Halloween Party Planning Checklist

22 items · Lifestyle · Medium difficulty · 2 hours

Plan a Halloween party at home, from invites and food to lighting, costumes and cleanup, in the order the jobs come up.

• Pick the date and decide who is invited

  Kids, adults or both changes almost every choice below.

• Set a start and end time

  A two or three hour window keeps the party from drifting into a late night.

• Send invites with a costume note

  Say if costumes are required, optional or should avoid masks that block the view.

• Ask guests about food allergies

  Ask when they reply, so you are not guessing at the buffet table.

• Set a rough budget

  Decorations are the easiest place to overspend.

• Plan the menu

  Choose food that can sit out for a while and be eaten by hand.

• Plan a drinks list, including non-alcoholic options
• Choose two or three activities

  A costume vote, a pumpkin carving table or a movie corner is enough.

• Buy supplies and decorations

  Do this a week ahead so you can test how things look.

• Use battery tea lights instead of candle flames

  Flames near costumes and fake cobweb are a fire risk.

• Put together a playlist

  Download it, so the party does not depend on your wifi.

• Make food that can be prepared the day before

  Dips, chili and baked treats are usually fine made a day ahead. Keep anything perishable in the fridge overnight.

• Clear the hallway, stairs and doorway

  Nothing on the floor that a costumed guest in low light could trip on.

• Set up decorations and lighting

  Keep enough light on in the kitchen and bathroom to see clearly.

• Set up a food table and label anything with common allergens
• Set up a place for coats and bags

  Costumes leave people carrying extra gear.

• Put pets in a quiet room

  Doorbells, masks and strangers in costume can upset a pet.

• Have trash and recycling bags out and ready

  Put a bin near the food table so cups do not collect on shelves.

• Plan how guests get home safely

  Have a taxi or ride-share number or a spare bed ready if alcohol is being served.

• Take photos of the costumes

  Do it early, before costumes come off or get spilled on.

• Clear up food and check the room for lost items

  Look for phones, masks, props and anything left on the porch.

• Pack away decorations and note what to keep for next year

Printed from TickYouOff — the interactive version tracks your progress and can be shared with others.