Fright night done right: Here are 10 tricks for throwing the ultimate Halloween party

The first step in throwing a spooky Halloween party is picking the right location.

This starts with choosing the right space to transform into a haunted haven. Whether you're hosting at home, in a backyard, or at a rented venue, the key is to create an eerie ambiance. Consider renting a community center or using a spacious backyard for larger gatherings, while smaller, intimate gatherings can work well in a home.

Basements or old houses with creaky floors can be ideal for creating an eerie atmosphere. Still, consider accessibility for guests so there's enough room for activities and mingling.

Outdoor spaces are great for bonfires and more elaborate decorations (possibly a haunted maze), but you'll need a backup plan in case of bad weather. If you plan a bonfire, be sure to check with your local fire department or municipality for specific rules or restrictions.

A cohesive theme can make your party memorable and set the tone for everything from decorations to costumes. Popular themes include a haunted house, masquerade ball, zombie apocalypse, or classic monsters.

Tailor the theme to your guest list—while adults might enjoy a masquerade, kids would love a "Nightmare Before Christmas" or "Harry Potter" theme. Encourage creativity by offering a prize for the best costume that fits the theme.

Music is essential for creating the right ambiance for your Halloween party. Start with ambient sounds like howling winds, creaking doors, and ghostly whispers to set the tone as guests arrive. Then, mix in classic Halloween tracks like Michael Jackson's "Thriller" or the "Ghostbusters" theme to keep the energy up.

For adult gatherings, you might add some rock or goth tracks, while a kids' party could feature fun, spooky songs like "Monster Mash" or tunes popularized by Disney villains, such as Ursula's "Poor Unfortunate Souls" from "The Little Mermaid."

Tailor the playlist to your audience and ensure it's long enough to last the entire event. A well-chosen soundtrack will keep guests engaged and in the Halloween spirit.

Keep your guests entertained with a variety of Halloween-themed activities and games. For kids, set up a pumpkin painting station, a costume parade, or a spooky scavenger hunt. Adults might enjoy a murder mystery game, tarot card reader, or themed trivia contest.

Consider group activities like apple bobbing or a pumpkin carving competition, which can be fun for all ages.

Offering prizes for game winners adds an extra incentive for participation. If you're hosting a mixed group, make sure there are activities suitable for all ages.

The food and drinks you serve should be as fun and thematic as the rest of your party. Create a menu that includes creepy-looking but tasty treats like "mummy" hot dogs, "eyeball" meatballs, or a "witches brew" punch.

For a kids' party, offer easy-to-eat snacks like ghost-shaped cookies or apple slices with peanut butter and marshmallow "teeth." Adults might appreciate options like a spooky twist on a charcuterie board with "bloody" cranberry sauce or cocktails with dry ice for a smoky effect.

Remember to label the dishes with spine-chilling names to add to the fun. A well-planned menu can be an impressive and satisfying highlight of your event.

Decorations are key to transforming your space into a Halloween wonderland. Start with the basics, like black and orange streamers, fake cobwebs, and carved pumpkins. Add thematic props like skeletons, witches, and cauldrons to enhance the mood.

For an adult party, consider more elegant touches like black candles, vintage candelabras, or Gothic floral arrangements. If you're hosting kids, go for playful decorations like friendly ghosts, bats, and glow-in-the-dark items. Ensure the decor fits the theme and use lighting to create an eerie ambiance.

A DIY Halloween photo booth is a fun addition that encourages guests to get into character and adds a fun, interactive element to your party. Use a chilling backdrop, like a haunted forest or graveyard scene, and provide props like witch hats, vampire fangs, and vintage Halloween masks. Consider including a Polaroid camera for instant photos guests can take home as souvenirs. For a kids' party, include silly props like monster masks or superhero capes.

Your invitations should reflect the theme and get guests excited about the event. If you're hosting a haunted mansion party, send out scroll-style invites with wax seals. For digital invites, use spine-tingling fonts and eerie graphics to set the mood.

Include all the necessary details, like the date, time, location, and any costume requirements. Don't forget to mention if you're planning a costume contest or if guests should bring anything, like a dish for a potluck. Creative invites help set expectations and build anticipation for the party.

The entrance to your party sets the first impression, so make it count. Line the walkway with jack-o'-lanterns, set up a fog machine, or hang eerie signs like "Enter if you dare." For an added touch, have someone in costume greet guests at the door with a stirring thematic phrase or treat.

Make the entrance fun for a kids' party with bright lights and friendly characters. Adults might enjoy a more dramatic entrance, like walking through a "haunted" hallway with creaking floorboards and whispering voices. A well-decorated entrance will immediately immerse your guests in the Halloween spirit.

Send guests home with a little something to remember the night by. For kids, consider goody bags filled with Halloween-themed toys, stickers, and candy. Adults might appreciate more refined favors, like a small bottle of themed liquor or a Polaroid to take home.

Customize the favors to match your theme—if you had a witch's theme, small potion bottles filled with slime would be perfect.

A personalized note or tag on each favor adds a thoughtful touch. Party favors serve as a lasting memento of your event and are an excellent way to thank guests for coming.

Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick.