Here are some ideas for any Halloween party to be a sure success.

There are many links below to help with decorating and making your

home spooktastic. Before any party its best to make a checklist for

food and supplies. Here is the ultimate list to get you started. This

party checklist will help go form store to store without forgetting the

slightest detail of any Halloween Party.

The Plan

Two to Four Weeks Ahead

Create a budget.
Draw up a guest list.
Choose a location.
Decide on a menu: appetizers, main dishes, side dishes, desserts, beverages.
Send invitations (four weeks ahead for major holidays).
If you’re doing all the cooking, plan to make as much as you can ahead of time to minimize cooking and kitchen cleanup on party day. Map out a timeline for cooking, freezing, thawing, reheating, etc.
If it’s potluck, assign the dishes.
Birthday party? Order the cake if you’re not baking it yourself.
Reserve rented items such as plates, cups, glassware, coffee urns, tables, chairs, table linens, serving pieces, etc. (It’s especially important to book early for busy holiday seasons.) Arrange for delivery on party day.
Hire help for kitchen, serving, or bartending if you have a large group.

Two Weeks Ahead

Assess serving pieces and utensils if you’re not renting.
Assemble party favors, if desired.
Start compiling party music, games, and other entertainment.

One Week Ahead

Review menu preparation timeline–are you on target with make-ahead dishes?
Purchase non-perishable food items and candles, firewood, etc.
Finalize RSVPs.
Three Days Before

Clean house.
Polish silver.
Two Days Before

Purchase fresh meats.
Make sure camera is charged and ready.
Wash wine glasses and other glassware if you’re not renting.

One Day Before

Purchase fresh produce.
Clean and press table linens if you’re using your own. To prevent creases, drape pressed linens on the table instead of folding them.
Set table or decorate buffet.
Set up the bar.
Lay out serving pieces and utensils.
Purchase and arrange flowers.
One more quick run with the vacuum cleaner and dusting cloth.
Stock plenty of toilet paper and put out the guest towels.

Party Day

Purchase fresh seafood.
Take delivery of rented equipment.
Buy party ice.
Chill beer and wine (if necessary), make punch.
Garnish party platters with fresh herbs, edible flowers, and fruit.
Put finishing touches on decorations.
Eat something light before guests arrive.
Spin the tunes and greet your guests.

Click here for other party planning tips.

Here is the complete lay to stage the perfect setting for a Scary Movie

Party. Be sure to have plenty of popcorn and refreshments for

this party could last all night. With so many great scary movies I am

sure this party will happen quite often.

Getting Ready

Decide on whether you intend serious movie viewing, or whether it is all right for people to joke and comment during the viewing. If you think your partygoers might be split on this, then show the same movie in two different rooms and designate one for serious viewers only.

Make sure you have plenty of hot popcorn for the movie. (If it’s a big party, you can rent a popcorn cart that keeps hot popcorn coming.) You can buy popcorn bags or boxes from a party store. Let guests add melted butter and/or salt themselves. Provide plenty of napkins.

Keep drinks cold in buckets full of ice or a cooler, so guests can help themselves.

Have a buffet that can be made ahead.

Provide tables and chairs where guests can easily eat their dinner (it’s hard to balance a plate in costume).

Click here to view other suggestions and movie selections.