The party is planned, but you want to add even more activities and ideas to the event. A good host or hostess always has a few extra tricks up their sleeve in case the chosen games and activities will not work out for some reason. This could occur because a certain ingredient or prop was forgotten, the game will not work with the present number of guests, or it just does not prove popular. After all, if your guests are not enjoying themselves, there is no reason to continue with that plan. You want your parties to be memorable, not miserable.

Searching the web has shown me just how many great activity ideas are available. Everything from great web pages to check out as a group complete with haunted houses and scary monsters to some terrific craft ideas. Any theme party can use craft ideas for the guests to make useful items for the holiday or to add another dimension to the party events. For Halloween, you can make Jack-O Lanterns, Masks, Black Cats, and Ghoulish Monsters, Bats, and Cobwebs, Ghosts and Witches and that is just the beginning. There are tons of fall ideas that would make less scary crafts for some of your smallest guests. Just put in the word Halloween in any search and you will be overwhelmed with possibilities.

Telling scary stories are a big part of the Halloween tradition. There are tons of stories on the web suitable for party entertainment. There are those stories which everyone adds their own part continuing the story round the circle, the ones where the scare is made scarier by passing around 'body parts', and the kind where the host and hostess can tell the story by candlelight complete with all the sound effects. Music should be part of every party and Halloween is no exception. There are songs for little ones to sing and act out. We have Halloween screams and creaking doors with their theme songs instantly recognizable from the horror films of today and yesterday. Your idea of music may not be the blood curdling sounds of the horror chamber, but don't discount them as a necessary part of your party.

The web abounds with ideas for games from traditional to very unusual and creative. Part of your party plans may include a time to stop and send family or friends a free e-mail Halloween card. There are recipes for food that is sure to delight all the ghosts and goblins on your guest list. The clever ways you serve your food in hollowed out pumpkins, squash, and gourds will bewitch even adult guests.

Decorating tips show new ideas for the party theme and they are just a click away. Add to this the many ideas for how to help your guests make costumes and masks for preparing for your theme party and you have a wealth of advice to help you plan the perfect event.

Don't forget those step-by-step instructions for turning your spooky place into a haunted house. Are you nearby some of these sites that sponsor haunted houses. Why not just make a visit to one part of your theme party. Saves you the work, but you still are considered terrifically clever for including this idea in your party plan.

Have a terrific Halloween event.

© Copyright 2000

Credits: Jo Ann Wentzel