Halloween parties typically follow some sort of spooky theme. But there are plenty of possible ideas besides the usual Halloween decorations. Consider incorporating one of the themes listed here into a Halloween party!
Film-Related Theme Parties
Movies like The Rocky Horror Picture Show make for a great theme. Party decorations inspired by Tim Burton movies (think Edward Scissorhands and Nightmare Before Christmas) are also a way to create the perfect atmosphere. Here are a few more film-inspired Halloween party themes:
- Cheesy '90s teen horror movies (Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and so on)
- Hitchcock movies (Psycho, Vertigo, Rear Window, The 39 Steps, Strangers on a Train, The Man Who Knew Too Much, et cetera)
- James Bond movies (martinis are a must)
It's also possible to go a non-horror/suspense/spooky/thriller/spy route with a theme based on a recent or not-so-recent popular comedy (think Napoleon Dynamite, Ghostbusters, Austin Powers, anything directed by Mel Brooks, and so on), or the classic route with a theme like Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, or Gone with the Wind.
Literature-Related Theme Parties
There are plenty of books and book series that would make great Halloween party themes (Harry Potter or Twilight, anyone?). Here are just a few works of classic literature that can give any party a spooky theme:
- Sherlock Holmes (a fog machine could be a neat accessory)
- Frankenstein
- Dracula (serve red wine to guests, of course)
- Alice in Wonderland (think of the spooky forest from Carroll's poem, Jabberwocky)
- Anything by Edgar Allan Poe
To complete the theme, the party hosts can dress up as characters from the chosen story.
Time Period Theme Parties
Get a mental picture of the following places, and it's possible to come up with a cool way of decorating to suit one of these ideas:
- a medieval dungeon
- an eighteenth-century pirate ship
- an ancient Egyptian pyramid
- a haunted manor (perfect for anyone who lives in an old house)
These are just a few of the possible options for eerie and/or elaborate historical theme parties for Halloween. Additional ideas can be found just by skimming through a history book, flipping through the TV channels for a documentary, or simply by remembering topics learned throughout grade school.
Where to Find Other Theme Party Ideas
If the above ideas aren't enough, check out lists like Boston.com's Top 50 Scariest Horror Movies of All Time, or the GoogleBooks list of Scary Stories.
For a Halloween party with a memorable theme, consider the above list of suggestions, and don't be afraid to do some brainstorming. There are plenty of cool ideas for Halloween parties out there, and finding one is the first step in putting together a great celebration that Halloween enthusiasts will enjoy.
