The terms "holiday" and "party" seem to be congruent these days, don't they? Sure, there are exceptions. I don't know about you, but I can't remember the last time I went to an MLK day or Arbor day party. They don't exist. But most holidays come with some sort of party. There's the office Christmas party. The new year's eve party downtown. Families host Thanksgiving parties. But there's one holiday party that each year has the potential to be the most fun, the most sinister, and the most titillating. No, it's not the Memorial Day party, I'm talking about Halloween.
Yes, the Halloween party. The time of the year where even the most reserved get to expose to the world via costume their wicked little idiosyncrasies. Bronze medal to only new year's eve and St. Patrick's Day, Halloween is notorious for being one of the big drinking holidays of the year as well. Hosting a successful Halloween bash is a great way to design social inroads, and can make you the toast in your social circle. But no one wants to throw a Halloween party that's as dead in spirit as the zombies people came dressed as. Thankfully, there are measures to insure that your Halloween party is spooktacular.
First off, deck out your house in devilish décor as much as you can. I know it seems like a hassle, but guests will appreciate the effort. I'm not suggesting that you have to have big ghoulish statues adorning the corner in every room, but carved pumpkins in various places, scary figurines and cotton webs will set the right mood.
Although you don't have to dress your house too extravagantly, it is best to dress yourself to your fullest. Whatever approach you choose to take depends on your personality, but however you choose to dress, don't be modest about it. Set a good example for guests and be the best dressed at your own party.
Have several activities planned. No Halloween party is complete without a costume party. You don't have to make it to complicated or have it be too distracting. Just promise the winner a prize and announce the winner upon your discretions sometime around midnight. Pay homage to the legendary Michael Jackson video for "Thriller" and throw a dance off competition. And no one is ever too old to bob for apples. No one said the apples had to be apple though. There's no reason they can't be small bottles of liquor.
Which brings me to my final topic: Treats. Snacks are never a bad idea for a holiday party. No need for anything too fancy, just some darkly colored desserts will be fine. The most important treat for a successful alcohol party is alcohol. This blog does not encourage binge drinking, but Halloween is one of those few days of the year where we are not only allowed, but indeed advised to drop our reservations at the door, dress up in a fantasy persona and be someone else for that night. Is there any better lubricant to help you drop your reservations than alcohol? I rest my case.
Throwing a Halloween party, or a party of any kind, can have its pressures. But if you have fun, everyone else will have fun. These tips will help you and everyone have fun, and to make sure your Halloween party is ghostly, not ghastly.
Author Bio: Emma Rae Curtis loves to research and write about all things Halloween, including funny costumes, makeup, parties, and parenting.
