2020 continues to bring us a multitude of surprises. With months of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many are wondering if Halloween is canceled. Given the current situation, it could be a huge possibility. However, this doesn’t mean that we will let Halloween pass us by without making it memorable. While you may not be able to go to Halloween parties, you can host an intimate one in your home. Here’s how you can pull it off:
1. Get Creative With Your Invites
Since you’ll probably invite only a few close friends or family members for your intimate Halloween party, why not set the mood by giving out the coolest Halloween-themed invites? One thing you should remember is that your invitation should contain details about the location and what precautionary measures they can expect.
2. Go All Out On Your Yard
Since the coronavirus can spread easily in confined spaces, it’s best to have the party in your backyard. This way, you and your guests can feel comfortable about mingling with others with proper physical distancing. Since you are going to bring your party outside, go all out on your decors. Perhaps you can even inspire your neighbors to join the party, even if they stay in their yards. You can even start a street party with everyone in the safety of their yards. One cost-effective way of decorating your backyard is by scouring yard sales and dollar stores. You’ll be surprised at what Halloween-themed items you can get your hands on without hurting your wallet.
3. Host a Costume Party Fashion Show
Another wild idea for your friends and family is a costume party fashion show. It’s a great way to showcase creativity and uniqueness without the need to interact closely. You can even have your neighbors participate if they feel comfortable. If you live in a gated subdivision, this is ideal. Make sure to secure necessary permits to prevent any possible conflicts.
4. Prepare Packed Food Items
Most Halloween parties don’t skimp on delicious finger foods. Now, with the threat of coronavirus, this is something that you may have to forgo. Feed your guests with tasty Halloween-themed packed food items. The only possible problem that you may encounter is a shortage of some ingredients, but you can always opt for alternatives. For example, if you need to use pumpkin spice, you can look for pumpkin spice substitutes that will not compromise the taste.
5. Bring Your Own Food and Drinks
If you really want to make sure that everyone will be safe during your Halloween party, you can have them bring their own food and drinks. This practice is incredibly helpful for parties with guests who may have food preferences. In essence, you are only hosting the party and preparing the programs but they will be in charge of the food and drinks they’ll be having, so there is little risk of exposure.
6. Prepare Your Playlist
A party would not be one without funky and spooky music, so make sure that you have a Halloween-themed playlist to entertain your guests. Some of the selections you could include in your playlist are Nelly Furtado’s “Maneater”, Rockwell’s “Somebody’s Watching Me”, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”, Radio Head’s “Creep”, and Smashing Pumpkins “Monster Mash”, among others. Prepare a playlist that can last for at least six hours to make sure that you wouldn’t have a dull moment.
7. Halloween Movie Marathon
If you have a set program in your party, you can include a Halloween movie marathon. If you employ your neighbors’ help and participation, you can set up a white screen and projector to have guests enjoy a drive-in movie marathon. This one is the perfect way for your neighborhood to enjoy a party with proper social distancing measures. Some of the movies you can include are American Psycho, The Conjuring, Hellraiser, Monster Squad, The Lost Boys, Dawn of the Dead, and Beetlejuice.
8. Have a Mask Creativity Contest
Another great idea you can integrate into your Halloween party that will surely make it COVID-19 safety compliant is having a mask creativity contest. You and your guests can enjoy seeing everyone’s creativity and still comply with wearing masks. This is a great way to have fun without causing harm to anyone. Give the most creative one an awesome prize so everyone will be encouraged to participate.
9. Pumpkin Carving Contest
Another contest that wouldn’t require close contact is a pumpkin carving contest. You can set up tables for each one guest or a partner so they can make the most eye-catching pumpkin in the patch.
10. Host a Zoom Halloween Party
One of the safest ways you can host a party is to do it online. Once you’ve tucked your kids in bed, you can invite your friends for a Halloween conference call. It will be nice to have a bottle of Chilean wine and cold cuts or fruits to help you celebrate spooky nights with your friends. You can use this time to catch up with your friends, no matter how far they may be. If you are up for it, you can even go all out with your Zoom party and prep a spooky drink. Pro tip: Grab dry ice and tequila, and mix them up for the perfect Halloween cocktail. We suggest attending the party in your costume so you can still have a party worth remembering.
Halloween parties are part of our culture. For kids, it’s a time to meet new friends and get loads of candy. For adults, it’s a time to live out their wildest dreams and fantasies in their costumes. Plus, it is also a great time to sit back, relax, and enjoy a party with family and friends. The COVID-19 pandemic is still around, but it should not be a reason for you to postpone Halloween. You can still pull off a Halloween party while staying safe with our tips above.