Create the Ultimate Halloween Party

Why? Even in most scary movies, you need atmosphere. Of course you're not trying to scare the dickens out of your guests, but you certainly want your party to have the proper tone for the occasion.

How? All you have to do is buy some black cloth, line the walls, cover the ceiling and maybe even your floor. Buy Halloween-decorative lights; such as, strings of orange or black bulbs, and strings of ghost-shaped lights. Put your light sets up in the darkest corners of the room. Buy one of those packs of spiderwebs at the store. Stretch out the web from corner to corner. Let some strands hang from the ceiling. Add a few outdoor decorations. After all, who says you can't have one of those fake tombstones in your living room? And, you might even buy one of those decorative cauldrons and a brick of dry ice. Pour some water inside the cauldron, and drop the brick inside to create a smoke-like effect. Check out How to Make Your Home into a Halloween Haunted House by Associated Content producer, J. E. Davidson or Skull Light String: A Cheap Halloween Lighting Decorations by Associated Content producer, HalloweenIsComing for more info.

Food that would creep out Norman Bates

Why? Have you ever seen Fear Factor? Doesn't the thought of biting into a bug give you the creeps? Even though your party snacks won't be the real thing, it's still a joy to watch people reacte to such a gag.

How? Buy some novelty snacks at the store or through such companies as Oriental Trading. I'm sure you can also make your own. Still, it's probably not the easiest to get the same effect of a gummy worm or gummy spider with yeast. Check out Halloween Party Foods by Associated Content producer, uncgrad or Creepy Halloween Snacks: Evil Eyes, Brain Gloop and More by Nila Andreas for more info.

Music and sounds can make all the difference

Why? If you're playing Bach, guests might think they just walked into Frasier's house. It's obviously too beautiful or classical for a holiday that celebrates evil images. Music and certain sounds will always create mood.

How? Buy one of those CDs featuring Halloween sounds at the store. Play the CD on your boom box or stereo. Be sure you don't spoil the effect and hide the player. Check out Halloween Music Mix: Great, but Little-Known Halloween Songs by AC producer, Timothy Sexton for more info.

There are many great movies to play for guests

Why? Movies like Saw, Halloween or even Poltergueist are terrifying for creating atmosphere. The screams and soundtracks from these movies make great additional sounds. That piano solo in The Exorcist is still a chilling piece of music if you ask me. Such movies are also great for guests who just want to sit in front of the tube and avoid mingling.

How? Do you have a TV? Do you have a video cassette or DVD player? Do you have a membership at Blockbuster Video? Well, there you go. Check out Halloween Movies to Set the Halloween Mood by AC Producer Shawn MacDonald for more info.

Here are some more great ideas I discovered in my research

Create the illusion that monsters live with you

How? Get some cardboard, stick two halves together, and cut out the shape of the foot. By doing this, you should have both a left and right in one fair swoop. Soak one side of these cardboard feet in paint, and stamp them against walls and floors.

Vegetables can make good jack-o-lanterns

How? Cut the face of a jack-o-lantern in such foods as green peppers and place them by the door. It may take a lot of precision to cut holes in something so small, but it might be worth the effort.

Give flight to some ghosts

How? C'mon, this is one of the oldest tricks in the book. Crumble up some tissue paper into a ball, and lay it in the center of a flat piece of tissue paper. Pick up all four corners of the flat piece of tissue paper, and twist it around the ball. To make sure your ghost's head doesn't fall out, tie a string tightly around it's neck and tape it to the ceiling.

More Associated Content to help you out

Halloween Party Ideas for Adults by AC Producer Jill Ermer
Crafty Halloween Cuisine: No Utensils Required by AC Producer Momof3inPA
Martini Recipes for Adult Halloween Parties by AC Producer Pam Gaulin
Halloween Horror Shows You May Have Missed by AC Producer Timothy Sexton
Best Halloween Trick or Treat Candy by AC Producer Hillary Marshall
Make Your Own Halloween Decorations on a Budget by AC Producer Vanessa Hamlin
Halloween Party Ideas by AC Producer Jane Patrick