How to Host a Halloween Party for Adults

Yes, we realize that the "theme" category seems like a no-brainer -- it's Halloween. Just carve some pumpkins, head to the dollar store for generic decorations, throw "Monster Mash" on the stereo and call it a day. But the sky's really the limit if you want to kick it up a notch. Here are some of our favorite Halloween theme party ideas:

So, even if you're not having a specifically themed party, does everyone still have to wear a costume? One word answer: Yes. Turn the page for more on costumes.

We don't want to be total sticklers here -- we're talking about Halloween parties, after all -- but we have to lay down the law with costumes: They're nonnegotiable. Any stick-in-the-mud who arrives without a costume and with a bunch of sorry excuses should face the consequences. We won't be so cruel as to say you should bar entry to any costume-free guests, but we're not above some light humiliation -- perhaps a big sign that says "I was too lame to wear a costume."

Any Halloween party, no matter how ho-hum the décor and food, will be a hit if everyone gets into the spirit with outrageous getups. So why not create some incentive for your guests to go all-out? Whether you're hosting a costume free-for-all or letting a theme dictate things, it's always fun to present awards -- you can do one grand prize or reward a variety of categories.

For a Halloween party, we say go the finger-food route instead of having a sit-down dinner. People aren't expecting formality -- and besides, it might be a little uncomfortable to park yourself at a table in a cardboard robot costume. If you want to serve something more hearty than hors d'oeuvres, how about chili in a "witch's cauldron" that also happens to contain a few plastic skeleton bones? You could also do soft-pretzel "ladies' fingers" with painted almonds for fingernails.

But the real fun when it comes to Halloween food -- in our humble opinion -- is with cupcakes. You could do them yourself, of course, but a creepy cupcake bar is really the way to go. Set out some colored icing and candy and let everyone go to town. Sure, the creations probably won't be as elaborate as the ribbon-iced mummy cupcakes that you could make ahead of time, but your guests will love the process (and it will save you some stress!).

Having planned activities can make a party seem a little childish, but Halloween is one occasion when no one will mind -- so just go for it! No, we're not suggesting going trick-or-treating en masse, but you can't go wrong with an apple-bobbing station, for one. Pumpkin carving could be tricky if you're limited on space, but -- especially if your party is on the weekend before Halloween -- think of the amazing decorations you'll have for trick-or-treating night (with minimal effort from you!).

Beyond the classics, there are plenty of ways to keep the spooky fun going. If you have money to spend, how about hiring a tarot-card reader? If not, get a Ouija board and see what messages you can conjure up from the great beyond.

All those activities can work up a thirst ... get some ideas on how to quench it on the next page.

We're big fans of the signature cocktail idea -- and Halloween is prime time to try out bizarre new drinks. If you want to keep things uncomplicated, though, you can serve orange or blood-colored cocktails (screwdrivers, say, or classic Bloody Marys) and offer black licorice sticks as stirrers. Or drop a few candy corns into simple yet elegant orange martinis. But if you want to get really creative, again, the sky's the limit. Here are some ideas:

Check out the next page for many more Halloween party ideas.