Setting the Stage
Decorate your home in traditional Halloween decorations. Pumpkins, scary silhouettes, creepy music, all create the perfect Halloween atmosphere.
Invite your guests, adults and kids, to come dressed in costume. While there are many costumes for sale, some of the classic ones can be made with items you already own, or with a few clothing pieces that have been temporarily altered. For example:
Skeleton - Take a black shirt, pants, and gloves, and make bones using white tape. Put white pancake makeup on your face.
Ghost - Anyone who has ever seen the Halloween classic cartoon "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" knows that all you need is a large white sheet and pair of scissors to make this fun costume. Just be careful when you cut out the holes!
Witch - Black clothing, black cape, pointed black hat, broom, and green face makeup. With a few items from the party store, and a few from your closet, this costume is easy and inexpensive.
Vampire - Black pants, tux shirt and tie, black cape, fang teeth, and makeup turn men into these popular creatures of the night.
Frankenstein - Dress in a shirt, jacket and pants that are too short for you. Gel and comb down hair. Apply appropriate makeup.
For other easy costume ideas, visit the About.com Family Crafts Site.
Halloween Costume Party Menu
Orange Spiced Cider- This will warm up both the kids and adults at your party. Supply a bottle of apple brandy for adults wishing to warm up their beverage a little further.
Low Fat Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup - Serve this in a hollowed-out pumpkin to add to the festive atmosphere.
Crockpot Taco Shredded Beef - A make your own taco bar is fun for all ages, and easy on the hostess since you can prepare everything in advance of trick-or-treating. Serve with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, grated cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and anything else you enjoy on your tacos.
Tossed Salad with Lemon Garlic Dressing - You need some garlic on the menu to chase away the vampires, don't you?
Spicy Halloween Ginger Cake Recipe - This seasonal, spicy apple cake will be the perfect counterpoint to the sweet Halloween candy.
