At Susquehanna Style, we believe that fall fun is for all ages, even adults. We spoke with The JDK Group, Central Pennsylvania’s resident party planners, and found seven tips and tricks that will help you throw a Halloween Party even Elvira would envy.
Pick a Theme
The first step in putting together any party is picking a great theme. For Halloween parties, there are endless options. You can go for something scary, or perhaps a funny take on the holiday. There’s also the option to go for a more subtle, fall focused affair with an emphasis on the season instead of the holiday itself.
Don’t Be Afraid to Decorate
Once you’ve picked a theme, decorations should come easily. JDK Group suggests including your theme in everything, down to signage and napkins. With such a wide variety of decor options, it’s easy to be overwhelmed or confused as to how to maximize their potential. JDK Group advises “using skulls as a flower vessel for centerpieces...and painting fun designs on pumpkins or gourds to use as centerpieces or decor” as a starting point.
The Menu is Everything
Food can make or break a party. As comforting as chips and dip can be, sometimes it can be a little boring to the taste buds. To spice things up, JDK suggests incorporating your theme into the menu with fun menu items like Preserved Mummy Eyes, lychee spherification gel, and Graveyard Dessert Scape, a layered chocolate mousse based dessert with a tombstone shaped cookie to top it. The possibilities are endless when it comes to the menu, whether you stick to small bites or try a full menu.
Spooky Spirits are Welcome
If you’re hosting an adult only affair, consider adding a signature drink to your menu. Utilizing tools found in the average home bar, you can craft a cocktail that is beautiful, delicious, and on theme. JDK advises adding dry ice to drinks to create the illusion of a smoky witches’ brew, or including elements that change the color of the drink based on its temperature. Entertainment is Key While food is important, no one wants to go to a boring party. There are a variety of activities that can elevate a Halloween party, no matter the age group. Activities like bobbing for apples, making toilet paper mummies, and carving pumpkins are always welcome and family friendly. If the DIY approach isn’t for you, JDK recommends hiring a DJ to help set the mood for the party with music, lighting, and special effects or possibly hiring a Tarot Card Reader for more mature parties.
Entertainment is Key
While food is important, no one wants to go to a boring party. There are a variety of activities that can elevate a Halloween party, no matter the age group. Activities like bobbing for apples, making toilet paper mummies, and carving pumpkins are always welcome and family friendly. If the DIY approach isn’t for you, JDK recommends hiring a DJ to help set the mood for the party with music, lighting, and special effects or possibly hiring a Tarot Card Reader for more mature parties.
No Such Thing as Cheesy
Halloween parties have a reputation for walking the very thin line between being a fun and fresh experience and being cheesy and overwhelming. In reality, there is no such thing as being too cheesy especially when it comes to a holiday that prides itself on going all out. Embrace the theme to no end, perhaps send out invitations with secret messages and unique detailing. Halloween parties are about embracing the weird and mysterious, and making it fun.
Have Fun
We shouldn’t have to say this, but the best trick for elevating your party is ultimately having fun and being yourself. Make your party unique and true to you, and your guests will surely enjoy it. Whether you’re someone who thinks Halloween should be scary or someone who lives for a goofy Halloween, your party will sure to be a hit.
