How to throw a "killer" Halloween party on a budget

Cassidy Boyer Apple, Staff Writer

Graphics by Chad Wyckoff

Putting on a Halloween party that includes scary decorations, fun games, and tasty drinks can be a challenge, especially when you’re on a budget. Here are our recommendations and where you can get these items in the area:

The Décor

Dollar Tree and Target are two great spots to find simple decorations that will go a long way. While places like Party City and Spirit Halloween are great for the bigger ticket items, they aren’t necessary if you’re looking for a simple touch:

Spider Web: $4.99 at target

Spiders: bag of 30: $2.99

Purple and black rose bushes: Dollar Tree for $1, picture shows 2 bushes

Rubber bat: Dollar Tree, $1

6 pack white candles: Dollar Tree, $1

The Games

Not all holiday parties include board games, but they can be a great way to break the ice for your guests, and put them in the Halloween mood. While most of these will be tough to find in store, eBay and Amazon offer great deals on all four.

Gloom:

The goal of this game is a dark one, but a fun idea. Players assume control over a family, and the object of the game is for your family to suffer the most “gloom,” and cause other players’ family to have the most happiness.

Dead Panic:

Zombie and “end of the world” lovers will enjoy the game Dead Panic, where players take on the roles of unique characters who work together to survive. Throughout the game, some players will turn into zombies, while to survivors work to put together a radio and stay alive.

Betrayal at House on the Hill:

With roughly an hour playtime, this game is the perfect pick for a quick start to your Halloween party. This tile game allows players to build their own haunted house one room at a time. In a “betrayal,” one player secretly goes against the rest, and the others must defeat this person before it’s too late.

Clue:

This classic game is always a great pick during the Halloween season, and its very likely your party guests will already know how to play. We suggest this “whodunit” game to anyone looking for a lowkey activity during their party. 

The Drinks

Concocting the perfect cocktail for your Halloween bash is more simple and inexpensive than you might think. Here are our three picks, the ingredients for which can almost all be found at Arrow Wine in Dayton:

Bellini Cocktail (per cocktail):

Although bellini’s are not the most Halloween themed drink, we recommend them if you want to play if safe. They are an extremely popular beverage, fairly inexpensive, and easy to make.

2 oz pureed peaches (trader joes in a can)

3 oz dry champagne

Lemon twist for garnish. Serve in champagne flute or cocktail glass.

Estimated price: $60-$70 for 20 people

Poisoned Punch:

We recommend this mixed drink to anyone looking for something strong to give their guests. Its fall and Halloween inspired, packs quite the ‘punch,’ and a little goes a long way.

 1 can frozen orange juice

10 freshly squeezed lemons

2 bottles of ginger ale (2 liter)

3 cups of Whiskey (we prefer Knob or Bulliet)

1 cup of Cointreau

Mix all ingredients into a large punch bowl, add large chunks of ice to keep cold.

Estimated price: $65-$80 for 20 people

Death in the Afternoon (per cocktail)

This unique beverage was made famous by writer Oscar Wilde, and is the perfect drink for lovers of black liquorish. An old-fashioned blend of absinthe and champagne, this would be a great pick for anyone throwing an era-themed Halloween party.  

 1.5 oz Absinthe

4.5oz chilled champagne

Serve in champagne flute or cocktail glass.

Estimated price: $100 for 20 people

If you are looking to go even cheaper, or if you expect your guests to go a little overboard, BYOB is always another option.