You know me best around here as a blog writing, cutter out of processed food, doTERRA using, clean product having kind of gal. However, I actually have quite the repertoire in the ol’ career department. You may be surprised to learn that I co-owned my own wedding planning business for about six years. My major role was planning the design of each event and I still love arranging the atmosphere for a space. This leads back to another fun fact that my degree is actually in interior design. Ahhh the twists and turns of life. All this leading up to the fact, that I thought I’d throw a curve ball at you and offer a post that has nothing to do with a natural living. Surprise and enjoy!!
The countdown to the night of costumes and candy has begun. While the kiddos have been excitedly planning their outfit of choice and dusting off the old trick or treat bag, parents may be less enthused. Considering weather forecasts, planning out walking routes, and ignoring the tempting surplus of candy at the supermarket can be daunting. This year, why not consider an alternate plan and host a party that will be enjoyable for parents and kids alike? Here are a few options for Halloween night fun.
Host an Open House. Open houses are unique as they are less formal and can accommodate larger groups due to the broad time frame. Halloween is a perfect holiday for a party like this. Families can go about their trick or treat routine and simply drop-in along the way or can hang-out for the duration. Here are a few tips:
- You’ll likely want to base the party hours on when your area has its trick or treating window.
- On your invitations make sure to put specifically that this is an open house so that guests are aware they aren’t restricted to a start and duration time.
- In the spirit of the season, don’t skimp on the decorations. Depending on your taste, you could go with a spooky haunted house theme or a more lighthearted autumn harvest. Either way, make sure you provide guests with a visual display of festive décor.
- Offer a buffet of fall-inspired food, dessert, and beverages.
- Make sure to stock up on treats to hand out. You could even ask guests to contribute to the stash.
- Offer a craft station. If the parents are looking for a reprieve, make sure the kids will have something to keep them entertained other than ransacking the candy bowl.
Plan a Neighborhood Block Party. If an open house seems a little too daunting and expensive, a block party is another great alternative. Depending on your neighborhood, this could be done in a club house or simply in a large cul de sac. This allows the kids to simply trick or treat within the party instead of going house to house. Most of your neighbors would likely be happy to participate. It just takes someone to spear head it and get some tasks delegated. Here are a few ideas:
- Talk to your HOA and be aware of any rules or restrictions you need to follow.
- Offer crowd-pleasing fare such as chili with lots of fixings, cupcakes, and warm drinks.
- For trick or treating, set up different themed stations so that kids get a fun experience of going to each.
- Have a “more the merrier” mindset and send out fliers instead of invitations.
- Set up some games for different ages of kids. Carnival style for the younger ones and yard games like corn hole for the older crowd.
- Block parties are perfect for annual events. Consider calling this a “first annual” bash if you want to keep the fun alive next year.
Hitch Up a Hayride. Not all of us live in a busy area where a block party would work. If you have adapted a more rural lifestyle, an old fashioned hayride party is perfect! What kid, or adult, wouldn’t love to cozy up with a warm blanket and cup of hot chocolate and take a ride through the countryside? This is a romantic notion that has unfortunately been adopted by the world of haunted houses. Make sure you inform your guests that this is family-friendly so that they aren’t in constant fear of zombies popping out at them. Here are a few more ideas:
- Serve old fashioned treats like cider, caramel apples, and kettle corn.
- Coordinate a game of I-Spy to keep kids entertained during the ride. You could also consider a sing-a-long if the children are younger.
- Keep your guests comfortable with extra blankets.
- If you’re able, have a bon-fire party after the hayride. You can re-purpose the hay that you sat on for the ride, cover with some quilts, and place around the fire.
- Kids love to jump on hay bales. If you have an abundance, this works great as post-hayride free entertainment.
- Forego traditional trick or treating and plan out a scavenger hunt instead.
- Set out flashlights for spotlight hide and seek.
- As with all outdoor parties, make sure you have proper lighting. You may want to hang some string lights around the area. At the very least, light a path to the bathrooms as well as where guests will be parking.
What’s your signature way of celebrating Halloween night?
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