Dressing up in costumes, decorating the house, figuring out your scary games and eating delicious treats can only mean that everybody’s favorite spooky day is upon us. Halloween is one of those fun holidays enjoyed by children and adults alike. So, when it comes to Halloween party ideas, make sure to choose the right ones. Don’t forget to get your Halloween party invitations and Halloween cards squared away. Whether you’re after Halloween party food ideas, ghostly drinks or eerie decoration ideas, pick your favorites and make your Halloween party a thrilling success.
Halloween is not only a time for kids trick-or-treating, but it’s also a time to throw a scarily good party. Finding Halloween party ideas and themes that are perfect for the occasion can be a tricky task. Discover the right theme for the kind of occasion you want, send out your Halloween party invitations and Halloween cards, and let the festivities begin.
Festive Halloween Party Themes For Adults
While trick-or-treating is a fun activity, sometimes it’s even more fun to have a party with just adults. This festive celebration gives adults the chance to dress up for the night, what could be better than that? Whether you’re looking for something on the spooky side, or something with an autumn harvest feel, these Halloween party themes for adults should give you a jumpstart to your planning.
Autumn Harvest
This festive theme screams grown-ups only and is characterized by hay bales and hues of orange, yellow, and red. Think about the scent of cinnamon apples and the feeling of the crisp fall air when planning your fall harvest party.
Set out jack-o’-lanterns along with a few corn husks in the front of your house and in the backyard. You can also place smaller pumpkins inside the house. Place scarecrows on your lawn and by the front door for some added home decor. For refreshments, you can have glasses filled with apple cider. Get fall-themed napkins and paper plates, such as ones that include maple leaves in their design.
Orange You Scared?
You guessed it, this theme is all about the color orange. This color is the first one that comes to mind when someone says “Halloween”, so why not decorate your party after it? Classic orange and black bash can be elevated with witches’ hats, spider webs, and pumpkins. Hang an orange and black vinyl banner above your food table that reads “trick or treat”. If you have the space, designate an area of the party for dancing and mingling.
Encourage your guests to arrive in full costume to give your party that true Halloween feel. You can even have a costume contest, and give a prize to the best dressed. For drinks, you can have punch so that everyone can serve themselves. Make it look festive by putting dry ice in a larger bowl around the punch.
Ghost White
For this party theme opt for an all-white color scheme filled with ghostly white candles and tombstones. Include on the Halloween invitations that people should come in ghost costumes, or wear all white. Spiderwebs are an easy way to white out any party space. Hang them around the venue along with white balloons and other spooky decorative pieces like skeletons and ghosts. Make sure your yummy treats are characterized by all-white colors too. Think white frosting, white gum balls, marshmallows, macaroons, and more.
Love At First Bite
A vampire-style dinner party is perfect for Halloween. Fall table settings can include contrasting plates stacked on each other and theme related decor. Lay a pair of vampire’s teeth in the center, roll up a dinner napkin and let the pair of teeth gnaw on it for a fitting effect. Opt for the party color of blood red to be present in all aspects of this dinner party.
Think red table cloth, napkins and settings, red candles, and even blood red wine. On the menu for the evening should be items like a blood orange salad or steak through the heart. How about a side dish of devil hair pasta? Customize a party menu and use this as a unique table decor piece for the bloody celebration.
Spooky Halloween Party Themes For Teenagers
If you’re planning on throwing a spooky bash for the teens, make sure that you have some cool Halloween party themes up your sleeve. Remember to keep open communication between you and your teen while planning. At this age, it’s all about the frights and scares. These Halloween party themes for teenagers are sure to accomplish just that. Invite your loved ones over to your haunted house with custom Halloween invitations from Shutterfly. Sending custom Halloween invitations will help make your Halloween party spooktacular for all who attend. With Shutterfly, you can customize invitations that will wow your guests.
Murder Mystery
Celebrate this Halloween with a party that revolves around the traditional party games, a murder mystery. There are many versions of this game, but as it generally goes, one of the partygoers is secretly and unknowingly playing a murderer. The ultimate goal of the game is for guests to figure out who among them is the criminal. This party theme requires a little extra planning, but it will all pay off.
Determine the guests’ roles and make sure you indicate a who’s is who. Remember to provide a character background on their individual invitations. Encourage your guests to get into character. The more participation there is, the more fun there is to be had.
Dead Hollywood
A dead Hollywood themed party requires an extravagant entrance. Roll out the red carpet as well as the flashing lights to look like the paparazzi. Set the tone for this fun party theme with decor creative decor. You can make the display a life-like Hollywood sign that’s bashed up to look old and rusty. Next, lay out personalized directors’ chairs and old movie scripts to add a real Hollywood feel. Remember to take pictures during you Halloween party and reminisce through your fantastic event with personalized Halloween themed photo books.
Go for a color palette that includes black, white, and red. Encourage guests to get their glam on and transform into one of Hollywood’s elite the night of the party. Serve Halloween appetizers like a great white ball of pumpkin cheese, pumpkin pie cut out cookies and various dips.
Frightening Flicks
Boo! This party theme is just for those of you who love scary movies and all things that give you goosebumps. Fog machines and black lights are perfect to include outside of the house. A frightening cinema party theme is the perfect way to celebrate this Halloween with your teen.
Screen a variety of scary movies complete with popcorn and Halloween candy. Serve up popcorn the right way with multiple kinds of offerings like sweet and salty. Set up a projector on the big screen so that all of the partygoers can be on the edge of their seats together. You can even customize pillows for Halloween decor to make the viewing just that much more cozy.
Fun Halloween Party Themes For Kids
When planning a Halloween party for kids, pick a theme with a wide appeal. Have a costume party so that all of the youngsters can really get into the spirit. This is a fun way to see the little ones use their creativity and imagination. Halloween crafts are going to guide most of our Halloween party themes for kids. The goal is to keep them busy and these Halloween party themes should do the trick or treat.
Monster Mash
It’s time to host a monster mash! This theme is represented with bright colors like lime green, light purple, and turquoise blue. Picture googly eyes, wacky hair, and sharp tooth monsters for some inspiration. Deck out your venue with bright table runners and colorful streamers. Have a craft station where the kiddos can make their own monster feet. To do this, use old tissue boxes and various items to glue on as claws.
Finger foods are perfect for a kids’ Halloween celebration. Take advantage of the chance to serve up fun Halloween-themed foods like mummy dogs and ghost cookies. It’s all about the decorations even when it comes to the yummy treats. Let your guests know that a celebration is coming up with the perfect monster Halloween party invitations. Everyone will surely RSVP after seeing those invites.
Jack-O’-Lantern Carving
It’s time to carve your way into the holiday with a kids’ pumpkin carving party. Depending on your guest list, decide whether you want guests to take the trip to the pumpkin patch with you or not. If there is a pumpkin patch near home this could be a good idea. If not, pick out the pumpkins ahead of time or have your guests bring their own to the party.
Set the scene for the party with iconic Halloween hues like orange, black, purple, and green. The main attraction of this bash will be the carving. Set up a long table lined with paper because jack-o’-lantern carving can get a little messy. Set out printable templates with funny faces as well as kid friendly carving tools. Keep the carving instruments organized in buckets for safety precautions. If you’d rather not carve the pumpkins, decorate them with substitute items like ribbons, lace, jewels, and glitter.
Halloween Party Favors
Even though it is a Halloween party, make sure that you give party favors to all of the guests that attend. While candy is a classic Halloween treat, try to give something a little different. A pair of fake vampire fangs or lollipops with plastic bugs inside perfectly fit with a Halloween theme.
Instructions: Click through the buttons below to sort by different party types and needs. Click any photo for a larger view.
Magnetic Spiders
Cover your fridge with crawlers with these magnetized plastic spiders.
Source: Delia Creates
Skeleton Spider Centerpieces
Scary Halloween craft idea for a festive skeletal and arachnid centerpiece.
Source: Hoopla-Palooza
Halloween Bundt Cake
Full of scary surprises, this multicolored cake is so tasty it’s spooky.
Source: Love Bakes Good Cakes
Bloody Halloween Cake
Let them scream cake when they slice into this blood-red velvet delight!
Source: Say It With Cake
Hanging BOO sign
Be the best boo’er on the block with this cute "BOO" door hanger.
Source: The Pinning Mama
Candy Corn Cookies
Get your candy corn fix in cookie form and have fun with the kids making this snackable frosted treat.
Source: Chocolate Chocolate and More
Candy Corn Jello
Layering orange and lemon jello with a little whipped cream creates a creative Halloween food idea for parties.
Source: Cincy Shopper
Candy Corn Milkshakes
Layered ice cream makes this sweet candy corn treat one that all your little pumpkins will enjoy.
Source: Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
Cauldron Cookies
Surprise inside! Cook up these cookies filled to the brim with sweet treats.
Source: Hungry Happenings
Chipotle Coconut Pepper Jacks
Carve a spooky face into these peppers and fill them with deliciousness.
Source: Spabettie
Chocolate Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
Some simple steps make your favorite peanut butter cookies into creepy crawlers.
Source: A Spicy Perspective
Mummy Bundt Cake
Call your mummy a culinary genius with these sweet wrapped mini-cakes.
Source: Hip Foodie Mom
Blood Red Cinnamon Simple Syrup
Simmer red hot cinnamon candy and sugar to concoct a bloody lovely syrup to add to your next beverage.
Source: Pizzazzerie
Cranberry Sangria
A blood-red drink fit for adult vampires and sangria lovers.
Source: Cravings of a Lunatic
Candy Corn Wreath
Hot glue and a candy favorite make a festive wreath that friends will envy.
Source: Spearmint Baby
Halloween Marshmallow Pops
Skewered spooky marshmallow monsters make sweet treats.
Source: I Wash You Dry
Tomato Cage Ghost
An adorable way to celebrate your harvest, turn your tomato cages into spooky ghosts!
Source: Princess Pinky Girl
Evergreen Party Punch
Who slimed the punch? This bright green beverage is perfect for your inner mad scientist.
Source: Six Sisters’ Stuff
Fanta Jack O’Lantern
A orange-flavored Halloween drink with a spooky smile. Carved faces and fizzy fun make these drinks a hit!
Source: Belle of the Kitchen
Spider Sacks
Use yarn and glue to make spooky spider sacks. This simple craft is fun for kids and will creep out the neighbors.
Source: Modern Parents Messy Kids
Peep Straws
Slip a straw through a Halloween-themed Peep for a ridiculously easy and cheap drink accessory.
Source: A Girl and a Glue Gun
Hanging Ghosts
Turn styrofoam balls into ghostly neighbors with this simple and cheap Halloween party idea!
Source: Simply Designing
Yarn Ghost Garland
Quick and cute yarn bound ghosts to string up to a garland.
Source: This Mama Loves
Spooky Eye Wreath
Look no further for a wreath that’s a sight for sore eyes!
Source: A Pretty Life in the Suburbs
Goosebumps Punch
Freaky fizzy punch idea pairs rainbow sherbet with lemon-lime soda and gummy worms.
Source: Sugar and Soul
Grave Digger
A whiskey and cider concoction that’ll make your skull stand up straight!
Source: Boulder Locavore
Gummy Worm Ice Cubes
Freeze some freaky gummy friends for some cheap Halloween party ideas.
Source: Mommy Always Finds Out
Gummy Worm Punch
Freeze gummy worms and slip them in lime soda for a squirmy and cheap Halloween party idea.
Source: Bitz & Giggles
Halloween Cake Pops
These cunning cake pops make an adorable Halloween food idea for parties.
Source: Art and the Kitchen
Spooky Stairs
Feature the face that lives under the stairs with this festive way to spruce up your stairwell.
Source: Hoosier Homemade
Halloween Rice Krispies Treats
Monstrous Rice Krispy treats will be a hit with your little mad scientists.
Source: She Wears Many Hats
Spooky Hand Soap
Soak in spooky with Halloween hand soap -- you never know what can lurk in there!
Source: Little Bins for Little Hands
Boo Treat Boxes
Don’t miss a trick when toting Halloween treats in these adorable boo boxes.
Source: Craft-o-Maniac
Ghost Milkshakes
A milkshake that will make you shiver -- add little eyes to turn your ice cream treat into something deadly (and delicious).
Halloweeno Poppers
That’s a wrap on these mummy jalapeno poppers, an adorably twisted Halloween food idea for parties.
Source: The Hopeless Housewife
Zombie Brain
A brain-damaged Halloween-styled cement mixer that won’t make you dead on your feet.
Source: Celebration Generation
Floating Witch’s Hat
These levitating witch hats make a scary Halloween party idea!
Source: Polkadot Chair
Headless Gingerbread Man
Gingerdead men. An All-Hallows twist on the old favorite.
Source: Noshing with the Nolands
Boo Blocks
A classy-meets-spooky Halloween decoration that is simple and easy to make.
Source: Mod Podge Rocks
White Chocolate Covered Ghost Snacks
Say, "Hey, Boo" to these cute little white chocolate covered cake snacks.
Source: Crazy Little Projects
Skeletons
A poster board skeleton makes a bone-rattling fun Halloween craft for kids.
Source: Fun At Home With Kids
Polyjuice Potion Punch
Dress up a drink in a lime-green costume with this Harry Potter inspired potion.
Source: This Grandma is Fun
Upchuckin’ Pumpkin Loaded Pasta Salad
Gross out your tablescape with this pasta salad puking pumpkin!
Source: 4 the Love of Food
Hawaiian Eyeball Punch
Turn mini-marshmallows into eyeballs for a punch that’s outta sight.
Source: Million Moments
Roasted Potato Graveyard
RIP: Rest in Potatoes. Sliced potato headstones make a festive appetizer for Halloween parties.
Source: Take A Bite Out of Boca
Winged Pumpkins
A tiny pumpkin can transform into a winged monster with a few simple changes.
Source: The Cat, You and Us
Green Monster Punch
These green, kid-friendly cocktails will have everyone smashing!
Source: Simplistically Living
Spider Balloon
Make a balloon into a creepy crawly with a simple addition of some streamers.
Source: Wee Westchester
Tin Can Luminaries
A unique way to light up the night -- these DIY luminaries are easy to make and look great!
Source: Jolly Mom
Make A Face Pumpkin Pop Bottles
Give kids a fun way to create a scary-looking soda with just orange soda and a dry erase marker.
Source: My Sister’s Suitcase
Mandarin Pumpkin
With a simple black marker, a mandarin orange transforms into a spooky mini jack-o-lantern.
Source: A Designer Life
Mason Jar Jack-o-lanterns
Cute containers with spooky faces make a cheap Halloween party idea.
Source: My Crafty Spot
Creepy Meringue Bones
Very scary raspberry "blood" and meringue bones will make your skeleton dance.
Source: That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Mummified Candle Holders
Candle holders wrapped with gauze make a spooky and cheap Halloween party idea.
Source: Crafting a Green World
Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffle Mummies
Yummy mummies -- pumpkin cheesecake truffles to come back to life for.
Source: Creme de la Crumb
Embalming Fluid
It’s A-LIME! This Vodka apple-flavored potion will wake the dead!
Source: Noshing with the Nolands
Gooey Monster Eye Cookies
Candy eyeballs and green food coloring make a cookie treat that looks great even as it’s looking right back at you.
Source: Lil Luna
Halloween Garland
Get up to bat (and ghost and skeleton) with these fun, super easy and cheap Halloween garlands.
Source: Lia Griffith
Pizza Monster Sandwiches
Pimento olives on toothpicks gives life to this delicious chicken sandwich.
Source: An Affair from the Heart
Pumpkin Pretzels
Give gourds a makeover with these chocolate covered pumpkin pretzels that make an easy Halloween food idea for parties.
Source: Butter With A Side of Bread
Pumpkin Bar Edible Mummies
Edible eyes make these white frosted pumpkin bars into yummy mummies.
Source: Rachel Cooks
Graveyard Parfait
With a cookie for a headstone, these pumpkin parfaits are to die for.
Source: The Neighbor Food
Halloween Punch
This peach flavored beverage makes a sweet drink with a pumpkin appearance.
Source: Nourished Simply
Rice Krispy Brains
A treat for your little zombies: red icing and molded Rice Krispy treats make for a scary Halloween party idea.
Source: Left Brain Craft Brain
Hocus Pocus Fizz
Attack of the FIZZ! This colorful drink mixes sparkling grape juice and food coloring to make something so sweet and delicious it’s scary.
Source: Kara’s Party Ideas
Spooky Spiderweb Mashed Potato Cakes
Monster Mashed potato cakes -- cobwebs were never this delish.
Source: Rhubarb and Honey
Swamp Juice
Get swamped with this green drink featuring gummy fishes, worms, and tapioca "eggs" for a slimy finish.
Source: The Sister’s Cafe
Toffee Apples
Try to spook your friends with these scary "poison" candy apples as a food idea for Halloween parties.
Source: Simply Delicious Food
Orange Scream Cupcakes
Orange Scream Milk transforms regular cupcakes into the perfect Halloween food idea for parties.
Source: Our Family World
Vampire Cocktail
Delicious cocktail that will satisfy even the most bloodthirsty vampire!
Source: Self Proclaimed Foodie
Vampire Teeth Drink
This scary Halloween party idea adds vampire teeth to give you a drink with real bite.
Source: Kid Friendly Things to Do
Vampire Floats
Red punch and vanilla ice cream mix to make a drink that will tempt the undead out of their coffins.
Source: Shaken Together Life
Voodoo Punch
Inject some levity in your Halloween drinks with these syringe-filled, voodoo-cursed concoctions.
Source: Wheel N Deal Mama
Hanging Witch’s Hat
Something wicked this way hangs! Cast a spell to switch a witch’s hat into a festive front door hanger.
Source: The Spohrs Are Multiplying
Witches Hats Cookies
Turn sandwich cookies and a chocolate kiss into witch wear with this great Halloween food idea for parties.
Source: Princess Pinky Girl
Witches’ Brew Cupcakes
Add green frosting filled with candy delights to make a cupcake into a boiling cauldron.
Source: House of Yumm
Butter Cookies
Creepy cookies with Halloween themed colors to confound your guests.
Source: Lady Behind the Curtain
Witches’ Brew
Add dry ice to your cauldron to make a sparkling sweet beverage that will quench even the scariest thirst.
Source: Self Proclaimed Foodie
The Witch’s Heart
You’ll be asking for double double of this bubbling and bewitching vodka based brew!
Source: The Flavor Bender
Halloween Tin Can Bowling
Kids will be bowled over by this Halloween-themed game for your party.
Source: Red Ted Art
Closing Thoughts
When it comes to selecting a theme for your Halloween party, pick something that stays true to your personality. Keep in mind that you will be able to add your own personal spin on whichever theme you decide to go with.
