Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday. Seriously, I start thinking of new Halloween ideas on November 1st that I can do the following year. I love Halloween that much!
Two years ago, when both the older kids were in middle school, we had a Halloween Party for them and whoever they wanted to invite. It went quite well and all the kids had a good time. Last year we didn't have one, because the older boy was still in middle school and the girl moved up to high school. Thinking as a parent, I wouldn't want my 8th grader to attend a high school party, even if they were only one grade older. So we postponed the party until 2013 when they were both in high school together.
Planning: With a new house last year, I need to completely change how we do the party this year. Last house, I put them all in the five car, heated garage. Easy clean up, tons of room. This year I will banish them to the basement and the backyard.
Date: Already confirmed, no football games, all best friends are in town. Check
Location: Our house, basement and backyard. Check
Food: We will BBQ dogs, easy and cheap. I will also use some of the favorite Halloween recipes that I used at the last party. I have perfected the guacamole from then too! Check
Drinks: Cans of pop, bottles of water. I can control what they are drinking then. Check
Entertainment: Bon fire, outdoor movie theater, pool table, air hockey and darts in the basement. Check
"Security": I have my 9 year old attend the party, to keep them in control. Hubby & I also do loops to make sure everybody is behaving. Check and check
Decorations: I have a shed loft full of Halloween decorations, and I normally add a few every year. I am hoping to make a better beverage server this year.
Extras: I am doing a living room seating arrangement outside this year. Bringing out the old love seat and two chairs, outdoor rug underneath and a lamp. Awards for different costumes winners. Popcorn stand for the outdoor movie (hoping The Conjuring is on DVD by then). Smore station for kids to help themselves to different kinds of smores. Tons of music. Check

I promise to take tons of pictures and demos of anything I make this year for a posting. This is my personal planning to start getting ready for the party, I will post a full follow up with how everything went!
Happy Halloween!
Check out my other Halloween ideas here.
I am sharing this post with all of these lovely bloggers.

Oh fun!!! I found you via A Glimpse Inside link party. I clicked on your link because we too love to host Halloween parties. And teens are the best age to host that party for. With two now in college, I miss those party days!!! Giving the teens a safe fun place to hang out is wonderful!!! Good for you!!! Enjoy and have a blast. Needing new ideas: check out our Decorating with Blacklights post http://www.thepatrioticpam.com/2013/09/halloween-haunted-yard-with-black-lights.html.
ReplyDeletePam @ The Patriotic Pam
Sounds like fun and what a great idea to remember the teens. One of the turning points of childhood is when you're too old to trick or treat any more. This was you're keeping Halloween fun (and safe) for the teens. Thanks for sharing at Inspire Us Thursday on Organized 31.
ReplyDeletehow fun! I love that you go all out!
ReplyDeleteAwesome Halloween party ideas in here. There’s too much to prepare for a party! From invitations, decorations, music and especially Halloween Recipes! Gee excited for this year’s Halloween gatherings: D Thanks for sharing and I do hope I could pin some nice photos on my Pinterest boards. Good day!
ReplyDelete