Video:Tips for Throwing a Halloween Party for Kids

Transcript:Tips for Throwing a Halloween Party for Kids

Hi. I’m Krystyna Rittichier with About.com, and today I’ll share some tips for throwing a Halloween party for kids. Halloween provides a great opportunity for adults and children to get creative.

Supplies for Halloween Parties

While throwing a Halloween party for children, be sure to let the younger hosts help with the preparations. Ideas for Halloween party supplies include:

• Streamers
• Balloons
• White computer paper
• Paper plates
• Hole punch
• Construction paper
• Halloween themed invitations
• Plates, cups, and napkins
• Snack foods
• Wrapped candy
• Apples
• Photo paper

When buying the invitations, plates, cups and napkins, it is a good idea to buy them all at the same time so that the patterns match. When inviting guests, let them know in advance you will be having a costume contest at the party.

Decoration Ideas for a Halloween Party

Decorating for the party can be as simple or complex as you want. Streamers and balloons go a long way for creating a festive atmosphere. If you want to get more creative, you can make some of your own decorations.

For white ghost garland fold the paper accordion-style. Draw a ghost shape with the arms extending to the edges of the paper on the front of the accordion and cut it out. Use a hole punch to make large ghost eyes. Make several accordions, then tape them together for homemade garland.

For homemade bats, draw the shapes on the construction paper with a pencil then cut it out. Use a hole punch to cut out eyes. Hang the bats from the ceiling using white thread and tape.

For pumpkins, draw a jack-o-lantern face on an orange paper plate and fill it in with permanent marker. Use these decorations along doorways or above archways for added Halloween flair.

Kids' Snacks for a Halloween Party

Snacks can be as simple as a trail mix composed of peanuts and raisins, or you can make Halloween themed snacks. One simple Halloween themed snack is Deviled Eyes, which are just deviled eggs with food coloring and olive pimento garnishes. You can also make a carrot pumpkin on a cutting board with cream cheese and veggie dip for the eyes and nose.

Halloween Party Games and Activities

For Halloween games and activities, many ideas can be found on the About.com website. Play capture the ghost, hold Halloween themed relay races, have a costume contest, hold a candy hunt, and bob for apples. To make the party unforgettable, take a picture of the kids at the party, and print of photos with your home computer to give to each kid when they leave!

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