by Victoria Hill

Created on: August 06, 2008   Last Updated: September 10, 2009

Hosting a party can be a bit intimidating - who to invite, how to make sure everyone will have fun and how to be sure your place isn't trashed when everyone leaves - all without breaking the bank. But hosting a great party can be easier than you think. You will find people basically need plenty of food, drinks and something to entertain them - splash a bit of alcohol into number two and number three will take care of itself.

If you are eager to entertain, a Halloween party is the perfect opportunity to invite friends over for a night of fun.

While thinking of hosting your own Halloween party, your mind may be reverting back to your grade school days of classroom parties with popcorn balls, candy corn and Hi-C punch. But when you are the party planner, your Halloween party can be whatever you want it to be from spooky-chic to downright frightening. And yes, if you really like them, toss in a few popcorn balls as well.

First set the scene. Set up a few simple decorations to transform your space into the perfect Halloween party backdrop.

Cut tombstone shapes from black posterboard. Using white chalk, write the names of your guests and a short epitaph such as: "Kathy lies below. We thought her singing would kill us all, but she was the first to go." Or a simple R.I.P. will suffice. Group several together and tape to a wall where guests are sure to see.

Make fake blood by adding red food coloring to corn syrup and drip down mirrors. If you have a large bathroom mirror, this works great here. Add the word "redrum" written in red lipstick or face paint ala The Shining.

Carve pumpkins ahead of time and use as decorations. Use an led light or flashlight to safely illuminate.

Costumes from Halloweens past can become inexpensive decorations too. Use children's or adults' costumes or old clothes and create spooky zombie scarecrows. Stuff, the costumes or clothing with straw, leaves, paper or whatever you can find and tie off the openings. Create a spooky face by using an old mask or painting one on a white balloon. Set zombies around your party space. Place one slightly peeking from behind a shower curtain in the bathroom to give guests an unexpected fright.

Create an eerie effect by covering the walls of a hallway with aluminum foil and setting up a strobe light. The reflection of the light will cast that haunted house feel.

Check out discount stores or dollar stores for cheap Halloween decorations such as plastic rats, bats or bones and scatter throughout your space.

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