Halloween Party Ideas

Check out our Halloween Party Ideas on our Pinterest page!

https://www.pinterest.com/cincin3/halloween/

Party Checklist

When planning a party, get the basics down first: Who is the party for? (business, family, friends) What's the reason for the party? (theme, birthday,  or special occasion) When is the party? Where is the party going to be? How many people are you inviting? What type of party is it? (brunch, lunch, dinner,  hors d'oeuvres, dessert, buffet, sit‑down meal)

Let's start planning

Use this party planning checklist to guide you through the details:

• Make list of people to invite.
• Mark the date on your calendar.
• Send invitations (by mail, e‑mail, or phone).
• Plan the menu, including the beverages.
• Make shopping list (food, paper goods, decorations).
• Plan cooking schedule: Determine what can be made ahead and frozen, day before, and that day, and what you are buying already prepared.
• Make list of equipment needed (rental chairs and table).
• Plan the layout of the rooms. (Make sure all the food tables are not right on top of each other to ensure smooth flow for people to mingle.)
• Plan music.
• Plan lighting.
• Buy or make a centerpiece or other decorations.
• Check your stock of cleaning supplies for before and after the party.
• Make sure you have all the platters and serving pieces you'll need.

 During the party

Here are some things to think about for your guests:

• Coat rack (hangers or a separate room to put coats)
• A place to put boots or umbrellas
• Ice, ice bucket, ice tongs, or scoop
• Cocktail napkins (2 per person)
• Candles
• Paper towels
• Extra toilet paper
• Plates (appetizer, salad, dinner, dessert) ‑ you can order deli trays for your party!
• Glasses (water, wine, mixed drink, beer, soda, coffee); some beverages can use the same type of glass
• Silverware (Think through each course; a fresh spoon or stirrer is necessary for coffee.)
• If grilling, check the tank, charcoal, lighter fuel, bug spray, and citronella candles
• Coffee and assortment of tea bags
• Cream and sugar
• Salt and pepper
• Wine, beer, and soda chilled
• Wine and bottle opener
• Bar garnishes (lime, lemon, olive)
• Charged camera battery
• Garbage bags
• Dish-washing soap
• Club soda (for any thing that may spill, a great spot remover)
• Space to chill beverages. It takes beer, wine, and soda 20 minutes to chill on ice. A large tub or cooler can be used in a back room.

Take party notes

After any party, it's a good idea to record in a journal how much was left over and what people liked and didn't like. This information will be a big help when you plan your next gathering. Think of your party journal as a reference to look back on when you are trying to remember your boss's favorite drink. That way you can have it at the next event.

30 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding

Reception

1. Cut the guest list. This will slash your catering costs and save on invitations and even the number of centerpieces.

2. Think off-peak season and save thousands!

3. Hold your ceremony and reception in one spot -- it will cut travel time for vendors you pay by the hour.

4. Skip the Saturday wedding.

5. Have bigger tables so you need fewer centerpieces and tablecloths.

6. Shop the off-season for extra decor -- get modern black vases on sale after Halloween and pretty pink ones after Valentine's Day.

Flowers

7. Use more greenery than flowers.

8. Swap out costly flowers -- did you know peonies can be five times more expensive than roses?

9. Stick to just one or two kinds of flowers.

10. Buy flowers that are in season.

11. Include non-florals, like lanterns.

Food & Drink

12. Serve entree duets.

13. Skip the main course -- apps and drinks are fine too.

14. Offer beer, wine, and a signature cocktail instead of a full bar.

15. Serve comfort foods like barbecue chicken, mac and cheese, and corn. It's fun and often cheaper.

16. Skip the champagne toast.

Cakes

17. Order a small one or two-tiered cake and then supplement cake with a larger sheet cake (hidden back in the kitchen).

18. Keep the add-ons simple.

19. Use fresh flowers, not sugar ones.

20. Reuse ceremony flowers for the cake table.

21. Skip exotic fillings like guava and mango.

Stationery & Favors

22. Get single-page invites to save on postage.

23. Give out one favor per couple.

24. Make your cake the favors.

25. Have favors double as escort cards.

26. Email your save-the-dates.

27. Make your own menu cards, escort cards and wedding favors. 

Photo, Video & Music

28. Have a photographer you love but can't afford the prices? Ask them if they have an associate shooter who will do your wedding for less.

29. Opt for a smaller band.

30. Hire a band or DJ who can do both the ceremony and the reception.

Article provide by " the Knot ".