How to Throw an Easy Halloween Party
Updated: Mar. 20, 2019
Grab your besties and broomsticks, this easy Halloween party comes together with a swish and flick of a wand. Get ideas for Halloween foods, 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 for your gal pals 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 (we love these multicolored nonpareils) 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 bundt cake.
For more substantial finger foods and main dishes, there’s no need to hunt for frog legs or eye of newt, here are our go-to 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 spooky 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
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. (This witch hat-shaped ice cube tray works like a charm).
No time to play bartender? We get it. Add some Halloween spirit to a bottle of wine there 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.
Check out more Halloween drinks that are sure to raise your hair:
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. (Get the look from 2SmittenKittens’s Etsy shop.)
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 (these vintage witch pins from Shakespeare’s Sisters are a perfect choice).
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! If you’re not sure what to put in the bags, here are our favorite scary stuffers;
Goodie Bags
Put away the spare pillowcase and jack-o-lantern shaped bucket, these decorative favor bags are a chic way to carry goodies and bring the Halloween spirit. Purchase here. Want to throw a stress-free Halloween party this year? Check out our go-to guide for a Besties and Broomstick party that comes together with a flick of a wand.
Nail Polish
Tempt your friends to go over to the dark side this Halloween with some pitch-black nail polish. With full coverage and excellent durability, your friends will want to use this polish long after Halloween is over. Purchase here.
Good Witch/Bad Witch Pins
Are your friends more like Glinda the Good or the Wicked Witch of the West? Let them decide with their choice of one of these bewitching 1.25" pins! You can even have the pins pull a double-duty by using them to secure the tops of the goodie bags closed. Purchase here.
Magic Mood Rings
See exactly how your friends are feeling with these pretty mood rings. With a large stone, adjustable band and tear-away guide, these rings are the perfect way for your guests to get more in tune with their Halloween spirit. Purchase here.
Hair-Raising Hair Ties
When the "Monster Mash" starts playing your guests will be grateful for something to tie their hair up with (even if it's just a wing!). These adorable Halloween hair ties come in sets of 3, tied around a festive card and are sold in multiples of 5, so there will be plenty to go around. Purchase here.
Temporary Tats
Add some spook to your guests' skin with these foil temporary tattoos. The best part is, these tattoos glow in the dark, so when night falls, they give off a ghostly glow! Purchase here.
Witch's Brew Confetti
Double, double toil and trouble is just a shake away with this witch head, cauldron, broomstick and star confetti pack. Sprinkle a dash into each goodie bag for a sparkly surprise. Purchase here.
Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Taste of Home editors, who aim to highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We welcome your feedback. Have something you think we should know about? Contact us, here.Make this bewitching party all your own by whipping up a few more Halloween recipes or tricking out the outside of your house with these DIY porch decorations.
Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Taste of Home editors, who aim to highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We welcome your feedback. Have something you think we should know about? Contact us, here.
