Make a Guest List
A guest list is a great place to start when planning a party. It is always nice to have an idea of how many people you are expecting and getting the word out in a timely manner is the most important aspect of planning a party. So make the list and invite the guests.
Facebook is a great way to get the word out. It also has other perks, like being able to post important updates as they come, and guests are able to RSVP so you have a better headcount. Although it is very convenient and useful, it my seem a bit impersonable and is easily dismissed if not checked often. With that said, don’t be afraid to be a bit old fashioned and reach out to guests in other ways like text or paper invites.
plan the menu
We have done many different menus throughout the years. My dad used to own a grocery store in our hometown. He had all sorts of different food warmers that have come in so handy over the years. I am sure there are similar food warmers that are available for rent at your local party rental stores! Popcorn machines, hotdog rollers, and cotton candy makers are also worth looking into for an extra special touch.
The amount of guests attending plays a big part in deciphering the menu. When expecting a large group we noticed that soups were a great way to easily feed a plethora of people. the soups were easily kept warm in large crockpots, and cookers and also easily served out of paper cups, or bowls. Our go to soups were beef stew, chicken and noodle, and chili of course. By offering soups as the main course, we were able to offer finger foods in addition.
Don’t forget the sweet treats. There are plenty of deserts with nods to Halloween. One of our favorites were Walmart glazed donuts with vampire teeth stuffed inside the donuts hole. If you would like to go the extra mile and add clear red frosting as blood, you’re sure to please the crowd! We’ve also ordered cut out Halloween cookies from our local bakery. Those always make the kids’ eyes light up.
Something about food makes the party. It is fun to be creative and find those special touches that might help make some core memories for the kids. Whether its ordering a case of Sarsaparilla or firing up a cotton candy machine it sure is unforgettable for the kids and a fun touch to any party.
Chili Cook off
Another fun option, is holding a chili cookoff! If you are a close nit group and enjoy a bit of friendly competition, challenge your friends to bring their best batch of chili. This is a way to easily feed a big group of people and there are plenty of sides you can offer to compliment chili.
collect the decor
One of my favorite parts of a party is decorating. I always promise myself every year that I’m not going to decorate as much and convince myself that “less in more”. However, I always get carried away. I love to dim the lights and bring out all sorts of light up Jacko Lanters, Halloween string lights, and party strobe lights to give the drama. I am a sucker for anything that lights up.
Balloons are such an easy and cheap way to decorate for any occasion. They make the cutest Halloween balloon assortments that come in handle for both decoration and relay games.
The black gauze might be the spookiest cheapest Halloween decor ever. It really packs a punch with the spooky esthetic but doesn’t break the bank. Most of my black gauze fabric were a dollar apiece at Dollar Tree. They are so cool draped from the ceiling, or hanging from light fixtures.
*I’ve included links to some of our favorite Halloween Party must haves at the bottom of this page!
relay games
Relay games were always a hit for the grade school kids. We found a lot of Halloween themed relay games that they loved. I found the easiest way to have everything flow smoothly was to bring a storage tote of the relay games supplies and have it nicely organized for easy grabbing, so I could keep everyone’s attention.
- Eyeballs balancing on spoon relay game – We found the eyeball on the spoon relay supplies on amazon! I have linked several options as they come in anywhere from 6 to 36 pk depending on how many guest you are expecting. To play the game have the kids balance the eyeball on the spoon and walk or run as fast as they can to the finish line without dropping the eyeball. If they drop the eyeball they start over!
- Balloon Pop Relay Game – We found some cute bulk Halloween balloons on Amazon as well. A good rule of thumb is you can never blow up too many balloons for this relay. This game was a hit and the kids were willing to play this relay multiple times. When blowing up millions of balloons, I’ve found that these electric air pumps come in handy and save a lot of time. For the Balloon pop game each kid will start with a balloon, they run to the line and sit on the balloon to pop it. Once the balloon pops they can run back to the starting line. Whoever get there first wins!
- Three legged race – Everyone loves the classic three legged race! Each person grabs a partner! The partners stand side by side and tie their touching legs together. They have to run in sync down to the line and back and the first partners back are the winners.
- Potato sack race – Each player grabs a potato sack and hops inside. Then they hop all the way to the finish line as fast as they can.
- Sweep the pumpkin race – Each player gets a broom and small/medium pumpkin. The players have to sweep their pumpkin from the starting line to the finish line as fast as they can.
- Dancing circle game – All the players stand in a large circle. Choose one player to stand in the middle of the circle with a flashlight. When the music starts everyone in the circle starts dancing and the player with the flashlight shines the light on the dancing players by starting with one and moving around the circle to the right until the music stops. When the music stops the player that the flashlight is shining on is the winner! The winner gets to take the flashlight and be the player in the middle of the circle.
- This is a fun way to hand out goodie bags, or any prizes if you have them.
create a halloween playlist –
Check back for our perfect Spotify playlist for Kids parties!
Photo booth fun!
Last but not least, a photo booth to capture everyone costumes in the funniest way possible! We have rented a Booth By Demand Photobooth every year we’ve held a party and its always the hit of the party! It is easy to set up and tear down and they make it super easy to send back! Need I say more!
create a party storage bin with your essentials-
Things you may need in your party bin:
Serving spoons
Cake or dessert server
Paper plates, Silverware, and all eating essentials.
Scissors, packing tape, push pins (anything that you need to decorate)
Drink Dispensers
Bluetooth Speaker
Decorations
It helps to sit down and make a list of anything you might need. I have learned that the key to a successful party is organization. The first few years I spent most of the time running around looking for things that I needed. When you have everything organized and accessible it makes the party flow so much better, and allots more time for making memories. Check back for more Halloween content and Happy planning!
Halloween Favorites
