Halloween Tips

The first step to cutting down on food costs and keeping guests happy is to bill your Halloween party as a "small bite and cocktail" party. Then, start the party at an hour that gives guests enough time to grab dinner beforehand. Generally, if the pa...

Last minute costumes seem to be most successful when they are conceptual such as "E-Male," where a guy wears a big "E" on his shirt, or "Static Cling," an oldie but goodie costume made by pinning a sock to a shirt.You're sure to get a few groans when fellow partygoers get the punch line, but it's better than throwing a sheet over your head and going as a ghost.And, when in doubt, rifle through your closet for clothes from days gone by and go as a decade such as the 70s or 80s!

3-D pumpkin cakes are really easy to make. I’ve included a photo from professional baker Alison Turner for reference, but can you can do this at home in a few simple steps.

When planning a party that is time-sensitive, you need to strike a blend of organized fun without being militant about the schedule. After all, the most important part of Halloween for the kids is trick-or-treating, so that 6:00pm start time is crucial. Give guests as much information as possible right off the bat so every one can plan their day of festivities.

You can pick up a frosted cake from your local bakery or grocery store and decorate it, or use these tips if you are baking it at home:

The most important part of a cocktail party is, of course, the drinks themselves! For this party you'll want to have a number of pre-mixed cocktails ready upon the guests' arrival. When you pre-mix drinks for a cocktail party, always try to include a wide variety of alcohols in your selection. A wide selection will ensure that all your guests can find something they'll enjoy for the evening.

Place a candy eyeball in a martini glass for a creepy-looking (pun intended!) cocktail.Place the Pumpkin Punch in a black cauldron for serving. Float a ghostly-looking face and hands in the cauldron by freezing ice cubes in the mold of a mask (cover the eye and mouth hole with aluminum before adding water) and gloves (freeze the water inside the gloves).

4:00 -- Guests arrive4:30 -- All-Play Games begin5:00 -- Eat dinner5:30 -- Say goodbye to those trick-or-treating on their own 5:45 -- Prepare to trick-or-treat as a group6:00 -- Go trick-or-treating

1. Movie Theater FloorDress in black and fasten pieces of popcorn, a candy box, straw andmove theater ticket stub to your clothes to be a "Movie Theater Floor."

1. Halloween HatsBewitch all that cross your path by wearing a grand light-up witch hat and sleek black outfit.Get laughs with a novel turkey hat and dress as a chef or cook.2. Boas and BlingGals can get flashy with a light-up boa, pink marabou tiara...