Halloween is just around the corner and, if you’re hosting a party this year, it’s time to pick a party theme, plan your Halloween menu, put together some fun kids’ activities and get your home ready for some frightful fun. Check out these simple tips for getting everything ready for an amazing Halloween party.
Halloween recipes
It’s good to offer a mix of more substantial party foods for kids to go along with all the Halloween desserts and sweets.
1. Jack-o’-lantern quesadillas
If you’re looking to make sure the kids have something to eat at the party besides sweets, these pumpkin, chicken, goat cheese quesadillas from Once Upon a Cutting Board are made to look like jack o’ lanterns and taste really good. You can always throw in some plain cheese ones for simpler tastes.
2. Candy corn Rice Krispies treats
Kids can help make these candy corn Rice Krispies Treats, and you can easily wrap them in cellophane and hand them out after the party as takeaways.
3. Halloween puppy chow
This is a fun party treat to have out on tables for people to munch on. Try this Halloween puppy chow with Nutella recipe from A Southern Fairytale.
4. White chocolate candy popcorn
Another yummy, easy-to-make treat is this white chocolate candy corn popcorn from Bakerita, which is great for having in bowls around the party.
Halloween activities
It’s always a good idea to have some fun Halloween crafts or other activities for your party so kids can keep entertained. Some of these can even be made with kids before the party so they can feel like they’re helping decorate. Others can be set up on a craft table where kids can create while parents hang out.
5. Paint with spiders
This painting with spiders craft from Fantastic Fun and Learning is an easy activity that most kids can do. Simply get a container or a sectioned plate with different washable paints, paper, and small plastic spiders. They’ll be creating spooky masterpieces in no time.
6. Framed Halloween silhouette cutouts
For parties with preschoolers or older kids, these framed Halloween silhouette cutouts from Decorate & Organize Everything can be fun to make — and they double as party takeaways too. Pick up inexpensive frames at a thrift or dollar store, as well as some black construction paper and other decorative scrapbooking paper for the backdrop.
7. Halloween word search
Get kids’ minds active and working hard while learning to identify new words with a Halloween word search via Freebie Finding Mom.
Halloween decor
You want your home to fit the mood of the day, so decide if you’re going to be spooky or more on the lighter side. Here are a few ideas for inspiration.
8. Jack-o’-lantern wreath
This jack-o’-lantern wreath is a fantastic addition to your front door and will get people excited about knocking to find out what’s going on inside.
Where to buy: Jack-o’-lantern wreath ($45, Sweetie Pie Collection/Etsy)
9. Mummy craft
These cardboard tube mummies are fun for decorating your party tables. Add the party guests’ names to them, and they’re perfect place cards. Check out the tutorial on Crafts by Amanda.
10. Black gauze bunting
This spooky gauze can be used to creep up your porch or draped into a haunted backdrop for the dessert table or anywhere else your party needs some extra detail.
Where to buy: 12.5′ Jumbo Gauze Cloth Halloween Decorative Prop ($10, Target)
