Halloween Party Themes

Halloween party themes involve taking a particular concept and weaving it into the party to be hosted. Themes that people are aware of and common make it easier for guests to arrive in appropriate costumes. These parties can revolve around historical costumes will be worn, type of decor and even what kind of food may be served. Choosing one theme or combining several will make for a Halloween party to remember for years to come.

Potential

A good theme for a Halloween party gives guests a chance to dress up and embrace the spirit of the theme. A costume contest can also be implemented into a themed Halloween party and the best costume winner can go home with a prize. Be sure that the guests know which theme to dress for in advance by sending out the invitations to the party.

Types

Some of the more popular Halloween Party themes are the traditional Haunted House, Haunted Mausoleum, Graveyard Party, Dead Celebrity Party and Era themed parties from the 20s, 50s or 80s. Another popular Halloween party theme is to replicate scary movies such as "Friday the 13th," "Halloween the Movie," "A Nightmare on Elm Street" and "Texas Chainsaw Massacre." Implement the theme starting from the driveway of your house. Have props set up and have extra helpers come to dress up and participate to help out with the party. For example, if you choose "Halloween the Movie" you can have a couple of different helpers dress up as Jason to taunt and scare guests throughout the course of the party.

Time Frame

The best time to have a Halloween party is up to a month before Halloween and until October 31st. Have the party at night or at dusk to create a spooky atmosphere for guests. A Halloween party that includes food, drinks and games can last up to two to four hours so that guests have time to eat, mingle and participate in activities.

Features

Some of the features of a themed Halloween party include playing spooky music for guests as they approach the door. For replicating scary movie themes, have volunteers transform into the main characters and have them interact with guests such as Freddy Krueger and Michael Meyers. Have black lights for certain rooms to create an effect of glow in the dark; this is the perfect place to relay spooky messages to guests such as which direction to go to find the party scene and food area.
Transforming an entire area into a theme such as a room from a scary movie, or a graveyard or even to seem transported back in time is a wonderful idea but can be costly. Implementing small gestures into the overall party area such as areas of fog from a fog machine, scattered props such as ghosts and skeletons as well as a television screen playing spooky movies are great ways to add flair without going overboard with the theme.
Serve food with creepy flair such as Queasy Quail Eggs and Creepy Coleslaw. Buffet styled serving always works best and allows guests to eat at their own convenience. Have guests compete for best costume prizes and have everyone vote on the winner.

Effects

Guests will feel like they are really part of the theme. Some guests might begin role playing and participating in trivia and discussions about the theme and the characters they are in costume as. Seeing all of the different varieties of costumes will also give the host and the guests costume ideas and tips for next year's Halloween party.

Resources

• Halloween party ideas