With chilling movies on channel after channel and aisles at every store strewn with trampled costumes, Halloween is a tradition children anticipate all year long. But who says adults can't get in on the excitement? This year, we've got you covered on how to throw a sophisticated and spooky soiree that'll prove Halloween isn't just for kids.
THOUGHTFUL THEME
The first thing to decide is what kind of party you want to throw. Costumes are a Halloween staple that adults oftenbrforego, but we say “boo” to that. With Pinterest overflowingbrwith DIY costume ideas that require little more than a trip tobrMichael's, it's as easy as ever. One of our favorites is the DIYbrFrappuccino. Grab a tan dress, attach the Starbucks logo andbrglue a green straw to a headband. You'd be surprised howbrmany costume piece essentials you may already own.br
While Halloween could be a theme on its own, a littlebrcreativity goes a long way when it comes to party planning.brTry a “Boos and Booze” theme – or call it “Costumes andbrCocktails” for a bit of added elegance – and allow guestsbrto pick their poison out of a variety of themed alcoholicbrbeverages. If you opt for a costume-less evening, you maybrwant to go heavier on the decorations. However you decidebrto theme your fall festivity, make sure you clarify it on yourbrinvitation.br
DAUNTING DÉCORbr
Face it – it's 2015, and Halloween décor hasn't changed.brClassic black and orange with pops of royal purple come outbrto play all month long. Although you'll want to stay somewhatbrtrue to Halloween colors at your gathering, you don't wantbryour guests feeling like they just walked into the Halloweenbraisle at the grocery store.br
Opt instead for a chic Halloween look by using orange andbrsilver instead of black. This year, save the crows, witches' hatsbrand skull decorations, and focus more on fall. Make a rusticbrsign by painting a festive word on a wooden canvas, and hangbrit using ribbons. Kirkland's in Southlake sells a retro “Boo tobrY'all” sign if you feel like adding a Texan twist to the mix. Pickbrup some fake pumpkins at Hobby Lobby and decorate thembrwith paint or glitter to use as stylish centerpieces – or wrapbrthem in gauze and attach some googly eyes for cute mummybrpumpkin decorations.br
GHOULISH GOODIESbr
The first thing to remember when it comes to Halloween-brthemed food is not to get too crazy. If it looks gross, peoplebrwon't eat it. One idea we love that tones down the frightbrfactor is mummy dogs, which are like pigs in a blanket, butbrwith the dough twisted around the hot dog.br
Or, make some cute and easy Frankenstein marshmallowbrpops. First, skewer some jumbo marshmallows, then dip thebrwhole marshmallow into green-dyed chocolate. Wait for thatbrto dry and then dip just the tops in regular milk chocolate tobrmake the hair. Add a face with icing and stick a pretzel stickbrthrough the “ears.”br
When it comes to alcoholic drinks, you can get a bit morebrjovial with the spook-factor. Simply add food coloring to yourbrfavorite cocktail and serve it in festive glassware. And if youbrreally want to add to the menacing vibe, serve the drinks withbrdry ice – but be sure to learn the safety precautions first.br
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With these categories to keep in mind, you'll be planningbryour Halloween soiree in no time. Now all that's left is tobrpick a killer creepy playlist (think: “Zombie Jamboree,”br“Monster Mash,” “Thriller,” etc.) and let the frighteningbrfestivities begin.