How to Throw an Easy Halloween Party
Updated: Sep. 30, 2021Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.
Grab your besties and broomsticks, this easy bash comes together with a swish and flick of a wand. Get our best Halloween party ideas for food, decorations and more.
Putting together a howlin’ good Halloween party for you and your gal-pals doesn’t have to send shivers down your spine. We’ve compiled a few of our favorite easy Halloween party ideas—including spooky-good inspiration for food, drinks, decorations and more.
Each idea in our “Besties and Broomsticks” pop-up party can be added to the party in minutes—so try one (or all!) to make your Halloween party the spookiest on the block.
Halloween Food Ideas
One of the easiest ways to get food on the table is to create a supernatural spread by adding a touch of Halloween magic to store-bought foods. We loved the idea to dress up plain pretzel rods with shoestring licorice, jellybeans and candy coating for a witchy appeal. Get the recipes:
Another quick idea is to add a frightful touch to the standard cheese board. (Start with this simple checklist!) “Stab” the brie with a cheese knife surround it with raspberry jelly or carve cheddar slices into a simple headstone shape for a haunted graveyard feel.
All tricks aside, Halloween should be sweet! Upgrade a dozen store-bought cupcakes by sprinkling festive Halloween sprinkles and top with a few fun-sized candy bars for a decadent touch.
Go over-the-top by grabbing a Bundt cake from the bakery aisle and top is with green, purple, black and orange frosting. To do this, separate a tub of frosting into four small bowls. Add a drop or two of food coloring in each, and stir until your ideal color appears. Microwave each bowl for a few seconds. When the icing is thin enough to drizzle, splatter each color over the top of the cake.
More Halloween Party Recipes
Witches' Fingers
You don't need a cauldron to conjure these frightening fingers. They're a sweet-and-salty treat that's spookily easy to make. —Beth Tomkiw, Chief Content Officer, Taste of Home
Witch's Caviar
I like to serve this dip with triangle-shaped tortilla chips because they look like pointy witch hats. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Bewitched Chili
One pot and thirty minutes—yes, please. Kids and grown-ups love this warm-you-up chili for Halloween. —Janice Westmoreland, Brooksville, Florida
Witches' Brooms
Pair these edible mini brooms with Witches’ Brew for a spellbinding combination. The only ingredients you need here are pretzel rods and licorice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Bewitching Stuffed Potatoes
I livened up my cheesy stuffed potatoes by giving each a silly hat and grin. These creepy spuds will be a hit at dinner.—Mary Shenk, Dekalb, Illinois
Crescent Roll Witch Hats
It doesn’t take magic to transform these crescent rolls into charming witch hats—just a few minutes and a couple of ingredients. They’re so good, you’ll want to make a double batch. —Mara Fletcher, Batesville, Indiana
Witch-in-the-Moonlight Cheesecake
Make this ominous cheesecake the highlight of your Halloween buffet. Guests will love what is hidden inside: a fudgy filling. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Witches' Brew
Stir up some Halloween beverages that are as bewitching as the rest of your menu. Omit the vodka for a nonalcoholic version so the kids can have some, too! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Crabby Sand-Witch!
I love making different recipes for our annual Halloween party. This “sandwitch” has always been a hit. You can make the filling ahead and chill it. The seafood and spicy jalapeno make this crab a winner!—Suzanne Clark, Phoenix, Arizona
Magic Wands
These fun and colorful wands don't need to be made by a magician to be magical. You can change the colors to fit any party theme. —Renee Schwebach, Dumont, Minnesota
Bones & Blood
Like a zombie, you'll be desperate for more of these bone-shaped cookies and dip. Fight nicely over them—no biting! —Taste of Home Food Styling Team
Cauldron Dip
This witch's cauldron doesn't hold a spooky brew--just a Halloween snack that's frightfully fun! Our Test Kitchen formed a pot by toasting a slice of rye bread, then filled it with a creamy dip that's perfect with the pretzel "logs" and sweet pepper "flames" that are placed underneath.
Supernatural Spaghetti
The idea for this recipe came to me when I saw someone dip a slice of pizza into a pasta dish. My wife and kids love it and so do my friends! —Robert Smith, Las Vegas, Nevada
Eyeball Cookies
All eyes will definitely be on these adorable cookies when they're set on any buffet table. I created them for my son's kindergarten class for Halloween. —Sherry Lee, Columbus, Ohio
Anti-Vampire Potion (Butternut Squash & Garlic Soup)
I remember making this velvety soup with my mom. Butternut squash gives it warm color, and garlic wards off any unfriendly spirits. Try using whipping cream for an extra smooth texture. —Steven Eder, Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Frightening Fingers
These cookies have become somewhat famous at the school our children attend. One year, I made more than 150 of these "fingers" for their classroom Halloween parties.—Natalie Hyde, Cambridge, OntarioHalloween Party Drinks
It’s time to fill your cauldron! Stir up a batch of Witch’s Brew in a large punch bowl to share. Wondering how we got the green coloring? There’s no food dye here! Our punch gets its emerald hue from kiwifruit and mint. To finish off the look, drop in a few decorative ice cubes, like these scary skulls.
No time to play bartender? We get it. Add some Halloween spirit to a bottle of wine with peel-and-stick glittery labels. Each sticker has a hilarious quote like “eat drink and be scary” and “my broomstick runs on wine.” We also recommend picking up this bottle of Bewitched Chardonnay that has notes of baked apple, pear and vanilla.
More Halloween Drink Ideas
Ghostly Hot Cocoa
Chocolate pudding mix is the convenient start to this clever cocoa mix. Kids of all ages get a kick out of the marshmallow ghost floating on top. —Ruby Gibson, Newton, North Carolina
Ghoulish Citrus Punch
On Halloween, I give classic citrus punch an eye-catching twist with strategically splashed Grenadine. —Dianne Conway, London, OntarioWitches' Brew
Stir up some Halloween beverages that are as bewitching as the rest of your menu. Omit the vodka for a nonalcoholic version so the kids can have some, too! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Caramel Apple Float
Who doesn't love the flavors of caramel, apples, and vanilla ice cream together? If I'm feeling fancy, I drizzle caramel syrup around the inside of my glass before adding the apple cider and ginger ale. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Mad Scientist Punch
Our home economists concocted this "potion" with kitchen staples such as juice concentrate, soft drink mix, soda and sherbet. It appeals to kids of all ages! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Vampire Killer Martini
If you're going to hang with vampires, you're going to need a strong drink. This spicy vodka martini, with a blood-red beet garnish, does the trick. A little garlic helps, too! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Apricot-Apple Cider
Dried apricots give this comforting cider a marvelous twist. Add cranberries, cinnamon, allspice and cloves for the perfect hot drink to sip on cool nights. —Ginnie Busam, Pewee Valley, Kentucky
Wormy Orange Punch
Gummy worms crawling out of the punch bowl will have your guests howling as they ladle out cups of this festive orange cooler. The punch recipe is super-easy, and its color fits in perfectly with other foods and decorations for my theme party. —Vicki Schlechter, Davis, California
Pumpkin Pie Shots
Grown-up treats that feature canned pumpkin and butterscotch schnapps will lure guests back for more. The gelatin shots are made ahead, so they're a great party starter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider
Spiced with cinnamon sticks, allspice and caramel, this warm-you-up sipper will chase away winter's chill. Serve brimming mugs alongside a platter of festive cookies at your next holiday gathering. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pumpkin Pie Martinis
My friends start requesting this cocktail in the fall and continue to ask for it throughout the holidays. Every delectable sip is like a taste of pumpkin pie! —Cathleen Bushman, Geneva, IL
Halloween Punch
My bright orange sipper fits right in with October fun. To serve it in a festive way, I often put the punch bowl inside a hollowed-out-pumpkin. —Sue Thomas, Casa Grande, Arizona
Mulled Merlot
This mulled wine recipe is sure to warm up your holiday guests! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pumpkin Milk Shakes
My son loved this festive milkshake growing up—it's nicely spiced and tastes like pumpkin pie. I like cutting off both ends of a licorice twist and serving it as a straw.—Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Hot Spiced Cherry Cider
This slow cooker cider is so nice to sip after being out in the cold. —Marlene Wiczek, Little Falls, Minnesota
Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
My mom makes this hot chocolate with pumpkin, spices and white chocolate. We usually drink it on Halloween, but it’s delish at Christmas too. —Sasha King, Westlake Village, California
Orange Witches' Brew Punch
This slushy punch requires no ice ring to keep it cold. It's not too sweet, so it appeals to everyone. Use this refreshing beverage for any celebration. —Susan Johnson, Lyons, Kansas
Boo Beverage
Silly spooks formed with whipped topping garnish glasses of this smooth drink made with sherbet, orange juice and bananas. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Spiced Ambrosia Punch
I love this chai-inspired twist on basic spiced cider punch. It’s so easy to make, and everyone seems pleasantly surprised by the apricot and peach nectars..—Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Sweet Pineapple Cider
I think the best thing about this recipe is that you can make it hours ahead of time so you can spend more time with your guests. And you can keep it warm on the stovetop or in a slow cooker throughout the party. —Mary Price, Youngstown, Ohio
Apple Cider Smash
A smash is a fruity and chilled cocktail—very refreshing. It's a great use for those apples you bought from the orchard plus some sparking cider. —Moffat Frazier, New York, New York
Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Shakes
The winter holidays are my favorite time of year, and this spiced pumpkin drink is one reason I love the season so much. If you don't have a coffee maker, it's OK to use instant coffee—just make it stronger. —Kathie Perez, East Peoria, Illinois
Candy Apple Martini
Surprise the ghouls and goblins at your Halloween party with these thirst-quenching martinis. Cranberry juice and sour apple liqueur makes them tart yet terrific! —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Spiced Hot Apple Cider
During cool-weather season, my husband and I take this soul-warming drink outside by the fire pit. Our house smells amazing while the cider is simmering! —Lisa Bynum, Brandon, Mississippi
Pumpkin-Spiced Hot Chocolate
As soon as there is a hint of fall in the air, I think of pumpkins and my mother. She served pumpkin pie with real hot chocolate. This recipe brings those two amazing scents, and her, back to life for me. To turn your hot chocolate into creamy pumpkin mocha, stir 2 teaspoons of instant coffee into the hot chocolate before adding whipped cream. It's a great way to warm up after some chilly trick-or-treating! —J. Morand, Maitland, ONHalloween Decorations
When it comes to Halloween party decorations, most people reach for faux spider webs and Jack-O-Lanterns. Wow your guests with creative ideas that go beyond the classics. For our pop-up party, we set the scene by scattering a dark table runner with black plastic spiders, confetti and a cute Halloween print that can pop easily into any picture frame.
Pro tip: Dim the lights to create an eerie atmosphere. Light candles to entice your guests to what might become a spooky seance. You can make your home feel even more like a haunted house with spooky DIY candle holders. Check out our step-by-step guide or watch the video below.
Want to take it up another notch? Try these quick and easy DIY Halloween decorations that come together in less than 30 minutes.
Halloween Party Music
Cast a dancing spell on your fellow witches with some terrifying tunes. This ready-made playlist has everything; classics like Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” and Annie Lennox’s version of “I Put a Spell on You,” Halloween favorites like “Thriller” and “Ghostbusters” and haunting hits that will get you dancing, like Rhianna’s “Disturbia” and AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell.” All you have to do is press play!
Halloween Goodie Bags
What’s a Halloween party without some treats? End the night with a sweet touch by giving out adorable, themed goodie bags. Fill paper bags with candies and small keepsakes like nail polish and chapstick. Secure each gift with a pin-back button that matches their Halloween spirit.
Keep the bags in a basket—or a plastic cauldron—near the front door so guests can grab one on the way home. You can even put together a few extra goodie bags to give out to moms who are stuck on trick-or-treat duty this Halloween!
Up Next: The Best Halloween Decorations
Halloween Charcuterie Board
Your charcuterie skills might already be on point, but they'll get a major boost with this Halloween-themed serving board from Grandin Road. The two gold bat handles on either side make it easy to transport this piece of Halloween kitchen decor from your kitchen to the table. Plus, the bold black surface makes any spread instantly elegant (and eerie).
Peek-a-Boo Dish Towel
Drying dishes won't be such a dismal chore when you've got this adorable Halloween-themed dish towel by your side. Pet lovers especially will love that these doggie trick-or-treaters take center stage—along with a cat photo-bombing the scene. Whether you put it to good use or simply drape it over the handle of your oven, this colorful towel makes it easy to cook up a Halloween vibe in your kitchen.
Halloween Potion Bottles
These corked "potion" bottles might look like a trick, but they're definitely a treat for your growing collection of Halloween decor. The beautiful matte black and white design fit in with any kitchen color palette. They look eye-catching on their own or as part of a larger Halloween display for your table or shelf. Witch's brew, anyone?
Halloween Appetizer Plates
Orange and black don't have to always be at the forefront of your Halloween decor. This set of four ivory earthenware Halloween plates are classy enough to use any time of year, though the eerie images pay plenty of homage to that spookiest of seasons. Use them to serve up Halloween appetizers.
Skeleton Drinkware
Serve the creepiest of cocktails with this sublimely spooky set of skeleton drinkware. The collection features everything from a decanter and cocktail shaker to highball glasses and champagne flutes. Metal hands cup some of the drinkware, while a skeleton figure holds up the wine and martini glasses. Bottoms up—if you dare.
Spiderweb Table Runner
The intricate lace of this spiderweb table runner looks as delicate as the real thing, but it's durable enough to stretch across a kitchen table or even a dresser season after season. It's a perfect accent for those who love Halloween kitchen decor but also want something that's a more subtle addition to their space.
Day of the Dead Treat Toppers
Why use ordinary wooden toothpicks to spear cubes of cheese and other small bites when you can wow your guests with these Day of the Dead treat toppers? You get a dozen of these colorful paper and bamboo toppers that are completely safe to use with food and treats. Stock 'em in your Halloween Advent calendar.
Spider Candle and Holder
Candles are your go-to decor for setting the mood any time of year. But when you light one up that's as wonderfully creepy as this black spider candle and holder and you've got an instant spooky vibe that's a perfect fit for All Hallow's Eve.
Metal Cauldron Centerpiece
Brew up something magical for your Halloween kitchen decor this season with this elegant metal cauldron centerpiece. The rack is black, but you can choose the cauldrons in either silver or gold to match your preference and your space's aesthetic. Speaking of witches, check out this Disney Halloween decor.
Flickering Halloween Candles
The flicker of candles in the darkness is one way to set the mood for Halloween night. These battery-operated LED candles are the safe way to illuminate your space. This trio of white pillars feature a spider, skull and raven and are perfect for adding to a table or window ledge. They turn on with a flick of a switch—set the timer and they'll turn off automatically after six hours. For the real deal, try these delightful fall candles.
Scrub Daddy Halloween Sponges
Cleaning up after Halloween festivities needn't be a nightmare when you have the right cleaning supplies on hand. These Scrub Daddy Halloween sponges chase away the mess so well, you'll want to keep it within reach in your kitchen well after the day has come and gone. Learn more about this kooky cleaning supply.
Pumpkin Punch Bowl and Cups
Pick your potions and mix up a colorful punch that steals the show when you serve it in this pumpkin punch bowl from William Sonoma. The six matching cups—the gold rims match the gold stem of the pumpkin—create an elegant look for your Halloween tablescape. In fact, you might want to bring it out as part of your Thanksgiving festivities, too.
Peanuts Halloween Cookie Cutters
Do you prefer cookies to candy when it comes to Halloween treats? Then these easy-to-use Peanuts-themed plunger cookie cutters from Williams Sonoma are perfect, whether you're whipping up batches for a party or just yourself (hey, no judgment here!). If you're heading to a party and need a Halloween-themed host gift—particularly a kid-friendly Halloween gift, you can't go wrong with Snoopy and the gang.
Scaredy Cat Serving Tray
Enhance any Halloween tablescape with this colorful 2-tiered serving tray featuring a grinning cat and jack-o-lantern. We love that it's dishwasher-safe and you can take the plates off the metal rack for easy storage. Fill it with cookies and treats for the table or keep it by the door for easy access to candy when trick-or-treaters visit.
Spider Utensil Holder
When you're setting a casual table for a Halloween gathering or just want to add something fun to the kitchen for Spooky Season, this black metal spider utensil holder is perfect. You could even place it on your desk to store pens—we're sure Mr. Spider here won't mind as long as you keep him and his web on display.
Hugging Ghosts Salt and Pepper Shakers
We love it when kitchen gadgets combine utility and cuteness. There's no doubt salt and pepper go together, but this pair of hugging ghost shakers are here to remind you in case you forget. No one will blame you if you decide to use these ghostly BFFs all year long.
Skeleton Napkin Ring
Get a deliciously creepy hand with setting the table this season with these slender skeleton napkin rings. Your guests will love to see them wrapped around Halloween-themed napkins—though we think they're classy enough for a formal table setting, too!
Halloween Ceramic Tree
You don't have to wait until December to have a decorative tree in your midst. You could jump on the growing trend of orange Halloween Christmas trees. But if you're looking for something that's a little more compact in size, try this pre-lit plug-in ceramic Halloween tree. Learn more about this eerily fun decoration.
Ceramic Skull Plates
The words "scary" and "elegant" don't normally go together, but we'll make an exception for these ceramic skull plates. Fill them with Halloween candy or other treats for a ghoulish table accent. It'll also make a fun spot to store your keys, phone and other small items this season.
Halloween Kitchen Mat
Washing loads of dishes isn't anyone's idea of Halloween fun. This Halloween-themed anti-fatigue kitchen mat can make standing at the sink for long periods of time a little less fearsome—at least for your tired legs. This kitchen mat feels soft and cushiony, but it won't budget beneath your feet, thanks to a skid-proof bottom.
Skull Sugar Spoons
Add a spoonful of sugar—with a spooky twist! These stainless steel skull spoons come in a set of six, are dishwasher-safe and have smooth, rounded edges. Display this Halloween kitchen decor in a fall mug at your coffee station. Want more fun product picks and money-saving deals from our shopping experts and Test Kitchen? Sign up for the Stuff We Love newsletter.
Originally Published: September 30, 2021
