The past year has been a long one for many of us. In order to be safe and healthy during the pandemic, we’ve had to distance ourselves from friends and family in a way that has made maintaining connection difficult.

With widespread vaccines rollouts and other signs that the coronavirus pandemic could be slowing down, people are starting to consider fall plans — including one of the most social events of all, Halloween.

If your party-planning skills are a little rusty, ask yourself these 4 questions to organize a great Halloween party.

What kind of party is it?

The first step in organizing a killer party is to consider what vibe you want to create for your guests. But what type of party are you hoping to host? Are your friends the type to attend a crazy house party or would you be more comfortable at a fancy dinner party? 

Be sure to think about the demographic of your friends and the venue where you’ll hold the event. Most important of all, plan the Halloween party that you would like to attend! Hosting a party takes a lot of time and energy, so make sure to plan a party where you’ll have a good time, too. 

Who is invited?

Once you have settled on the kind of party you’re throwing, it’s time to consider your guest list. This is related to the sort of party you’re deciding to throw. If you’re organizing a block party, you probably don’t want to invite friends that would rather stay home and watch horror movies. Those same friends might do well in a more intimate dinner party setting with a smaller crowd—it all depends! 

Use what you know to plan your guest list accordingly. One tip from us: If there are families on the list, consider pooling money with other parents to hire a sitter for the party so that everyone, not just your childless friends, can enjoy the party all night long. 

Should there be a costume contest?

No matter if you’re planning a small get-together or a huge rager, the answer to this question should be YES. Costumes are the best part of any Halloween party. But since not everyone likes to get dressed up as much as we do, incentivize your reluctant friends with a little friendly competition. 

For a larger party, spread the love by creating contest categories such as “Scariest” or “Best kid’s costume”. For your friends who bring their awkward internet dates or significant others, it’s always fun to include a category for the best his & her couple costumes. Just make sure their date is vetted beforehand! Have the crowd judge the competition by cheering for their favorites and then celebrate the winners.

How do I want to decorate?

The decor is the part of party planning where you can really get creative. This sets the mood from the moment guests come through the door. Don’t be afraid to make it a little creepy (in a fun way)! Renting a fog machine or decorating with black lights and glow sticks will give your house a fun energy that gets everyone in the Halloween spirit. 

If kids will be present, you can let them contribute by creating a craft corner or a space for supervised activities like pumpkin carving. This will help keep them entertained and add to the spooky look of the house at the same time. 

Hosting a party can be stressful so make sure you have fun, too! Hopefully these questions guide your planning so you can get out there and join the party!

Category: Halloween

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