration and the right supplies. You don't even need to be a horror movie buff or believe in ghosts to have a blast.
A fun Halloween party calls for a scary-fun blend of activities, food, decorations, and music. And don't forget about the costumes! While it all may sound a little terrifying to plan, we're here to help. For the ultimate All Hallows' Eve soiree, keep everything on theme. From blood-like cocktails to eye-shaped ice cubes, the more immersive and horrifying, the more fun the food and drinks will be for you and your guests. At a Halloween party, we recommend having a mix of sweet and savory foods, a nonalcoholic drink option for kids and adults, and an activity or craft planned in case the playlist starts to repeat, the movie ends, or people get tired of mingling.
Ahead, we've rounded up nine of the best Halloween party ideas, including games, decorations, and party favors your guests will think are a total scream.
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Meri Meri Vintage Giant Halloween Jointed Skeletons, Pack of 3
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Meri Meri Vintage Giant Halloween Jointed Skeletons, Pack of 3
A great photo backdrop and even better wall decoration, these jolly dancing skeletons in party hats take your Halloween get-together in a sweet and not-so-scary direction.
If you're having a daytime Halloween party, opt for colorful garlands and decor instead of fog machines and flashing lights. This garland is fun and whimsical without feeling childish.
Create an immersive Halloween experience down to the smallest detail, including your drinking glasses. These IV bag drink pouches will have you and your guests feeling like a bunch of vampires, no matter what your drink of choice is.
This game is perfect for groups that love to go all out on Halloween. Let everyone release their inner actor and play a murder-mystery game. This one gets its theme from the Shirley Jackson horror novel and hit Netflix show The Haunting of Hill House.
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Wilton Wilton Pre-Baked Ready-to-Decorate Skulls and Pumpkins Cookie Kit
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Wilton Wilton Pre-Baked Ready-to-Decorate Skulls and Pumpkins Cookie Kit
Put your love of Halloween to the test with a group game consisting of questions all about classic horror movies old and new. A prize of extra candy for the winner is a killer incentive to play.
Kate McGregor is House Beautiful’s SEO Editor. She has covered everything from curated decor round-ups and shopping guides, to glimpses into the home lives of inspiring creatives, for publications such as ELLE Decor, Domino, and Architectural Digest’s Clever.