I need Halloween party ideas.......

[officiant-fica]

Now that my season seems to be winding down I'll have some extra time on my hands. So we decided to throw a Halloween party. Joe's mom is coming to visit for a week and we always have a big get together when she is in town. This year it happens to be in October. So I really would love some input. I was also going to invite all the neighbors (there is about 12 families) in our developement as a way to get to know everyone. It has to be family friendly, but not boring! Also, I really don't want to spend too much. Normally we ask our friends to bring a dish and it is always BYOB (we do provide jello shots:D ) Would it be rude to ask the neighborhood to bring a dish? Any input is welcome.

[ladymelissa]

I don't think it's rude to ask people to bring a dish for that type of party (meaning it's not a formal affair or something they would bring a gift to). As long as it's in Oct. make it a costume party, those are always fun. Maybe have a few small prizes for the best, most creative costumes. Bobbing for apples is the only game I can think of at the moment. You could get/rent a fog machine, strobe lights, candles to help with decorations.

[ikkin510]

I agree, I wouldn't think it rude to ask people to bring a dish to the party. I like the idea of prizes for the best costume, most creative, etc. Maybe have a few pumpkins for people to carve, stuff like that.

[LaceyinPgh]

I don't see a problem of asking people to bring a dish. Just try to organize it so that you don't end up with 12 types of potato salad. (give people catagories, like salad, cassarole, dessert, ect.). Maybe a make your own caramel apple station for the kids. Let them dip the apples in caramel then roll them in nuts, sprinkles, candies. (Use caramel sundae topping so you don't have to get it too hot.) Or if that is too messy, maybe pumpkin shaped cookies for the little ones to decorate with icing and sprinkles.

[70707Bride]

Its not rude to ask to bring a dish to share. Its pretty common to ask.

[CarlosHoney]

I think that a potluck would be fun. Just make sure to have lots 'o CANDY!!! :bbmrgreen:

[Kacie_bride]

There is a really neat website I saw awhile back about Halloween party ideas. Let's see if I can manage to find it again. I can't seem to find the exact one I was talking about. It was a good one! Anyway, I always find askginka as a good resource for themed parties or weddings or whatever. Here is the link to the Halloween/masuerade/gothic party guide. Maybe you can find something good there! We also did Halloween as one of the weekly wedding themes. I think it was week 4. You might want to check that out and see if any ideas jump out at you.

http://www.askginka.com/themes/halloweentheme.htm

[Orgirl1969]

I've got a friend of mine that throws an annual party a week or two before Halloween. It includes families and she always has a pumpkin carving contest with prizes. She buys a selection of pumpkins, some carving kits (with special tools for kids) and some templates that she reuses. She also divides everyone into groups based on age and the parents typically help the very young ones. She spreads out newspapers in their garage to carve and hold the mess, then sprays out the garage after the party. Everyone gets to vote on the pumpkins and there is some serious competition from year to year! Last year she had about 40 people and at least 15 carved pumpkins and she served heavy hors d'oerves, warm cider and hot chocolate. Great and memorable party!

[theweddinghelper]

I don't think it's rude to ask people to bring a dish for that type of party (meaning it's not a formal affair or something they would bring a gift to). As long as it's in Oct. make it a costume party, those are always fun. Maybe have a few small prizes for the best, most creative costumes. Bobbing for apples is the only game I can think of at the moment. You could get/rent a fog machine, strobe lights, candles to help with decorations.


Melissa has some great ideas that I would have said myself! (Costume party, fog machine; if it is not too expensive, prizes and bobbing for apples.)

Alot of times if I throw a party, I make pigs in a blanket(the fast way, which is using biscuits) bc it is filling, easy, and cheap!) Caramel or candy apples are great for desserts, Apple cider or a orange or black punch would be a good idea for drinks.
You can do games and have prizes and you can also do a small raffle. (Have everyone who wants to be in it chip in their dollar or dollars if they want more than 1 ticket. Don't spend too much more than 10 bucks on your prize. Then draw a name and whomever's name u pull wins the prize!) This way here you should have made some extra cash if u have alot of people and it will help u w/ the expenses u had throwing the party!