TIPS FOR A
SUCCESSFUL
ADULT
HALLOWEEN
PARTY
BY: KARA ROBINSON
Halloween is just for your pint-sized monsters, right? If
that’s what you still believe, pick up the latest issue of
any home décor magazine. Skeleton-stemmed martini
glasses, skull chip-and-dip trays, walking dead wine party
buckets and myriad cocktail items have increased in
demand.
I am one of “those” moms… the mom who starts
planning her own Halloween costume far before my
kids inquire about theirs. My best friend nicknamed me
“Morticia.”
But I can’t help myself--I’m addicted. So it only seemed
natural that my husband and I would start throwing a
good old-fashioned Halloween costume bash...for adults
only.
A twist on the traditional, our “Creepy Cocktails” is a
nighttime event (normally a few days prior to Halloween)
and revolves around aptly named “spirited” concoctions.
Guests are highly encouraged to wear costumes, and 99%
of them are more than excited to take part.
Ever thought about hosting your own adult Halloween
party? After seven years of experience, here are my tips
for a successful bash. Capture attention with the invite.
Typically, a paper invitation garners more excitement and
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attendance than digital. Send your invitations 6-8 weeks
in advance, since friends with kids have full calendars and
need to arrange sitters during a popular time. This year,
I’m hand delivering mine with a tulle-wrapped gift of candy
corn.
If you decide to go digital, consider designing a custom
invitation through a source like etsy.com and send via
email.
Party theme!
Other than the obvious, you could choose a specific
theme for the party. Personally, I love the ideas on www.
brooklynlimestone.com. Every year, the homeowners on
this website select a theme and follow it through—from
invitations to food and home decor. Past themes include:
Ghostbusters, “Eek,” Insane Asylum, Wizard of Oz, Freak
Show, Raven and more.
Creepy Cocktails
Yes, that’s the name of our party each year. Normally we
have two or three pre-mixed drinks available, in addition
to a full bar.
Writer’s Note: I like to make this a day in advance and cool
in the fridge. I use Pottery Barn glass dispensers for serving.
ALWAYS make a note that there is a fair amount of alcohol