Creative Halloween Party Ideas

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.