How to Host a Skeleton Decorating Contest at Your Halloween Party

Why host a bare bones Halloween party when you can organize a skeleton decorating contest? Skeleton decorating is a playful way to get your guests to interact and have a good time. Start with some basic supplies, add a few party-goers, and you've got a Halloween activity that's fun for all ages.

Things You'll Need

1. Skeletons
2. Decorations
3. Storage Bins
4. Awards

Skeletons

It's easy to find skeletons around Halloween. Most costume stores carry them. Depending on how many Halloween party guests you anticipate, you'll need 2-4 skeletons. If money is no object, look online for life-sized skeletons on stands. On a budget? Try online auction sites or the Halloween section of your local discount store. Use wire or rope to wrangle each skeleton into an upright position.

Decorations

This where the real fun begins. You can go glitzy with store-bought wigs and accessories, or go frugal with clothes you have around your house. Variety is the important thing. Offer your guests plenty of jackets, dresses, house shoes, sunglasses, bandanas, lingerie, and anything else they can use to dress up a skeleton in laugh-out-loud fashion. And don't forget the fake mustaches, feather boas, and plenty of garish make-up!

Storage Bins

This is where the decorations will be stored. Place one near each skeleton, or just have one big trunk with all the accessories inside. Keep the storage bins closed until contest time. That way, your guests will be surprised by what they find inside. When it's time for the decorating to begin, blow a whistle and watch your guests scramble in a fashion free-for-all.

Awards

After all the skeletons have been decorated, give them a thorough inspection. This is even more fun if you make a big production of somberly judging each contest entry. Comment on the merits and pitfalls of each design. A rainbow clown's wig and a flimsy negligee? Is it a fashion nightmare or a stroke of mad genius? Only the judge can decide.

When the inspections are complete, it's time to announce the winners of the skeleton decorating contest. There should be plenty of award categories. Some good ones are, "Best Dressed", "Most Creative", "Strongest Resemblance to Paris Hilton", and "Most Tragic Fashion Victim". Hand out fun party favors or printed award certificates to the winners.

Don't resign your guests to the same old activities you hosted last year. Invite them to a skeleton decorating contest instead! This activity is suitable for groups of any age and size. Try it at your next party for a real Halloween treat.