Stroll in to your local department or gift-y store if you dare—the holiday season is upon us. Despite gingerbread cookie-cutters populating shelves, there are still months to go until that tinsel-draped finale. Now is the time for the holiday season wake-up call. Or is it drop-dead call? We refer, of course, to that mischievous celebration of darkness, of what creeps and chills and thrills us—it’s Halloween time.

To plan a bash with a rattling of bones and banging of haunted-house doors, here are considerations for your 2019 Hallows Eve planning.

To Theme or Not to Theme

Whether it’s a corporate monster bash or a grand soiree, a theme makes everyone’s life a bit easier. Guidelines narrow endless possibilities, and a unique theme can get invitees to reveal their wild side. A semi-specific scope that has something for everyone will excite—think “famous musical artists” or “Netflix original series.” Something more grandiose? How about haunted New Orleans or opera masquerade themes?

In addition to inspiring attire, theming can easily rachet party particulars up a notch. Decor and treats get next-level notice when plain old sliders turn into mini “Royales with Cheese” at your Tarantino-themed fete.

Invitations that Excite

With most interactions happening in cyberspace these days, a physical invitation is rare enough to earn a place on the refrigerator. A clean, stylishly printed card with event details makes the gathering feel exclusive and will incite anticipation.  And it serves as a nudge that stands above the horde of emails.

If snail-mail invites are not in your time budget, give invitees an extra reason to RSVP online by putting stakes in the game. If you’re hosting a themed Halloween party, ask guests to submit creative names for the night’s cocktails, and then award winners the night of.

2019 Halloween Obsessions

To keep your pumpkin party au courant, tap into popular culture. Anything streaming is a good place to start: For TV inspiration, consider Stranger Things, Succession, Euphoria, Big Little Lies and The Handmaid’s Tale –all top-rated 2019 hits on the popular review site Rotten Tomatoes.

Nothing goes down easier than batch cocktails. Try an elegant, autumnal pear and thyme mimosa or get spooky with black sangria. For seasonal bites, the classic pumpkin can fuel sweet or savory offerings. And if you do only one thing to drift towards the crepuscular—get your hands on some dry-ice smoking swizzle sticks for the ultimate Instaworthy imbibement.

 

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