Costume Suggestions
Whether your guests comes as couples or single monsters, there are plenty of possibilities for costumes. Just make it clear on your invitations that this isn't going to be a party for princess or fairy costumes, unless they show signs of a recent attack from their accompanying vampire!
- Frankenstein's Monster and his Bride or accompanying Mad Scientist
- Werewolf
- Morticia and Gomez Addams
- Uncle Fester and Grandmama
- Dracula and Victim
- The Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz
- Mummy and Explorer
- Zombie
- Skeleton
- Creature from The Black Lagoon
- Godzilla and King Kong
- Evil Martian
- Cyclops
Setting the Stage
Pull out all the stops when you decorate for this party and make it as creepy as you can.
- Cover everything with cobwebs (sold in party stores) and dust (you can use talcum powder if you don't have your own homegrown supply).
- Dim your lights as low as you feel is safe for walking around.
- Place lighted candles in as many safe locations as you can find.
- Rent a fog machine to keep the mists circulating throughout your party.
- Play spooky Halloween soundtracks throughout the evening in at least one of your party rooms, even if you play dance music in another.
- Strategically place an assortment of creepy creatures in places guaranteed to startle your guests. These might include rats, bats, bugs, or even eyeballs or fingers - all of which are available in your local party store or online.
- Set up one room as a graveyard with tombstones and mummies.
The Menu
There should be no friendly pumpkins or witches at this Halloween party. Likewise, food shouldn't sound particularly appetizing. The creepier your food, the more you will contribute to the ghoulish atmosphere of your party. Be sure to put small signs next to each dish with the names printed on them - after all, it's the names that turn ordinary dishes into Halloween horrors.
- Dragon's Blood Punch - This recipe from About's Southern U.S. Cuisine Guide includes directions for a hand ice mold.
- Red Popcorn - This easy recipe turns popcorn into a fitting snack for the evening.
- Strained Eye Balls - A suitable nibble for the monsters at your house.
- Spider Web Dip - Although the web won't last for long, the dip will still look pretty creepy on your buffet.
- Maggot Stew - As disgusting as it sounds, it's great dish to take away the chills of late October.
- Fungus Among Us Vegetable Salad - This is actually a very healthy dish, if your guests will dare to eat it!
- Witch's Finger Cookies - I bet no one will mind the gross appearance of these flavorful butter cookies.
- Wormy Baked Apples - Healthy, seasonal, and yukky all at the same time.
- Halloween Gelatin Brains - Such a yummy dessert to cap off your party.
