Halloween Party Hosting: Spooky Snacks, Drinks and Decor
A great Halloween party needs three things: a room that looks haunted, snacks that fit the theme and one or two things that make guests say "wait, what?"
You don't need a big budget. Cobwebs, fog and a few themed serving pieces go a long way. Here's a kit that covers all three.
- Top pick
Stretch Spider Webs with 30 Spiders
Stretchy fake cobwebs that cover a ton of space, plus 30 spiders. Pull them thin so they look real. It's the fastest way to make any room look haunted.
Best for: doorways, lamps, windows and the snack table.
Check price on Amazon VIRFUN Fog Machine with Remote
A small fog machine with remotes. Fog rolling across the floor changes the whole mood of a party. Use water-based fog juice and test it before guests arrive.
Best for: the entryway and the dance floor.
Check price on AmazonOCATO Giant Spider Web with 59" Spider
A huge web and a giant hairy spider with bendable legs. Hang it on the porch so guests know they're in the right place.
Best for: the front of the house.
Check price on AmazonTovolo Skull Ice Molds (2)
Big, detailed skull-shaped ice. Drop one in the punch bowl and it melts slowly. Guests always take a photo.
Best for: punch bowls and cocktails.
Check price on AmazonBlack Cauldron Candy Bucket
A witch's cauldron for candy, chips or popcorn. Cheap, sturdy and on theme.
Best for: the snack table, then trick-or-treat night.
Check price on AmazonAnimated Witch Hand Candy Bowl
Reach for candy and a green witch hand moves with a creepy sound. Batteries included. Everyone jumps the first time.
Best for: the party's jump scare.
Check price on AmazonOTOTO Scary Poppings Microwave Popper
A gothic silicone popcorn popper for the microwave. No oil, no bags, and it looks the part on the counter.
Best for: popcorn for a scary movie after the party.
Check price on AmazonGracula Garlic Press
A garlic press shaped like Dracula. If you're cooking for the party, at least one tool should be in costume.
Best for: hosts who cook.
Check price on AmazonFunny Skeleton Shelf Sitters (Set of 3)
Three little skeletons that sit on the edge of a shelf, looking very relaxed about being dead.
Best for: small spots that need decor.
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Honorable mentions
LED Light-Up Gesture Mask
Need a last-second costume for the host? A gesture-controlled LED mask.
Check price on AmazonMurder of Crows Figures (4)
Four tiny crows holding tiny knives. A literal murder of crows for the shelf.
Check price on Amazon
Before you buy
Set up the decor the day before and save the food for the day of. Cobwebs take longer than you think.
Check your smoke alarms if you use a fog machine indoors. Some alarms go off with heavy fog, so use short bursts or keep it near an open door.