Creative Halloween Party Ideas
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Creative Halloween Party Ideas

Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLennan
By Krissy Tiglias

Dying to throw a spooky bash this October 31? Pull together a festive celebration with these Halloween party recipes, cocktails, cupcakes, and more.If costumes are required at your party, don't miss out on easy DIY Halloween costumes for kids and adults.

1 of 9 Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLennan

Googly Eye Invitation

Set the tone for this frightful fete with an unexpected invite. Start with black paper stock and embellish with googly eyes ($5 for 120-pack, amazon.com). For a vibrant punch, line plain orange envelopes with patterned paper (we can't resist the stripes), which you can purchase at your local craft store. For an extra surprise, tuck small confetti bats, pumpkins, or ghosts ($3, amazon.com) inside.

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2 of 9 Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLennan

Black and White Table

When it comes to the table display, stick to a cohesive palette (black and white with shots of orange) so you can play with patterns. A spooky combination of polka dots and stripes will take the party supplies (cupcake liners, $4 for 50, bakeitpretty.com; striped paper straws,$2 for 24, amazon.com) to new whimsical heights.

See our easy Halloween cupcakes to make your own version of this ghoulish dessert.

3 of 9 Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLennan

Mummified Votives

Finding the right decorative accents can be a scary, time-consuming process. Keep it simple. For a spooky tabletop touch, wrap plain glass votives with gauze (secure with mini safety pins).
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4 of 9 Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLennan

Napkin Ring Fangs

No-fuss entertaining is how we like to roll. For a simple napkin treatment, slide a pair of plastic vampire fangs ($6 for 72, orientaltrading.com) around the linens.

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5 of 9 Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLennan

Potions and Punches

There's no need to get too fancy with the cocktail list. Stick to what you know your guests will drink (apple juice, orange juice, grape juice), then get creative with the serving pieces. After filling old jars and recycled bottles, pop on some gruesome labels.
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6 of 9 Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLennan

Bat Stirrers

Serving a signature Halloween cocktail? Turn a plain glass of juice into something over-the-top. Tie a ribbon around the top of a drink stirrer for a fine fininshing touch.
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7 of 9 Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLennan

Scary Bags

Place some Halloween treats around the room for guests to grab. Have the kids draw faces on colorful plastic bags and fill with an assortment of candy or snacks.
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8 of 9 Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLennan

To-Die-For Desserts

Dare to scare? Think out-of-the-box when it comes to the munchies. Everyday treats (meringues and whoopie pies) will be devoured at this party with some innovative styling. Make a quick stop at the candy store (pick-up M&M candies, licorice, and chocolate shavings) and the assembly at home is a cinch. 


For seasonal menu ideas, find 14 delicious pumpkin recipes.

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9 of 9 Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLennan

Candy Corn Favors

It wouldn't be a seasonal celebration without the candy corn (in some shape or form). Fill clear plastic containers with layers of yellow, orange, and white jelly beans.

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