Organising the perfect Halloween party

Once a staple of American culture, Halloween parties have really taken off in Britain over the past decade or so - and not just among children

. Ever more people are taking the opportunity to host ghoulish parties on 31st October or the nearest convenient weekend, but there's more to organising a Halloween party than just finding a CD of horror soundtracks or unpacking your favourite scary DVD.

The first step, like most parties, is deciding on the venue, something that can be informed by the type of party you're planning to hold. If you're aiming for an intimate bash with close friends, feel free to transform your house or flat into a dungeon for the evening. But if you're planning something bigger for a larger group, you might be better off booking a venue in town. As long as you arrange this a few weeks in advance, you should be able to find good deals, often in unexpected places - though be aware that some places may charge you extra if a certain amount is not raised behind the bar at the event.

Everything about your Halloween party should reek of the macabre, though precisely which horror theme you're going for is down to your personal tastes. This style - whether it's witches, werewolves and vampires or masked serial killers - should be reflected in your invitations and your dcor, both vital parts of any Halloween party. Thanks to social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter, it's now easier to send out invitations than ever before, and to get a good idea of how many people to expect by asking guests to RSVP.

Food and drinks are another area where you can be as creative as you please. While there are many readily available Halloween-themed snacks on the market, you might want to have a go at creating some delicacies yourself - just as long as they are edible. Buying games or digging old favourites out of the loft can also help the time pass more enjoyably at your party, and after all the effort you've put in elsewhere, people won't mind if the games are distinctly un-scary - as long as they're fun.

Last but certainly not least, one of the hallmarks of a great Halloween party is great Halloween fancy dress. As the host you'll naturally want to set a good example by wearing the most striking and spine-chilling costume you can find, and you could encourage creativity among your guests by offering a prize for the best Halloween costume - at the very least, it will make your party photos incredibly entertaining.

Organising the perfect Halloween party

By: andrew.regan.2006@googlemail.com

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