Planning a spooky soirée?
It’s finally that time of year again. PSLs are creeping back in, you’re stocking up on all the sweet-smelling fall candles, and suddenly, you have the urge to re-watch all your favorite horror movies. With spooky season right around the corner, you’re (hopefully) planning your Halloween costume, and maybe you’ll even (g)host a Halloween party. We know it’s no easy feat, but the Halloween experts are here to help.
When it comes to Halloween, our motto is “go big or go home.” Perfectly curated party playlist? Check. Tasty themed Halloween treats? Check. Signature Spirits & spooky mocktails? CHECK. Now that we’ve laid the groundwork, let us introduce you to our pumpkin-perfect Halloween party theme ideas to help you throw the biggest monster bash your friends and family have ever seen. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, after all.
Murder Mystery Dinner
Who doesn’t love a good mystery? Throw your guests a whodunit party that’s to die for with your own unique storyline, characters, clues, evidence, and more! And yes, we have an entire article dedicated to planning your murder mystery party!
Outdoor Scary Movie Night
Host a Halloween-themed movie night and watch your favorite horror flicks under the stars. Deck out your backyard with a projector and a screen (or a white sheet against the back of your house, shed, etc.). Add décor themed to your movie of choice, a small table with themed snacks and drinks, and maybe even some mood lighting! Don’t have a projector? Move your party indoors for a cozier experience that’s just as much fun.
Séance Slumber Party
We’re all about holding a responsible séance, and what better time than on All Hallows’ Eve? Dress in your most ghastly attire, bust out the Ouija board, and gather your coven to summon some spirits! Protect your sacred space with a pre-séance cedar or palo santo cleanse, which, according to W Magazine, is the absolute best way to cleanse your home.
Ghouls’ Night In
Ghouls just want to have fun! Throw a spooky-themed girls’ night in by hosting a dinner party, game night, movie marathon, or boo basket exchange.
Pretty in Pink-O-Ween
Orange? We don’t know her. Spooky Halloween decorations aren’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Let us introduce you to: Pink-o-ween, the new Halloween trend that’s all the rage. And yes, just as the name suggests, it means spooky-cute, pastel pink décor as far as the eye can see. Throw a Halloween bash with coquette-inspired pieces.
Costumes & Cocktails!
A Halloween party without drinks? Now, that’s scary. If you’re looking for a fun spin on a classic costume party, costumes & cocktails might be the perfect theme for you. Have your guests dress as their favorite cocktail, or let everyone choose their own costume theme. Have signature sips like a spooky sangria or one of these mocktails & milkshakes!
R.I.P. Summer
Here lies summer—it’s time for spooky season! If you’re looking for a reason to throw an end-of-summer bash with your besties, here it is. Think carving watermelons, floating pumpkins in the pool, skeletons dressed in summer attire, your favorite camp slasher movies, campfire s’mores, and more! Looking for more ideas? Check out 10 Ways to Get in the Summerween Spirit!
Your Favorite Movie/TV Show/Game!
Choose your favorite movie, TV show, or game to theme your party after. Here are some of our favorite pop culture ideas to get you started! Pro tip: Don’t skip over the small details; they’ll make all the difference for your guests!
- Severance: A melon party is a must, as are character costumes. Make sure your guests enjoy each party snack equally.
- Stranger Things: Eggo Waffles + homemade Surfer Boy pizza, Joyce’s living room Christmas lights, “Running up That Hill” on repeat.
- Yellowjackets: Obviously needs to be outdoors (the wilderness said so), Antler Queen-inspired costumes, a feast dinner party!
- Coraline: Mango milkshakes (duh), circus-inspired elements, make your own Coraline dolls!
- Five Nights at Freddy’s: Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, Mr. Cupcake cupcakes, dress up as your favorite animatronic!
We could go on and on, but you get the idea!
Vampire Dinner Party
Vampires never go out of style. Host your very own vampire ball, themed “Bite Night,” or a classic vampire-themed party with specially themed foods, drinks, décor, and more. Opt for a deep red and black color scheme, complemented by plenty of candlelight. Serve garlic-infused snacks, blood bag punch drinks, and decorate with bat-themed items. The possibilities are truly endless!
Ghostly Gathering
Boo-gie ’til death do us PARTY! Summon your favorite ghouls for a good time with a ghost-themed Halloween party. Decorate your home with cobweb-covered decorations, bust out the Ouija board, read some horror stories, or take the party somewhere downright spooky, like the cemetery!
Create Your Own Haunted House
If hosting is your favorite thing, this theme could be the perfect project to tackle this Halloween. Transform your entire home into a haunted house for your guests to explore. From outdoor decorations to indoor accents in each room, organizing a party like this requires careful planning, but don’t worry! We’ve got some ideas.
Start with your outdoor spooky scene. What theme do you envision? Keep it simple with large cobwebs, tombstones, and inflatable decorations. Create a grand entrance with animatronics, inflatables, skeletons, and more. And don’t forget to create a chilling scene in your bathroom. Consider writing a creepy message in red lipstick on the mirror or using horror-themed shower curtains and hand towels.
Zombie Apocalypse
You’ve been infected! Host an unforgettable zombie apocalypse party by transforming your home into a shelter or quarantine zone, or draw inspiration from your favorite zombie movie or TV show. Serve brain-inspired foods, toxic waste punch, and creative zombie costumes! If you really want to impress your undead guests, create “zombie survival kit” party favors for everyone.
Monster Mash
Throw the ultimate monster mash bash! This versatile party theme is great for adults or kids. Dress up as your favorite infamous monsters in pop culture, like Frankenstein or Dracula, or if you’re throwing a kids’ party, create your own “monster factory” where everyone can create their own terrifying monster! Trick or treat your guests to themed games, creative photo BOO-ths, and more.
Creepy Carnevil
Come one, come all! Step right up to the carnEVIL! Host a carnival-themed party under the big top featuring red, yellow, and white accents. Incorporate circus-inspired elements such as popcorn, funnel cakes, prizes, and more! If you’re looking for more inspo, check out Spirit Halloween’s 2024 in-store experience.
Pumpkin Paint & Sip
There’s nothing cuter than hosting a pumpkin paint and sip with your friends! This super simple setup is one of our favorites on the list. Start by getting medium-sized pumpkins for each guest. Then, arrange some fall-inspired treats and plenty of paint in the center of the table for everyone. Create a lovely tablescape with leaves, candles, baby’s breath, and other charming accents. And don’t forget the sips! Apple cider, dark red wine, or themed mocktails work perfectly.
Happy haunting, witches! Got a Halloween party theme that needs to make the list? Let us know what we missed @spirithalloween on all socials!
