Copyright (c) 2006 Melissa Galt

Halloween isn't just for kids anymore. In fact it seems more and more adults young and old, especially singles, are celebrating Halloween. It's a great opportunity to meet new friends and a possible date while disguised! So for a truly awesome (no not gruesome) Halloween get together, follow the tips and tricks here.

Set the mood! Yes, you do need to decorate for the season. And like most other major holidays, a tree is in order, only this one is more twiggy, black in appearance, and bedecked and festooned with spider webs (yes, you can used the left over Christmas angel hair), ghostly goblins, pumpkin ornaments, and howling witches. There is a large assortment of Halloween ornaments readily available, and you can always make your own. Just check in with Pier 1 Imports, Bed Bath and Beyond, Linen's and Things, Seasonal Concepts, and even your local Hallmark Store. Beyond the Halloween Tree, you'll want to consider adding some festive lights (ghosts and pumpkins are most popular) to an outside railing or surrounding the door. You can even run these up a stair rail inside and around windows. You aren't going for elegant-- this is Halloween!

Okay, so you've got the tree planned and the lights ready, now add a Halloween wreath to the door or better yet, a favorite skeleton that glows in the dark to really add some spook. Strategically placed webs with large black spiders are effective, and your decor isn't complete without jack o' lanterns lining the walkway and greeting visitors at the door. You can make the party interactive and ask everyone to bring a carved pumpkin, while you supply the candles. It is a great ice breaker, and you can always come up with a prize for the scariest, most creative, most recognizable or biggest pumpkin.

Of course, you will need invitations, and in this high tech age, it's a lot more fun and unusual to get an invite by snail mail with a follow up by email than just another evite. Why not include a set of pumpkin seeds and roasting instructions. You can provide the food or do it pot luck style, but if you do a pot luck make it easy and ask for specific types of dishes. Check out the menu here for ideas.

Not interested in sponsoring a pumpkin carving contest? How about a mask decorating soiree where you provide the goodies to decorate with along with the masks (order in bulk from an online party source). You could even include a cape decorating festivity, ordering a dozen or more from a local party supply store. You could ask guests to bring a Halloween ornament for the tree. It's important to make this interactive and a good way to mingle. Be sure to award favors and prizes liberally, so everyone goes home a winner.