Make your next Halloween celebration fun and frugal while maintaining a spooky ambiance. Many of the items I plan to tell you about in this blog are props can be made using everyday house hold items or simple craft supplies
The idea is to be smart about the things you want to display and the theme you plan to have at your party. Many of these ideas just came to me after looking for decorations that suited my taste and desired atmosphere but finding that they were far too expensive for my budget. I promise you can throw an elegantly spooky celebration that will impress your guests without breaking the bank!
Getting Started, A Beginner’s Guide…
There are so many ways you can save on Halloween decorations and crafts. The key is to allow yourself time and room plan. Failing to plan is where I got into trouble more than a couple times. Thankfully, I have learned my lesson. Through thoughtful planning I have been able to increase my Halloween collection and create a wonderful ambiance for my guests.
Here are some tips for getting started.
1. Shop for next year: when the Halloween stores come to town they leave in a big way, usually 75% or bigger. The fact is these companies would rather sell their left over merchandise at discounted prices than have to pay a storage facility until next year. So pay attention and buy items for your home/party in advance.
2. Use things around your home. I recycle old clothes, bottles, and linens for my ghostly surprises. Old clothes make great scare crows. Old Olive Oil and Vinegar bottles make create spell bottles, and old sheets are perfect for… yes you guessed it GHOSTS!!!
3. Be willing to put in some time and effort. You don’t need to make this a 9-5 job. Instead work smart and plan ahead. You should be willing to put on your Saturday work clothes and create! The best part is when your friends comment on how cool something looks you can say, “THANKS! I made that.”
4. If you can, buy in bulk. Items like favors, candy, candles, dining ware, and party accessories can sometimes be purchased in bulk at a decent price via the internet. I bought plates, flatware, napkins, and cups in bulk and had enough to last for three parties. So for three years I did not have to buy any of these items for my guests to use. Sometimes if you catch a good offer you can buy more than enough at a much discounted price. What you would pay for one party at a local retailer, you could get enough for three parties.
5. Take care! When you make something and/or buy something that you plan on using year after year, it is imperative that you take the time necessary to preserve these items. Many items can be expensive like mechanical creatures, misters, and fog machines so it is important to clean and store them properly. I store all my items in large plastic bins. I buy my bins on sale after Halloween or even Christmas. Remember to follow the care instructions on your items and you will have them for years to come.
6. Music speaks to most people very specifically. I enjoy using music created by Midnight Syndicate. This group knows spooky and they do it in a very tasteful way. Having a creepy score playing in the background really sets experience.
7. I think the most important detail to remember is HAVE FUN! If you are not having fun then you probably won’t do it again. If you have supportive friends invite them over for a decorating party and include them on the adventure.
Happy Halloween
No comments:
Post a Comment