Haunted House Decor

Plan to create the feeling of a 'haunted mansion' from the time your guests arrive. Both on the exterior and interior of your home, add ghostly details to spookify your party.

Outside, have haunted organ music playing from the porch (or out a window). CDs are available online--look for music by "Midnight Syndicate" for some truly haunting sounds without cheesy canned screams.

Use candlelight: try to eliminate electric lighting everywhere but perhaps in the kitchen. Candleabras, tea lights, and pillar candles should be strategically placed in at least the front rooms.

Purchase 'creepy cloth' in black and gray and use it to drape over furniture, pictures, mantels, chandeliers, etc. It's simply cheesecloth specially colored and shredded, and you could probably make it yourself if you have the time and energy!

Visit a Halloween store or online retailer to purchase some effects like body parts, creatures, "Goretraits" (pictures that move when you walk past) and other fun Halloween items. Remove regular knick-knacks and replace with creepier decor, like a huge rubber rat peeking out from a pile of books, or a glad jar filled with eyeballs and green goo.

For more Halloween decor, food, drinks, costumes and other ideas check out my new book Adult Halloween Parties!