Throwing a Halloween Bash on a Budget + HERSHEY'S Giveaway
6:00 PM
Halloween is just around the corner and the boys are getting so excited. This is by far one of their favorite holidays. They love the decorations, the yummy treats and most of all, the HERSHEY'S candy! Oh wait, maybe it's me that loves the candy. This year, I decided to throw them a little Halloween party just for our family. I didn't want to spend a fortune though, so I busted out some budget tips to help me save money and still create a fun-filled party for them.
The Decorations
The candlestick holder was a steal for $2 from a local thrift shop and I created the dripping blood by dripping candle wax from a red Dollar Tree candle down the white ones. I utilized pieces we already had like some pillar candle sticks to place skulls I got for a $1 on top of. The witch's brooms are actually treat bags made from brown paper lunch bags and a stick from outside. By using pieces you already own and hitting up your local dollar store, you can get a great look for less.
The Food
The Fun!
Treat Bags
Want some more decorating ideas, recipes and other family friendly Halloween tips? Check out HERSHEY'S BOO BLVD.
{Win It}
We received a 3 1/2 lb. bag of HERSHEY'S candy. That is 140 pieces of delicious favorites like MILK DUDS, WHOPPERS, JOLLY RANCHERS and TWIZZLERS! Now you can win a bag too and be set for Halloween. 20 luck readers will win the same bag of candy I received. Just enter using the Rafflecopter form below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
111 comments
My party planning tip: Keep it cheap and easy! It's more fun for everyone (especially the host) that way!
ReplyDeleteDon't over do it, I think that tip is more for me. I always think of too many good ideas and think I have to do them all. Keep it simple.
ReplyDeleteFav Halloween tip, just let them go for it when dressing up. Makes for fun, at least with your own kids :>)
ReplyDeleteFigure out your guest list before deciding on a theme for your party.
ReplyDeleteless is more
ReplyDeletein more ways than one, I have been pinning all my fav diy for my party.
I have to agree with everyone else as well - less is more ... having an activity for the kids to do helps as well!
ReplyDeletewhat great treat bag and luv the bat decoration
ReplyDeleteWe do a lot of decorating but I like letting my grandson make bags of candy that we can hand out. He enjoys that plus so does the other little ones knowing it is a bag of candy
ReplyDeleteI agree with you by by going to a thrift shop or dollar store to get cheap items for the party.
ReplyDeleteI shop the halloween clearance and save it for the following year.
ReplyDeleteI like the bats you cut out and hung on the drapes.
ReplyDeleteI liked all the party ideas on their site; that's a tip in itself since I think picking a theme is one of the hardest things. I love the idea for a pirate party. My own tip for a party is to have plenty of food and if you're having a kids party, it would be wise to check with the parents and make sure nobody has a food allergy.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome party! I love the treat bags and the mummy wrap hot dogs are so awesome.
ReplyDeleteMy party planning tip is prep as much of the food in advance as you can.
ReplyDeleteYah for giveaways!
ReplyDeleteThis year is our tenth annual Halloween Party with the kids! I have found that planning way ahead and prepping all the food that you can before the party is the best tips I have!
Angela
buy specials/clearance on decorations (and maybe even costumes) the year before so you don't have to run out last minute
ReplyDeletem8usi at yahoo dot com
If you can get one, a strobe light adds so much more fun and dry ice!
ReplyDeletePlay some halloween music like Thriller or plan some games like Ghost in the Graveyard (kind of like hide and seek but a little different).
ReplyDeletei go to dollar tree and get candy
ReplyDeletefreebiel0ve@yahoo.com
Makes sure there's lots of candy and fun party decorations
ReplyDeleteannabella @ centurytel dot net
Make a costume station! One year, we had a table set aside with props and old costumes and makeup so that if someone came without a costume, they could just pop on over to the Ghoul Station and make themselves a costume! The make up is also great for any touch-ups the guests need to do!
ReplyDeleteI like that you made things from ordinary items you already had on hand, a money and time saver. I have the same type patio door blinds, love that idea!
ReplyDeletesuebee05@gmail.com
my tip is: use as many coupons as u can!:)
ReplyDeletejmatek AT wi DOT rr DOT com
Make a list of songs to play and lots of games to play.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
have lots of candy or your house will get egged.
ReplyDeleteMolasses popcorn balls( Giant Spider eggs in black slime) are easy to make, very lowcost- and a hit with boys, especially.
ReplyDeleteCreepy music and lots of candy
ReplyDeletePlay fun music!
ReplyDeleteThis Friday on virginia Ave. You should come.
ReplyDeleteky2here at msn dot com
Always have activities planned, and then don't feel too bad when everything falls apart. A backup plan can't hurt either!
ReplyDeleteAlways need to have orange and black sprinkles on your desserts
ReplyDeleteI like to keep the party small. It's easier all around.
ReplyDeleteThere are lots of good party ideas on Pinterest. Start planning well ahead of time.
ReplyDeleteunfortunately with us getting up in years, this year there won't be decorating. usually we like to decorate the outside, when passing out candy we have the haunted music, the singing skeleton and the dreadful look out spider dropping. I must say I will miss this. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeletekarenb834atyahoo.com
Instead of decorating our homes for Halloween and going trick or treat, our church has a fall festival with decorations, games, and fun activities--including a hot dog supper for everyone. The children and adults have fun in a safe enviroment.
ReplyDeletei like to take a flashlight with me and give everybody phone numbers on a tag in case we get separated.
ReplyDeleteglori j
gloria4869@yahoo.com
scary music!
ReplyDeleteHave patience!! :)
ReplyDeletedo as much food prep as possible before any party and make sure foods that may spoil are refrigerated.
ReplyDeleteWOW these are so much fun! Great ideas. I want to do them! I like the idea of having good background music going... I also learned that some things really DO scare the younger kids!!! LOL
ReplyDeleteHORTON111@AOL.COM
ReplyDeleteKEEP IT SIMPLE
Keep it simple.
ReplyDeleteHORTON111@AOL.COM
ReplyDeleteHAVE PLENTY OF GOODIES
Buy halloween party favors at 90% off at target after halloween and save them for next year.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com
I ask each person to bring s spooky item
ReplyDeleteMy tip is to plan ahead and do as much stuff as possible so you can enjoy the party as well as take pictures...I always seem to busy to enjoy the party or take pictures.
ReplyDeleteBuy party supplies at the dollar store.
ReplyDeletemake a list and do as much ahead of time as possible
ReplyDeleteKeep it simple and have lots of fun!
ReplyDeleteI agree that thrift shops can help make your party rock because you can find so many things.
ReplyDeleteteechbiz at gmail dot com
I usually have a cotume party like a superbowl party with friends.
ReplyDeleteHave plenty of food and do your prep the day before.
ReplyDeletemake sure to have a few substitutes for ones with allergies
ReplyDeletevmkids3 at msn dot com
Make sure there is plenty of food. Especially dessert.
ReplyDeletelol...Always have Plenty of candy! Ive had to go to the store 3 times in one night, then Ive had a night I couldn't give stuff away!
ReplyDeleteYummy food and refreshing drinks and also fun games to keep everybody entertained!
ReplyDeleteGive everyone a task so they can feel proud of what they helped with!
ReplyDeleteMake the invitation as fun as the party!
ReplyDeletehave something different or creative to add a conversation piece to the party
ReplyDeletePrepare the food ahead of time, so at party time all you have to do is heat and serve.
ReplyDeletersgrandinetti@yahoo(Dot)com
I plan everything in advance. Decorate the house, buy all the candy to hand out, prepare the food so there isn't much to do when the day arrives.
ReplyDeleteLove3570@aol.com
Get your candy early so the stores don't run out of the good kinds! And get more than you think you will really need.
ReplyDeletei try to make sure i have enough drinks. can never have enough tea and coffee star95011()yahoo()com
ReplyDeletedrinks, munchies, & music
ReplyDeleteSet up a craft station to make favors or color.
ReplyDeleteI love watching the kids excited faces in their costumes going trick or treatng.
ReplyDeleteMy best loved tip is to go with the flow! Things just won't always go as planned and the kids will be looking to you when they don't. Smile and carry on!
ReplyDeleteStart your planning and preparations early, and just have fun!
ReplyDeleteskkorman AT bellsouth DOT net
have it on the weekend and indoors so weather doesn't play a part
ReplyDeleteyanktheese@yahoo.com
prepare spooky snacks
ReplyDeletefor me the simpler the better-if i overdo -makes
ReplyDeleteme anxious
thansk
aunteegem@yahoo.com
Plan somethings for those with nut allergies!
ReplyDeleteThanks,
selinda_mccumbers at yahoo.com
Have healthy, non-sweet food too.
ReplyDeleteighmeg at yahoo dot com
You have to have at least one skeleton in the room...
ReplyDeletego pot luck so you don't have to do everything yourself!
ReplyDeletehave the power go out for a min...always fun
ReplyDeletePlan ahead and have the kids get involved with the planning.
ReplyDeletecjnedrow at gmail dot com
Buy out of season to get party decor and such at a discount.
ReplyDeletechrissylea1979 (at)gmail(dot) com
I think it's fun to have a costume theme party. One of the funnest Halloween parties I ever went to was a roaring 20's theme.
ReplyDeleteMy tip is to keep it simple and have each family member bring something.
ReplyDeleteMake sure you turn your outside lights on early (so you don't forget)
ReplyDeleteLet someone else host it. ;-)
ReplyDeletekatfam95 at aim dot com
Scare as many people as you can!
ReplyDeletemmc123456
i like to have lots of party favors for the kids
ReplyDeletelmurley2000@yahoo.com
I use lots of gauze to create spider webs
ReplyDeletePlaying mood music adds a scary touch.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely shop the dollar stores for decorations and food
ReplyDeletepbabcock2004(at)yahoo(dot)com
I like to have costume contests with prizes with lots of different categories
ReplyDeletebuy decorations on specials/clearance
ReplyDeletePlan goodie bags for all ages! Adults like the surprise of getting a to-go gift too!
ReplyDeleteuse gummy worms for a halloween treat
ReplyDeletedefinitely get the candy when it's on sale!
ReplyDeletePlay halloween music.
ReplyDeleteBe sure and scare as many people that come up to the door as possible!
ReplyDeleteI try to make no mess fun looking foods.You can pretty much take any normal food and find a way to spook it up.
ReplyDeleteI buy the after Halloween clearance party items for the next year's party.
ReplyDeleteGet a CD of spooky sounds.
ReplyDeletealways have enough food
ReplyDeleteMy biggest tip is to have a lot of activities planned and have little contests to keep people involved.
ReplyDeleteericacarnes(at)gmail(dot)com
My favorite planning tip is to buy more candy than you actually need to hand out to trick or treaters. After all, if you have candy left over, you have no choice but to eat it.
ReplyDeletePlan some fun things for the kids to do
ReplyDeletesweepymummy at yahoo dot com
I like making yummy halloween food for treats
ReplyDeleteMy tip is not to make a costume mandatory!!
ReplyDeleteltlbit1@hotmail dot com
my tip is be prepared for all and any weather conditions and make sure you have a large supply of candy
ReplyDeletePlan lots of fun Halloween Games to play!!!
ReplyDeleteptavernie at yahoo dot com
Have lots of food for the kids!
ReplyDeleteI make my treats a few weeks ahead and keep them frozen until the day of the party so it's just a matter of heating up instead of cooking!
ReplyDeletepauline15_01(at)hotmail(dot)com
Make your finger foods look spooky by creating them in Halloween shapes.
ReplyDeletejennylovesjeff (at) hotmail (dot) com
You can find plenty of fun games to play on the internet. Party games are a must for maximum fun. (Roxann)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Halloween planning tip is to buy my costume the day after Halloween the year before because you can get it cheap. Just don't buy something that is bound to be dated. A political costume has less effect next year than it will have today.
ReplyDeleteBuys lots of decorations on sale after Halloween so each year you have more and more and more :)
ReplyDeletektgonyea at gmail.com