Is Halloween canceled? The spookiest time of year is upon us! Don’t let the pandemic scare you from making Halloween plans–just find a new way to celebrate it. Hosting a spooky movie party is a great way to get into the spirit of the holiday. Make it an event instead of just another movie and just maybe, you’ll discover a new Halloween tradition when you celebrate with this Trick or Treat alternative idea.
What is a Spooky Movie Party?
Your Spooky Movie Party can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like. Really the only thing you need is a cozy setting and a scary (or not-so-scary) movie. Start by creating an eerie, yet comfy space and grab your favorite fall threads. Grab some Halloween-themed treats and the perfect movie to get you hiding behind the covers, and you’re ready to go. Do it with just your family, or invite a some close friends over. Either way, it will be a memorable time for all.
Make it Spooky & Cozy
Turn your family room into a haunted cinema. Use your most comfortable couches and chairs and gather extra blankets and pillows to make the space extra snuggly. Spreading blankets on the floor to give the kids a new place to hang out and watch the movie.
Do not let your Halloween decorations go to waste! Get them out and hang some around the room. Spread out fake spider webs, hang spooky ghosts, and don’t forget the mood lighting. The lighting in the room really transforms that familiar space into something new. String lights come in all colors so consider grabbing a set of orange lights to add a fall glow to the room. Lighting candles (especially those with a fall scent) will add more ambiance. Before you start the movie, download a playlist of Halloween music to listen to while everyone gets settled in.
Take the Movie Outdoors
An outdoor setup can be magical on a fall night. Check the weather forecast beforehand and then read our guide to setting up an awesome backyard movie theater. Gather some cushions or lawn chairs for seating. Add string lights to the surrounding trees. Place lanterns or Tiki torches around the perimeter of the area you choose to add a fiery glow. You could even set out a fog machine to fog up the space around the seating. This option is great if you are wanting to invite a few extra people since it is outdoors and more space is available.
Don’t Forget the Snacks!
This is really where you can let your imagination fly. There are so many fun autumn and Halloween themed foods that you can try. Making a big batch of popcorn and drizzling melted black and orange candy melts and some Halloween themed M&Ms is easy and makes a big statement. Perhaps make a candy themed charcuterie board. Go for a fall favorites menu. Apple cider, pumpkin bars or donuts, and caramel apples are all delectable choices.
And, don’t forget the drinks! For the kids, offer a Halloween punch. For the adult’s in the crowd, consider a spooky cocktail or mocktail. Making the drinks in a batch cuts down on time serving things during the actual event. If you get dry ice, it can add a really cool effect to the drinks. Place the dry ice in a bowl or container under your pitcher or bowl of punch to make it look like the drinks are sitting in fog. Do not consume dry ice, if you put it in a drink, it does need to dissolve completely before drinking. This take about 5-10 minutes. Remember, a small amount of dry ice goes a long way.
Picking the Perfect Spooky Movie
Think about who will be watching the movie before selecting the scariest movie you can find. If you have young children, you may want to start with something a little more spooky and less scary. Or do both with a double feature! Start with a kid friendly movie, and after the kids are in bed and snuggle with your sweetie to watch your favorite suspenseful or horror film.
Streaming Spooky Movies
The great thing about this day and age, you can find tons of options on all of the streaming services. During the month of October, many of these streaming services will have sections devoted entirely to Halloween and spooky movies. Freeform (formerly ABC Family) is another option people look to each year for their fill of spooky movies. The 31 Nights of Halloween schedule provides ample opportunities to watch all of the favorites. Multiple movies are shown every day and night.
Hosting a spooky movie night at your house or in your backyard is a great way to add something new to the fall and Halloween season that you may have not tried before. It is a fun way to get the family together and spend quality time together. This is an activity you may want to try again and again!
4 thoughts on “How to Host a Spooky Movie Party | Halloween at Home”
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I love that you suggested adding dry ice to a bowl or container of drinks to add a fog effect to a spooky movie party. My kids would definitely love and be amazed by that trick. Perhaps I should do a Holloween party for the family since trick-and-treating wouldn’t be safe to do this year because of the pandemic. If we do have one, I’ll definitely purchase some dry ice for the drinks. Thanks for this!
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