MAIN Home Life Holidays Halloween Party Ideas

It can range from a casual get-together with friends and family, to an elaborate no-holds-barred open house fright fest in which the whole neighborhood is invited to join in!

There are so many fun and spooky ideas for hosting a successful Halloween party it's downright scary.

Start out with invitations you can buy at the party supply store, or make your own using Halloween clipart and a word processing program. Insert images of ghosts, goblins, vampires or zombies, and then add headlines such as "We're dying to see you!" or "It'll be a scream...."

Don't forget to add the date, time, location and RSVP details, along with special requests (such as asking guests to dress up in their favorite costumes.)

Halloween decoration ideas might range from simple black and orange streamers and votive candles to Halloween posters of werewolves and vampires hung in strategic locations around the house. Add the spooky Halloween music and you've set just the right mood for a fun Halloween party.

And what's Halloween without the gross Halloween recipes? Set out easy, yucky dishes to feed a crowd -- such as classic spaghetti and eyeballs or spiderweb pizza. And for dessert ....may we suggest the worms 'n dirt?

Also remember to have a generous bowl of ghoul-ade party punch to wash it all down with.

When it's really time to party, mix and match great ideas for Halloween party games, and fun Halloween craft ideas for kids of all ages. Our personal favorite? Try a candy apple eating competition with one team member standing behind the other. One team member acts as their 'arms' to feed the candied apple to the other (as laughter ensues ....just be sure to have the camera ready!)

When the party's over, send each guest home happy with a festive goodie bag filled with a miniature pumpkin, candy corn, or other Halloween treats as a special 'thank you' for coming.

Need more ideas?

Just up ahead, check out affordable party tips around the Web that you can use this year and every year for a fun and memorable Halloween spooktacular …

Happy Halloween!

also see -> Harry Potter Party Ideas | Pirate Party Ideas

More about Halloween party ideas around the Web:

Halloween Great Party Ideas - A great cache of clever ideas submitted by parents and kids for hosting parties that will be the talk of the neighborhood, plus adult costume party ideas for the grownups.

Halloween Party Ideas - And lots of 'em - ranging from the truly inspired to the truly gross - with suggestions for playing Halloween games, making decorations, and preparing food and munchies.