A Night of Friendly FrightHalloween - an opportunity for family and friends to get together and have some fun. There are some inexpensive but fun ways to enjoy the spookiest night of the year, no matter the age. Whether young or old, have fun, make memories, and enjoy food and friendship.
Read Arleen's article for great ideas for your Halloween activities.
Halloween Party Refreshments?I have a request concerning ideas for Halloween parties. I have all the decorations and all planned. I just need some good ideas as far as refreshments are concerned. The more disgusting and gross or creepy the better.
Hair-Raising Recipes!Whip up some yummies! A cut above eye-of-newt, these treats satisfy even the harshest party critics.
Costume Treasure Chest at Clearance PricesWell, Halloween is fast approaching and soon it will be all over but the belly aches. Start thinking now about those Clearance sales that will have those pricey costumes discounted to practically nothing.
A Frightfully Good TimeIt's almost Halloween - the days are slipping past, but they too can be a lot of fun - all leading up to a great family/friend time for all.
Witchy HandsPlace one piece of candy corn, pointed side out into clear gloves. Fill the rest with the popcorn or caramel corn (green is best). Tie with yarn or festive Halloween ribbon. Serve to those special ghosts and goblins.
Jelly Bean CostumeA cute inexpensive Halloween costume is to get two large pieces of plastic, large enough to cover your body front and back (furniture stores are great places to get this) or use a large clear garbage bag. Tape the bottom and side edges together, but leave openings for your arms and legs. Leave the top open.Blow up assorted colors of balloons and fill the bag. Step into the bag, putting your legs and arms through the openings, then tape top edges together but leave your head out. You are a bag of jelly beans!!
By Mel
Halloween LuminariasThrough the cold nights of fall and winter, luminaria are beautiful lining walkways, garden paths and sitting on porches -- particularly on Halloween.
Last Minute Halloween CostumeLast minute Halloween costume: Use a marker to write on an old t-shirt. I AM A _________(cat, pumpkin, puppy... If you can, draw a stick figure on the back, and a few whiskers on the child's face. Call it minimalist!
By Linda
Getting Spooked! for HalloweenI have no idea who started this (kind of the point) but last night the doorbell rings and I open the door. I find a white balloon with a ghosts face markered on it. Tied to it is a tiny basket filled with candy and two papers. One is to put on my door that says, "We been Spooked!" with a picture of a ghost.
Making CostumesWhen making a costume, I have found the best place to get strange clothes is the Thrift Stores, and also have a husband willing to dress up in anything you buy. Enjoy the picture!
Savannah in Tomboy CostumeLast year I found it hard to make a costume for my daughter Savannah. So I gathered together some of my oldest son clothing. I dressed her like a Tom Boy. Take a look.
Voodoo on the Bayou Themed Party?I am planning a Voodoo on the Bayou - Romp in the Swamp party for my daughter's 12th birthday. Any ideas or suggestions would be welcomed. I am going to shy away from the evil aspect of Voodoo, and concentrate on things like "Love Potions", palm reading, etc...
Soda Can Costume?I am looking for a pattern or idea to make a group Halloween costume. We want to go as a six pack of soda. We are thinking of using thick foam for the can and lid, but have no idea what to use for the plastic rings.
"Ghoul-Ade" For HalloweenMix Kool Aid's together with sugar, in large pitcher. Add water and mix. Just before serving, add ginger ale.
Homemade Spooky Halloween SoundsBefore they were on the market for sale, my family and I would make our own spooky sounding tapes to be played during Trick or Treat hours on Halloween.
Lightweight Mummy Halloween Decoration?My place of work has a door decorating contest every year. This year, my office is planning on entering. We are in need of suggestions on how to make a lightweight mummy, so that we can suspend it from the top of the door frame. Any idea of what materials we could use that would be lightweight and cheap?
Autumn or Halloween Party Table DecorFor a festive touch at your next Halloween or autumn party, hollow out some mini pumpkins...
Making Masks and Halloween CostumesMy children love to create their own costume's mask for Halloween. I buy foam craft sheets, self sticking cut outs, glitter and glue. Any items in the craft area or around the house works.
Homemade Fake BloodPlace the corn syrup into a bowl and mix in some hot water, add a little at a time until your have a nice consistency (not too runny, not too lumpy)
Costume Ideas for Someone Who Loves Fantasy and Computer Games?I'm at my wits end. You see my brother cant decide what costume to wear for halloween. We all have it figured out besides him and as the 31st is getting closer its giving us less time to get a costume together. Plus we're getting ready to put our house on the market on november 1st so we also don't have to much money.
Toxic Waste Punch (Halloween Recipe)Slowly pour the soda around the sides of the sherbet. The soda will lift the Kool-Aid leaving delightful color streaks and sour flavors...
Ideas for Halloween Party DecorationsDrape white sheets over all the furniture and windows. It looks like a haunted house and a much more realistic and fun decoration than store-bought paper decorations. Add candles in old fashioned holders on top of covered tables, and a few hidden flashlights to provide creepy uplighting. . .
Ghost Party FavorsMake little ghost favors using a whole walnut for the head and a double Kleenex for the "sheet" and tie thin orange and black ribbons around the neck. Use a fine marker for eyes and mouth.
Ruby (Rottweiler)Ruby is a 6 year old Rottweiler. Ruby's owner died a few weeks ago. We are fostering her until her new owners come to get her, which will be this weekend!
Here she is dressed as a Detroit Red Wings hockey fan.
Kylie as a LionKylie my adorable 2 year is just adorable in this lion outfit. And I am not lioning about that! She is surely going to be a roar at the church carnival.
Bobble Head CostumeThis was my Halloween costume this year. One of my best friends and I create a children's TV show together and thought it would be great to make bobble heads of our TV personalities that we would later use on our show.
Camelot Theme Costumes?I am looking for inexpensive costumes for ladies with a Camelot theme. Something to be used over a black turtleneck and black slacks. Maybe with a headpiece or a coat of arms theme. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Video Game Theme Party?My friend and I are throwing a halloween party and it has a video game theme. We are trying to find blue overalls like the Mario Brothers wear. Do you know where I can get some?
Making Paws for an Animal CostumeSince Halloween is just around the corner I thought I would share this tip. When making an animal costume with paws for hands,(great if it's cold on Halloween like it is here) take a glove in the size you need and cut it apart.
Halloween Party Favors?Halloween Party Favors Request. I'm having my son's 7th birthday party a couple weeks early to make it a halloween costume party. . .
Making a Wig for a Costume?For a halloween costume Im looking forward to going as the ghost of Marie Antoinette. My problem is wigs are so expensive. Is there some way I could make something with cheapish materials looking historically accurate?
LuLu the Little Chicky Costume Ideas?My two toddlers are going as the Wonder Pets for Halloween and I need help with LuLu the little chicky. I already got great ideas for Tuck the Turtle on this website.
Globe Costume Idea?I am going to a party entitled "World's Fair" and was thinking of going as a globe. Of course, I don't know if I can pull it off. I was thinking of a hula hoop at my waist/equator. I would use old white bedsheets that I can paint the continents on.
Frightfully Easy Ghost CookiesRecipe for Frightfully Easy Ghost Cookies. In small pan melt candy coating over low heat. Stirring constantly. Line cookie sheets with waxed paper. Holding cookie with tongs. . .
Bat Cup CakesThese Bat Cup Cakes are super easy and quick if you use Hostess Cupcakes like I did. You also could make similar bats with your own cupcakes.
Creepy Dry Ice FlaskThis bubbling Flask decoration is made with food coloring and a little dry ice for fog and the bubbles.
Keeping Kids Warm in Their CostumesIf your kids go outside on Halloween it's important that they stay warm in their costumes. Just put them in matching colorful sweatshirt and sweatpants; then pair that with a good mask or hat!
Why I Love HalloweenI love Halloween, first because it is the beginning of the holiday season. Being a gardener, I also appreciate it as a great time to celebrate the harvest. I think of it as a celebration of autumn.
Mini Pumpkin Flashlight LanternPerfect for Tricker or Treating in the dark with young ones and a fantastic craft for the family to make. A illuminated that glows with its grinning face.
Winner Sexiest DivisionThis picture is from senior exercise Halloween party today.
I am the Halloween Trick and my friend, who likes to ham it up, is Halloween PIMP.
Reindeer Costume for a Child?Where can I find ideas on making a reindeer costume for a child's "tap class"?
Making a Peg Leg for a Pirate Costume?I'm making a pirate movie and I need a realistic non-cheezy peg leg. Can someone help me out?
Holiday Craft Ideas For Fourth Grade?This year I am homeroom mother for fourth graders. Really need some game/craft suggestions for upcoming Halloween party.
Inexpensive Owl Halloween Costume For 5 Year Old?Looking for ideas to make an inexpensive owl Halloween costume for a 5 year old friend. Thank you.
Trade Costumes With FriendsIf you have friends with children the same size or about the same as yours, trade Halloween costumes. This way, each costume will be "new" to each child.
Halloween Costume: GhoulteacherFor Halloween one year, I bought the ugliest dress I could find at the thrift store. It was a black sheath dress with yellow, white and gold shear collar and it was sleeveless. I wore black pantyhose and glued spiders and ants on the hose and dress.
How To Paint a Child's Face Like Spiderman?Any suggestions out there for how to paint a child's face for Halloween?
Child Size Lab Coat?I bought a clown costume for my 3 old but she wants nothing to do with it. She wants to be a doctor. I have everything but the lab coat. Where do I get a lab coat that size (3 yrs) or how can I make it? Thank you in advance.
Halloween Princess Party?How can I incorporate Halloween into my 8 year old daughters princess birthday party? Her birthday is right before Halloween and she really wants to do both.
Check With Multicultural Families About HalloweenI work in a multicultural school with many beliefs and holidays. I find a Fall Festival is the best thing to do if you have a lot of different faiths.
Green Halloween LinkHere is a neat link with healthy and Earth friendly Halloween tips. There are ideas for non food Trick or Treat items and information of throwing a Green Halloween party. Check it out.
Orange Troll Ideas For Halloween?Anyone have a good idea for an orange troll for Halloween. I already received the one for a ghost and my grandson thinks it's a great idea. Now my granddaughter wants an orange troll and I haven't a clue where to start. Thanks for any ideas
Halloween FountainCreate an affordable autumn fountain by using any container filled with water a pump and decoration that water can pass through. Adorn with mums, pine cones and place apples inside fountain.
Reusing Embroidery From Old Shirts?Tips for reusing embroidery from worn out clothing. Post your own ideas here.
Costume for Church Play?My church is putting on 'A Night in Bethlehem'. We are all responsible for our costumes. I will be a woman in a Jewish home in Bethlehem at the time of Christs' birth, I need clothing ideas.
Halloween Costumes For Big People?My husband and I are of "generous proportion", any ideas for Halloween costumes for big people? Much appreciated, thanks. =)
Homemade Fog Machine Fluid?I have a fogger that we use for Halloween. The fogger fluid is kind of expensive. I would like to use it this year but don't want to have to buy that expensive store bought stuff. Does anyone happen to know what it is made of? Thanks in advance!
Mini Pumpkin MaracasShake, shake, shake to the music with these cute little pumpkin themed maracas. A fun fall craft for kids.
Celebrate Halloween All Month LongWe love Halloween and start celebrating October 1. We do at least one different Halloween activity every day leading up to October 31, and most don't require spending money. We start with unpacking our decorations on the 1st.
Flying Ghosts Halloween DecorationMake some "Flying Ghosts" to hang from tree branches or porch. Gather a few "Leggs Eggs." Sandwich some filament or string between the two halves at the top. At the bottom, add three narrow strips about a foot long cut from a white plastic bag and glue shut. Paint the Egg white and hang to dry.
Halloween BatsA fun and cheap idea for a Halloween Party is to cut out bat shapes out of black construction paper. Put silver or gold glitter around the edges and for eyes. After they are dry, attach with fishing line at different lengths from the ceiling. If you have a ceiling fan, they will move in the wind and appear real.
Halloween Costume: JailbirdI used an old pair of white sweats (top and bottom) and spray painted black stripes on the sweats by taping off lines. I then took red fabric paint and wrote "Blonde County Jail" on the back and then numbers on the left chest. I wore a pair of handcuffs to complete the costume.
Link: Presidential Candidate Halloween MasksIn case you are invited to a Halloween Party, and need a mask idea, here is a site you can download free, one of any of the presidential candidates. There is Obama, McCain, Biden, and Palin
Support For Foam Halloween Decorations?We have foam Halloween gravestones that have fallen over in the wind. They came with metal stakes, which have busted. My husband poked nails in them, but the wind still knocked them over. Does anyone have any ideas about bracing the gravestones so the foam doesn't break apart? Thanks!
Making Adult Cry Baby Costume?I need easy ideas for making my own adult cry baby costume, or the adult in the high chair costume.
Creepy Halloween BugsEvery year I buy those little sponge creatures that grow when you put them in water from Walgreens like spiders, creepy bugs and things like that. About 2 weeks before Halloween, I fill those big pretzel containers with water and food coloring and then line them all along the sidewalk.
Halloween Costume: Stick Of Butter Lady (Paula Deen)For a fast and inexpensive costume that won't look like those at the store, why don't you go as Paula Deen? Or, as my husband affectionately calls her, 'The stick-of-butter lady' with the cooking show. Every recipe she makes seems to begin with a stick of butter, lol... so guys all seem to adore her recipes.
Pumpkin-Carving PartyThink Superbowl and plan a pumpkin-carving party for your friends and family with children. Everyone brings a pumpkin and a food contribution.What a great way to open the holiday season!
Post-Mortem: A Halloween GameThis is so cool. Have guests seated in a circle so that things can be passed from one to the other easily. Have the room as dark as possible, and the person who reads the story can use a flashlight only while he is reading.
How Late Do You Hand Out Candy?What time do you "close up shop" and turn off the porch lights for incoming Trick-or-Treaters on Halloween night? We get so few it is hard to tell when it is time. Many thanks.
Howl-O-Ween Sweater DressThis is a sweater dress I made for my tiny Yorkie, it is a cute dress, a sweater and a costume all in one.
Cheap Halloween CookiesCombine all above ingredients to form a dough. Grease cookie sheet. Drop by teaspoonfuls. Bake at 350 degrees F for 9-12 minutes. Cool.
Costume Ideas for a Parade?My hometown does a parade every year, and it is a western type community. I need a costume idea for my nine year old niece using a bike. Any ideas?
Halloween Themed PartyMy 13 year old daughter wants to have a Halloween party, but she wants it to have 20 of her friends, and have really scary decorations. I said I am OK with it, but it costs way too much money.
Caramel ApplesLove this! Another golden oldie! Brown butter in a large skillet. Add apples. Turn after a few minutes. Add brown sugar and water.
Halloween Party Ideas for 13 Year Olds?I was wanting to know some good ideas on how to throw a good scary, Halloween party for my 13 year old daughter.
Fabric PumpkinThis craft is very simple! You'll need cloth, twine, cotton (I used the stuffing from an old pillow), a small stick, some leaves, and hot glue. Cut a fair sized bit of cloth, fold it in half and glue the edges to make a pocket.
Making a Centaur Halloween Costume?Does anyone happen to have any suggestions or directions on how to make a "centaur" (half man/half horse), costume? My 8 year old grandson would absolutely love to be one for Halloween. Thanks.
Halloween: Jack in the Box CostumePop out of a Jack in the Box and surprise people at their doors this Halloween. On all box costumes, you will need to secure the box shut with tape
Reinforcing a Costume Helmet?I have a Power Ranger helmet that came with a Power Ranger costume. The helmet is split into two parts, the front and the back, and they attach with Velcro.
Halloween: Captured by Frank CostumeThis costume was so much fun to make and pretty easy too. All I did was, I bought a Styrofoam head from the local costume shop as well as the Frankenstein mask and green hands. I went to our local thrift shop and bought a small man's suit in black.
Halloween: Partly Cloudy CostumeTalk about a frugal, quick, inexpensive costume, this is it! Take any plain, solid-colored sweatshirt (preferably dark), glue or use double-stick tape to adhere some white pillow stuffing a little below the neck of the shirt.
Rubik's Cube CostumeDazzle people this Halloween as the world's all time favorite puzzle toy, The Rubik's Cube!
Movie Theater Floor CostumeCut the glass down the middle and hot glue upside down to shirt sleeve between elbow and wrist. Cover and all and add a straw to each "cup."
Use Washable Glue to Attach Gems To HairWhen I was young, I'd put little braids in my hair then glue rhinestones to the braids for sparkles when I'd go out at night. This would be wonderful for a child's fairy or princess costume at Halloween!
Making Doll "Ghosts" with Starched Linen?Once I saw the cutest little "ghosts" made out of white linen. The person told me they were put into laundry starch then formed over dolls in spooky poses (arms out like they were walking towards you). Very cute.
Guilmon (Digimon) CostumeI purchased 4 yards of red felt, 1 yard of black felt, 1 yard of white felt, and 1 yard of grey felt as well as some foam. I also got some elastic (for the waist) and sat down to try to figure it out, without a pattern....
Halloween: Bubble Gum Machine CostumeDress child in clothes. Cut arm and neck holes in bag. Put bag on the child as a shirt. Tape the bottom opening tight around their waist. Fill the bag with the balls from neck opening.
Halloween: Box O' Popcorn CostumeI took a box, painted it white. Then I painted red stripes, leaving a spot to make the circle (I used a pan lid to make the circle.) I cut holes out for his head and arms (cut the flaps off the open end of the box where the legs come out).
