Video:How to Prepare for Trick-or-Treaters

Transcript:How to Prepare for Trick-or-Treaters

Hi. I'm Krystyna Rittichier with About.com, and today I'll show you how to prepare for trick-or-treaters.

Halloween Candy for Trick-or-Treaters

Halloween is a fun time of year all about family, community, and candy. Be prepared to join in on the fun with these simple tips. When purchasing candy, try to choose candy that comes in a sealed pouch. It is often helpful to choose only 2 or 3 different kinds of candy. This makes it less likely for you to run out of one kind of candy. Siblings often want to choose the same kind of candy that their big brother chose. Make sure you buy enough candy. It is usually a good idea to buy an extra bag of candy just in case you run out. You can even use a jack-o-lantern with a battery operated candle to place your candy dish in!

Make Sure Your Walkway is Well-Lit and Clear for Trick-or-Treaters

It is important that the children can see the walkway well as they come up the steps. Make sure to turn on your front porch light when it is time for trick-or-treaters. If the bulb has burned out, make sure to replace it. Try hanging garland around your porch light to cast spooky shadows. Use jack-o-lanterns to light the shadows on steps. If you are afraid of a fire hazard, you can light your jack o lanterns with light strands, colored glow sticks or battery operated candles.

Make sure your walkway is clean and clear of stumbling hazards. Move bicycles, flower pots, and gardening tools out of the yard and away from the walking spaces. If you have outdoor dogs, make sure to put them inside so they won't bark at the children walking by. If you have indoor dogs, it may be a good idea to put them in their kennel so they won't get overly excited and jump on a small child.

Decorate Your Doorway for Trick-or-Treaters

Lastly, when you prepare for trick-or-treaters, make sure to have fun with it. Try getting dressed up in a spooky costume for greeting the children. Decorate the entryway to show your Halloween spirit. Decorate your door with paper bats. Hang a few colored light strands above your porch for ambiance. If your doorbell does not work, try hanging a spooky sign on it that says “Out of Order, Knock for Service.” When it's bedtime or you are out of candy, make sure to turn off the lights and blow out the jack-o-lanterns. Otherwise you may have trick-or-treaters ringing your doorbell late into the night.

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