How to Host a Scary Movie Night for Halloween
Keep Guests Screaming for More with this Halloween Movie Party
Oct 20, 2009
Halloween is a fantastic opportunity to indulge in all those fun activities enjoyed as children. While the days for trick-or-treating are over, there is sill plenty of opportunity to have a spooky good time this Halloween season. All that is needed are a few basic snacks, some enthusiastic friends and a little imagination.
Start with Invitations
There are so many fun options for Halloween greeting cards on the market, so don't be limited to cards that are specifically designed as invitations. Buying a basic 'Happy Halloween' card will suffice. Just include an informational insert with the who, the what, the when and the where inside. Not only have greeting card companies given the classic Halloween cards a face lift, but there are many varieties that come with audio. Be sure to encourage costumes!
Selecting the Movie
Movie choice will depend on the audience. Will the guest list include children? If so, pick one or two PG movies with a spooky plot. If the party is for adults only, then the sky is the limit. A good way to narrow down choices is to include an 'RSVP' request with the invites that lists five or six movie choices. Ask guests to select their top two favorites and rent the two movies that made the cut.
Give out Goodies
Cut out some 1"x4" pieces of construction paper in any color, and print the name of the movies you'll be showing as well as show times. If using dark paper, select a silver or white marker so that the text doesn't disappear. Add some ghoulish stickers and hand out to guests as they arrive.
Grab bags are also a great way to make guests feel welcome, so buy some standard paper lunch bags, decorate with Halloween stickers and drop in a few pieces of candy. Bring out the goodie bags at the end of the movie and present as a parting gift. Everyone will leave with a smile on their face.
Create a Creepy Atmosphere
Just because this isn't a typical Halloween bash doesn't mean hosts can't go all out with decorations, so set out those jack-o-lanturns and scary window silhouettes in the shape of bats and ravens. Save some money on the electric bill and go dark using only candles to light the rooms guests will be using. Be sure to provide ample seating and set out piles of blankets and comfy pillows so guests can snuggle up and avert their eyes during the really scary scenes.
Comfort of Food
Company should be as comfortable as possible, spend a little time stockpiling some tasty treats for them to munch on after they've settled in front of the TV. Snacks should be portable, so stick with easy foods that they can carry into the living room on small plates or bowls.
- Popcorn is always classic. Mix things up a bit and set out a lineup of toppings for everyone to choose from and have a mini contest to see who can come up with the best flavor combination. Assorted nuts, m&m's, Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, sugar, cinnamon and cocoa powder are all fun toppings. This is a chance for everyone to really use their imagination and try something that they might not have thought of.
- Halloween finger sandwiches are a perfect distraction when the chain saw wielding maniac begins his chase. Cut bread, meat and cheese into spooky shapes using cookie cutters and assemble as usual. Rye or pumpernickel is great for bat cutouts, white or sourdough works well for ghosts! Stick with cold cut meats and hard cheese as they will be easier to use with the cutters.
The idea is to create a cozy yet spooky atmosphere for guests and when starting with invitations and ending with unique goodie bags, this scary movie night will be the topic of conversation until next Halloween season.
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