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Halloween Fun

© Cynthia Roesner

Halloween is almost here, and if you're planning to host a Halloween party, you're not alone. Halloween parties are the 2nd most popular holiday party (behind Christmas), and it's easy to see why. They are so much fun! You can dress up in crazy costumes, and be really creative. Here are some fun Halloween decorating tips that are sure to spook your friends.

Decorate with nature: If your party is to be held outside or in a garage, use bales of straw for seating. Line your walkway with lit Jack 'O Lanterns. Bunch together cornstalks and tie with raffia to your pillars, lightposts, etc.. Use gourds, mini pumpkins, dried corn, fallen pieces of tree branches and other natural items in a wicker basket to create a lovely fall centerpiece. You can also use the mini pumpkins for votive holders, just cut out the top big enough to set the votive inside. Use these as placeholders too by writing the guests name on the front.

Host a haunted house: To make house seem 'condemned' get some old white sheets and drape them over all of the furniture (protects furniture too). Shred some old discolored drapes and hang at the windows. Drape that good ole fake spiderweb all over. Create a Mad Scientist's Lab: Fill old glass jars with water and 'body parts' such as a big beet (for a heart),etc. Write the description of each on a yellowed label with a black calligraphy pen "heart of male, time of death unknown" Place these jars on table with an old sheet with (fake) blood stains all over. Have friends dress like a "mad scientist", or a ghost with chains, and other freaky characters and have them peek around the corners...

Creating a spooky atmosphere: Strobe lights and mistmakers also create an eerie effect. (Both can be purchased for a lot less than what they used to be.) Play spooky sound effects in the background. Place fake plastic rats, and other unsavory creatures, lurking from underneath furniture and on countertops.

Black plastic tablecover: If your party is to be in a garage or basement, and you want to cover up the walls, use a roll of black plastic tablecover. It runs about $12.00/a roll and works great.

The ideas are endless and the party supplies and decorating goods out there are too. So, have fun planning and enjoying your party and I wish you and yours a very Happy Halloween!