Putting together a howlin’ good Halloween party for you and your gal-pals doesn’t have to send shivers down your spine. We’ve compiled a few...
How to Throw an Easy Halloween Party
Putting together a howlin’ good Halloween party for you and your gal-pals doesn’t have to send shivers down your spine. We’ve compiled a few of our favorite easy Halloween party ideas—including spooky-good inspiration for food, drinks, decorations and more.
Each idea in our “Besties and Broomsticks” pop-up party can be added to the party in minutes—so try one (or all!) to make your Halloween party the spookiest on the block.
Halloween Food Ideas
One of the easiest ways to get food on the table is to create a supernatural spread by adding a touch of Halloween magic to store-bought foods. We loved the idea to dress up plain pretzel rods with shoestring licorice, jellybeans and candy coating for a witchy appeal. Get the recipes:
Another quick idea is to add a frightful touch to the standard cheese board. (Start with this simple checklist!) “Stab” the brie with a cheese knife surround it with raspberry jelly or carve cheddar slices into a simple headstone shape for a haunted graveyard feel.
All tricks aside, Halloween should be sweet! Upgrade a dozen store-bought cupcakes by sprinkling festive Halloween sprinkles and top with a few fun-sized candy bars for a decadent touch.
Go over-the-top by grabbing a Bundt cake from the bakery aisle and top is with green, purple, black and orange frosting. To do this, separate a tub of frosting into four small bowls. Add a drop or two of food coloring in each, and stir until your ideal color appears. Microwave each bowl for a few seconds. When the icing is thin enough to drizzle, splatter each color over the top of the cake.
You don't need a cauldron to conjure these frightening fingers. They're a sweet-and-salty treat that's spooky easy to make. —Beth Tomkiw, Chief Content Officer, Taste of Home
Pair these edible mini brooms with Witches’ Brew for a spellbinding combination. The only ingredients you need here are pretzel rods and licorice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
It doesn’t take magic to transform these crescent rolls into charming witch hats—just a few minutes and a couple of ingredients. They’re so good, you’ll want to make a double batch. —Mara Fletcher, Batesville, Indiana
Make this ominous cheesecake the highlight of your Halloween buffet. Guests will love what is hidden inside: a fudgy filling. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Stir up some Halloween beverages that are as bewitching as the rest of your menu. Omit the vodka for a nonalcoholic version so the kids can have some, too! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
I love making different recipes for our annual Halloween party. This “sandwitch” has always been a hit. You can make the filling ahead and chill it. The seafood and spicy jalapeno make this crab a winner!—Suzanne Clark, Phoenix, Arizona
These fun and colorful wands don't need to be made by a magician to be magical. You can change the colors to fit any party theme. —Renee Schwebach, Dumont, Minnesota
This witch's cauldron doesn't hold a spooky brew--just a Halloween snack that's frightfully fun! Our Test Kitchen formed a pot by toasting a slice of rye bread, then filled it with a creamy dip that's perfect with the pretzel "logs" and sweet pepper "flames" that are placed underneath.
The idea for this recipe came to me when I saw someone dip a slice of pizza into a pasta dish. My wife and kids love it and so do my friends! —Robert Smith, Las Vegas, Nevada
All eyes will definitely be on these adorable cookies when they're set on any buffet table. I created them for my son's kindergarten class for Halloween. —Sherry Lee, Columbus, Ohio
I remember making this velvety soup with my mom. Butternut squash gives it warm color, and garlic wards off any unfriendly spirits. Try using whipping cream for an extra smooth texture. —Steven Eder, Lebanon, Pennsylvania
These cookies have become somewhat famous at the school our children attend. One year, I made more than 150 of these "fingers" for their classroom Halloween parties.—Natalie Hyde, Cambridge, Ontario
It’s time to fill your cauldron! Stir up a batch of Witch’s Brew in a large punch bowl to share. Wondering how we got the green coloring? There’s no food dye here! Our punch gets its emerald hue from kiwifruit and mint. To finish off the look, drop in a few decorative ice cubes, like these scary skulls.
No time to play bartender? We get it. Add some Halloween spirit to a bottle of wine with peel-and-stick glittery labels. Each sticker has a hilarious quote like “eat drink and be scary” and “my broomstick runs on wine.” We also recommend picking up this bottle of Bewitched Chardonnay that has notes of baked apple, pear and vanilla.
Chocolate pudding mix is the convenient start to this clever cocoa mix. Kids of all ages get a kick out of the marshmallow ghost floating on top. —Ruby Gibson, Newton, North Carolina
Stir up some Halloween beverages that are as bewitching as the rest of your menu. Omit the vodka for a nonalcoholic version so the kids can have some, too! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Who doesn't love the flavors of caramel, apples, and vanilla ice cream together? If I'm feeling fancy, I drizzle caramel syrup around the inside of my glass before adding the apple cider and ginger ale. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Our home economists concocted this "potion" with kitchen staples such as juice concentrate, soft drink mix, soda and sherbet. It appeals to kids of all ages! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
If you're going to hang with vampires, you're going to need a strong drink. This spicy vodka martini, with a blood-red beet garnish, does the trick. A little garlic helps, too! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Dried apricots give this comforting cider a marvelous twist. Add cranberries, cinnamon, allspice and cloves for the perfect hot drink to sip on cool nights. —Ginnie Busam, Pewee Valley, Kentucky
Gummy worms crawling out of the punch bowl will have your guests howling as they ladle out cups of this festive orange cooler. The punch recipe is super-easy, and its color fits in perfectly with other foods and decorations for my theme party. —Vicki Schlechter, Davis, California
Grown-up treats that feature canned pumpkin and butterscotch schnapps will lure guests back for more. The gelatin shots are made ahead, so they're a great party starter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Spiced with cinnamon sticks, allspice and caramel, this warm-you-up sipper will chase away winter's chill. Serve brimming mugs alongside a platter of festive cookies at your next holiday gathering. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
My friends start requesting this cocktail in the fall and continue to ask for it throughout the holidays. Every delectable sip is like a taste of pumpkin pie! —Cathleen Bushman, Geneva, IL
My bright orange sipper fits right in with October fun. To serve it in a festive way, I often put the punch bowl inside a hollowed-out-pumpkin. —Sue Thomas, Casa Grande, Arizona
My son loved this festive milkshake growing up—it's nicely spiced and tastes like pumpkin pie. I like cutting off both ends of a licorice twist and serving it as a straw.—Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
My mom makes this hot chocolate with pumpkin, spices and white chocolate. We usually drink it on Halloween, but it’s delish at Christmas too. —Sasha King, Westlake Village, California
This slushy punch requires no ice ring to keep it cold. It's not too sweet, so it appeals to everyone. Use this refreshing beverage for any celebration. —Susan Johnson, Lyons, Kansas
I love this chai-inspired twist on basic spiced cider punch. It’s so easy to make, and everyone seems pleasantly surprised by the apricot and peach nectars..—Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
I think the best thing about this recipe is that you can make it hours ahead of time so you can spend more time with your guests. And you can keep it warm on the stovetop or in a slow cooker throughout the party. —Mary Price, Youngstown, Ohio
A smash is a fruity and chilled cocktail—very refreshing. It's a great use for those apples you bought from the orchard plus some sparking cider. —Moffat Frazier, New York, New York
The winter holidays are my favorite time of year, and this spiced pumpkin drink is one reason I love the season so much. If you don't have a coffee maker, it's OK to use instant coffee—just make it stronger. —Kathie Perez, East Peoria, Illinois
Surprise the ghouls and goblins at your Halloween party with these thirst-quenching martinis. Cranberry juice and sour apple liqueur makes them tart yet terrific! —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
During cool-weather season, my husband and I take this soul-warming drink outside by the fire pit. Our house smells amazing while the cider is simmering! —Lisa Bynum, Brandon, Mississippi
As soon as there is a hint of fall in the air, I think of pumpkins and my mother. She served pumpkin pie with real hot chocolate. This recipe brings those two amazing scents, and her, back to life for me. To turn your hot chocolate into creamy pumpkin mocha, stir 2 teaspoons of instant coffee into the hot chocolate before adding whipped cream. It's a great way to warm up after some chilly trick-or-treating! —J. Morand, Maitland, ON
When it comes to Halloween party decorations, most people reach for faux spider webs and Jack-O-Lanterns. Wow your guests with creative ideas that go beyond the classics. For our pop-up party, we set the scene by scattering a dark table runner with black plastic spiders, confetti and a cute Halloween print that can pop easily into any picture frame.
Pro tip: Dim the lights to create an eerie atmosphere. Light candles to entice your guests to what might become a spooky seance. You can make your home feel even more like a haunted house with spooky DIY candle holders. Check out our step-by-step guide or watch the video below.
Cast a dancing spell on your fellow witches with some terrifying tunes. This ready-made playlist has everything; classics like Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” and Annie Lennox’s version of “I Put a Spell on You,” Halloween favorites like “Thriller” and “Ghostbusters” and haunting hits that will get you dancing, like Rhianna’s “Disturbia” and AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell.” All you have to do is press play!
Halloween Goodie Bags
What’s a Halloween party without some treats? End the night with a sweet touch by giving out adorable, themed goodie bags. Fill paper bags with candies and small keepsakes like nail polish and chapstick. Secure each gift with a pin-back button that matches their Halloween spirit.
Keep the bags in a basket—or a plastic cauldron—near the front door so guests can grab one on the way home. You can even put together a few extra goodie bags to give out to moms who are stuck on trick-or-treat duty this Halloween!
These skull logs will make your fire pit the talk of the town—or at least the neighborhood. As far as Halloween decoration ideas go, they're super creepy and a little bit pricey—but well worth the splurge. Pile your fireplace with them or just sneak one in to give your guests a real scare! Shop Now
For a not-quite-haunted house display, add these cheeky flamingos to your yard. A flock of 10 gangly birds—half in black, half in orange—will be a welcoming beacon for trick-or-treaters. Shop Now
If you're looking for some kid-friendly Halloween decoration ideas, give a shout out to the Peanuts gang with this Snoopy on a Pumpkin inflatable. It's sure to have The Great Pumpkin flocking to your doorstep! Shop Now
This simple, metal "Hocus Pocus" sign looks good anywhere. And with available sizes ranging all the way from six to 30 inches, it will fit anywhere, too. Shop Now
Want to pull one over on the trick-or-treaters? Once pressed, a slot opens in this Animated Eyeball Doorbell to show a fierce-looking, roving, slitted green eyeball that'll definitely give anyone at your door the creeps. Shop Now
Serve up your favorite spooky sweets (hello, candy corn!) in this ghost-shaped bowl. It's a simple, sturdy piece that will last for many Halloweens to come. Shop Now
Halloween is a time for carving pumpkins, but if you don't feel like going through the effort, these Jack-O-Lantern string lights work just as well. With a warm amber color, they'll give off the perfect spooky glow to highlight the rest of your decorations. They're also super affordable! Shop Now
Who said trees were only for Christmas? Make the holidays a little spookier by setting up this orange and black striped tree for Halloween and keep it in the living room all the way through December. It's super easy to set up, too! Shop Now
Set your holiday table in style with this Halloween table runner. It features spiders, bats, Jack-o'-lanterns and plenty of other ghoul-ish designs. Once your table's done, stock it with these haunted snacks. Shop Now
What's this? Cooking utensils emblazoned with all of our favorite Halloween Town characters! We love this spooky set featuring Jack, Sally and even Oogie Boogie. They're perfect for tossing together one of these fall salads. Shop Now
We love the mix of vintage styles and modern glam in this skull candleabra. It's one of those Halloween decoration ideas that will make a statement anywhere you light it! Shop Now
Set the mood with a glowing Jack o'Lantern—no messy pumpkin carving required. This light-up wall decor casts a warm glow when lit, while its bright orange hue adds color during the day. Shop Now
Grandma's ceramic trees are making a comeback, and we adore this oh-so-sweet candy corn version. Choose from three different sizes—a nightlight, small tree or large tree. Shop Now
Add a spoonful of sugar—with a spooky twist! These stainless steel spoons come in a set of six, are dishwasher-safe and have smooth, rounded edges. Shop Now
Keep things tidy in style with this trio of decorative kitchen towels. Featuring ghosts, bats and spooky phrases, these cotton towels will make you want to pull out your Ouija board. Cook up a hauntingly good spread with these ghost-themed recipes. Shop Now
Bring Sleepy Hollow vibes to your home with this headless horseman decoration. It looks downright scary when backlit with a flickering, battery-operated candle! Shop Now
Give your favorite cake or cupcake recipes a Halloween touch with this silicone mold. Simply fill the six designs with melted chocolate, candy pieces or gelatin, allow to set and create a haunted cake topper. Need some candy inspiration? Check out some scary-good cake recipes. Shop Now
Guests will do a double-take when they see this creative ghost art hanging on the walls. At first glance, it looks like a simple nature painting, but two friendly visitors add a touch of spookiness to the scene. Shop Now
Halloween decoration ideas don't get easier (or more affordable) than this! Whether it's used as a candy dish, fruit bowl or just for decoration, this trio of orange, purple and black spider web bowls will be the centerpiece of any bash. Shop Now