Editor's Note: This post was originally posted in October 2015 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in October 2019.
The countdown to Halloween is well and truly on. Throwing the best party doesn't have to break the bank, and we're here to prove it with some affordable Halloween party ideas.
Today, we're sharing 30 brilliant and cheap hacks that will help you host the best Halloween party in town. From creepy decor to edible treats, we've got it all covered...
1. Creepy crawly spider ice cubes
These little plastic spiders can be found in just about every shop at this time of year, and they look fabulous when frozen into ice cubes. If you can't find spiders, just about any plastic insects will give similar, creepy vibe. Pop them in the tray, add water to each cube and freeze.
2. Terrifying apple heads
Make your punch bowl extra creepy with some floating apple heads. Peel off the skin and then carefully carve out a scary face. They can also be used for apple bobbing - a classic, easy game to include at every Halloween party!
3. Decorate tea lights with yarn for spooky lighting
This is a great DIY idea! Take an old glass jar and glue twine around it - it'll give the effect of cobwebs. Add a battery-operated tea light and you'll have some fabulously spooky mood lighting.
4. Enchant and delight with a glittering pumpkin
No time to carve a pumpkin? For the most Pinterest-worthy Halloween you've ever seen, cover one pumpkin with glue and gold or orange glitter. Or, for something more alternative, cover your pumpkin in spots of glue then sprinkle neon glitter on top.
No-carve pumpkins are becoming increasingly popular. It takes all the hard work out of making a Halloween display, and it looks even more impressive! Why not buy a cardboard pumpkin that can be reused every year?
5. Make ghost balloons with glow sticks
Activate a glow stick and pop it into a balloon before you blow it up. Draw on scary eyes and a mouth for quick and easy party decorations. The glow will look amazing in the dark!
6. Make disgusting blood candles
Take a red candle and melt it over pristine white candles to make a hideous, bloody effect. So simple!
7. Mini satsuma pumpkins for the easiest Halloween snacks ever
Do you want your Halloween to be more cute than scary? An adorable and healthy Halloween snack for kids doesn't get much easier than this! Great for handing out to trick or treaters (along with the usual sweet treats, unless you want to get egged).
8. Stock up on cheap vampire teeth for guests
Throwing a costume party? Keep some fake blood and vampire teeth on hand for anyone that fails to turn up in fancy dress. You might also be able to pick up some simple witch hats on the cheap. It's a simple and cheap way to transform your guests and get everyone involved - no excuses!
9. Transform your fridge into a ghastly ghoul
It's the little touches that make a big impression. Cut out eyes and a mouth from black card and stick it to your white fridge - EASY!
10. Serve lantern cheeseburgers to ravenous guests
Looking for Halloween party food ideas? Try this. Cut out pumpkin faces into your American cheese to make these scary-looking burgers. They're the perfect buffet snack.
11. Cast a spell over party guests with floating witch hats
Hang witches hats above your dinner table for a bewitching dinner party.
12. Pop some edible eyeballs into your cocktails
Pick up some radishes and a pack of blueberries to create our eyeball punch.
13. Vampire teeth for a spooky yet stylish table setting
If you're hosting a dinner party this Halloween, pick up some vampire teeth and red paper napkins. Pop the teeth around a rolled napkin and that's your table settings sorted!
14. Paint giant pebbles for an easy alternative to pumpkins
For when there isn't time to spend carving loads of pumpkins, pick up some pebbles and orange paint. Kids will love getting involved in this fun craft, and it's much less dangerous than messing around with knives.
15. Play Quidditch beer pong
You don't have to stick to the classic spooky Halloween themes! Why not take your guests to Hogwarts for the night? Harry Potter fans can upgrade the classic beer pong game with this Quidditch version. How cool!
16. Make an eyeball wreath with ping pong balls
Pick up some ping pong balls and googly eyes to make a scary entrance. Glue them to a wreath base - you can either buy one or make your own using cardboard.
17. Or... play glow in the dark Jenga
Paint your Jenga pieces with glow in the dark paint for after-dark games.
18. Serve shots in plastic syringes
Give your Halloween a mad scientist vibe by putting shots in syringes or pipettes. Everyone will love them!
19. Freeze a creepy ice hand for your punch bowl
Freeze water in a rubber glove for a cool hand effect. Add it to your punch bowl just before guests arrive.
20. Make scary party bags out of latex gloves
We've even got your Halloween party favours covered. Take some rubber gloves and fill them up with spooky treats for a creepy alternative to party bags.
21. Make these gross-looking wiggly worms from jelly
This one is perfect for a kids Halloween party. Use straws to make these jelly wiggly worms and cover with crumbles of chocolate brownie or Oreos for an earthy effect.
22. Scare your guests with a toilet decal
Your guests will get a surprise when they lift it up! Cheap decor doesn't get much better than this. Place something scary on the toilet lid.
23. Caterpillar kebabs make scary snacks for kids
Push grapes through kebab sticks for healthy snacks, and finish with icing and chocolate blobs for the caterpillar face.
24. Serve beers out of a pumpkin
Every good party needs an ice bucket for keeping drinks at the perfect temperature. Why not make your own using a pumpkin?
Carve the pumpkin as normal - just don't cut a face into it or the ice will fall out! You can decorate it with paint or peel off some of the skin to create a design instead. Then, just fill it with ice and your beverage of choice - perfect!
25. Wrap juice cartons with white tape for mummified drinks
This is one the kids can get involved with too! Wrap juice cartons with white tape or even strips of (clean!) loo roll. Add or draw on googly eyes for the final flourish.
26. Pineapples make terrifying alternatives to pumpkins
Pumpkins look like child's play compared to pineapple lanterns! Plus, they make a really quirky interior accessory. Why not try this alternative idea this year?
27. Create this awesome centrepiece
A festive way to serve dips and tortilla chips! Add guac, salsa or anything else that takes your fancy.
28. Make these easy ghost silhouettes
With just some black card, scissors and tape, you can make spooky ghost silhouettes for your windows, walls and doors.
29. Turn a white door into a creepy face
Just like with the fridge, transform any white door into the creepiest of entrances with just some black card.
30. Dish out deliciously bloody finger hot dogs
This is such an effective idea for Halloween. To make your severed finger hot dogs, peel the skin off mini frankfurters to form a nail and score the sausage to create the look of a finger. Smother in ketchup and pop it in a bun - BRILLIANT!
Which was your favourite hack? Let us know in the comments below!
Absolutely brilliant ideas,I'll definitely be using some of these.fang-tastic thanks!!!!?
Hi Jillian. We hope our ideas helped you have a spooky Halloween! Thanks for your comment :)
Lol I love the Creepy crawly spider ice cubes and the small oranges. :) HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE.
Thanks for the kind feedback, Izzy! Happy Halloween to you too!