How to Make the Head on a Platter Trick

For older trick or treaters, like teenagers, scary gimmicks and stunts are a lot of fun and make Halloween exciting. The thought of chills and goosebumps and being scared is one of the highlights of the Halloween holiday. And for many adults, providing the tricks and setups that create chills and goosebumbs is equally fun. The Head on the Platter is one such Halloween trick that is easy to put together and takes a minimal amount of money to prepare.

Things You'll Need

• Cardboard box big enough to cover a person
• Cardboard or poster board to make a platter
• Fake fruits and vegatables
• White paint
• Cornstarch or baby powder

Instructions

1. Cut a hole in the top of a box that is large enough so that you will be able to sit on a chair with the box covering both your body and the chair. To find a box, call or visit stores that sell furniture, appliances and other large items. They will usually give you a box for free if you ask.

2. Cut a piece of cardboard or a large piece of white posterboard into the oblong shape of a platter. Cut a hole in the center of the cardboard platter that is the size of the neck of the person who will be the head and then cut the platter in half. If you use cardboard, paint the cardboard white or cover each piece with aluminum foil.

3. Select the person or family member who will be the 'head' on the platter. Paint the person's face white with black eyes, using Halloween makeup or theatrical makeup. Liberally cover the person's hair with cornstarch or baby powder to make her hair white.

4. Have the person sit on a chair next to the front door and put the box over him. Cover the box with a piece of fabric or tablecloth to disguise the fact that it is a cardboard box. Put each side of the platter around the person's neck so that his head appears to be on top of the platter.

5. Place artificial fruits and vegetables around the head on the platter. Purchase a plastic wine glass and put a piece of duct tape on the bottom by rolling it so that both sides of the tape are sticky, and put it on the bottom of the wine glass before sticking it onto the platter. Add some water with one or two drops of red food coloring for effect.

6. When you see older children approaching to trick or treat, have the person sit with her eyes closed and very still and give the trick or treaters a few moments to check out your head on a platter as they try to determine whether the head is real or fake. Then have the head on a platter open her eyes and yell "Boo!"

Tips & Warnings

• This trick is ideal for Halloween parties or when older adolescents and teens come to your house trick or treating.

• Do not use this trick to scare young children who could be traumatized by the experience and who may never want to trick or treat again.