Ghosting... err, Hosting a Halloween Party

Halloween parties are one of the best ways to enjoy the Halloween season. Take all the fun of the Halloween costumes and combine it with a party full of your child's friends. Done right, it's a sure recipe for loads of fun.

In this article, we are talking about Halloween parties for school aged children, not adults. Quite obviously, grown ups enjoy rather different parties than elementary school aged children enjoy.

A Halloween party can be held in stead of or along with the usual trick or treating. Some people do simply feel more comfortable having their kids go to a Halloween party than sending them out trick or treating. However, a Halloween party is also a great way to form a large group of kids to go out trick or treating together.

Your preferences in this will help you to choose the night of your party. Having a party on Halloween night, of course, means a lot of interruptions by trick or treaters. If that's not a complication you want, that's probably not the night for you. The night before or even a couple nights before may be better in that case.

Themes can be fun for Halloween parties, but think carefully about this. Most kids will already have a Halloween costume, and if you expect them to dress up to your theme for your party you might be requiring their parents to buy a second costume. That can be a hardship on some families. If you really want to do a theme, talk to the other parents about it early so that they have time to plan.

Get the invitations out at least two weeks before the party if at all possible. Be aware of whether or not your child's school allows party invitations to be handed out in class. If you do have a theme, make sure it is clearly stated on the invitations, as well as anything you would like your guests to bring.

Consider the ages of the children as you decorate. Toddlers and preschoolers are often easily frightened, even by the inflatable decorations. I speak from experience here, as my daughter was terrified of those at age 2, and only a little less afraid at age 3. At 4, they fascinate her. You want the children able to enjoy the party, not worrying about what the decorations are going to do to them.

Have the activities well planned out and considerate of the ages of the children invited. Allow plenty of time.

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