Aug 31 2009
Planning a Halloween Costume Party
Putting together a Halloween costume party takes a little more planning and preparation time than your casual spur of the moment get together. In fact, if you plan on asking people to come in costumes you should plan on at least two weeks lead time at the bare minimum. Asking people to put together a costume in a few hour’s time is not going to work out well for anybody. The planning for both adult and children’s parties is just about the same, with only some simple tweaks and adjustments between the two.
Step One: Pick a Day and a Time
For a child’s party, you have two options: choose an early time or a day other than Halloween. While many parents will not allow their children to go trick or treating anymore, many still do so if you would like a good turn out, select a time that is not competing with other activities.
For adults, the day is the important consideration. Do not plan Halloween parties for a week night for instance – and if there are a lot of parents in your circle, you might want to skip actual Halloween night as well.
Step Two : Specify Costumes on Your Invitation
For a child, simply saying Halloween implies that costumes will be worn. For an adult, especially those who are not on speaking terms with their inner child, the implication may not be enough- you actually have to spell out and define what you would like. Indicate whether there will be prizes for best Halloween costume and the sense of competition may defeat any reluctance in many of your guests.
Step Three: Plan the Refreshments
For a child’s party, keep the food simple and easy to clean up. Remember that you will be expected to treat the Sugar Goblins or you may pay the price later. Don’t over do it with the food- hot dogs, chips and a bowl of punch will be fine if you have other treats as well.
For an adult party the food may not be the highlight unless that is what you have planned. If you are unwilling or unable to served alcohol indicate that on the invitation and allow those who would wish to do so to bring their own. If you would like to but consider it too expensive, you could always spike the punch and call it Witches Brew.
Step Four: Put on Your Own Halloween Costume and Enjoy Yourself
Do not and I repeat Do NOT get so hung up on hostess duties that you do not get a chance to enjoy yourself. You do not want to hear about the werewolf who got bit by the neighbor’s dog on the way into the party- you missed it because you were in the kitchen getting another plate of appetizers. Put on your Halloween costume and then go out there, mingle with your guests and shake your groove thing, you crazy Halloween party-planner.
Here is a great costure idea – Take a box and cut it to fit the person. Paint it with red and white stripes and write “POPCORN” on the front. Glue popped popcorn around the top of box. String some popcorn in your hair. Wear white make-up. Use an upside-down popcorn bucket for a hat. —————— You’re welcone. Have Fun. Deborah, The Costume Lady.