How to Throw a Halloween Party For, You Know, Adults

Make a Large Format Cocktail

While throwing a house party might feel like a tempting time to show off your mixology skills, Joe McCanta (a sommelier turned brand ambassador for Grey Goose vodka) recommends a “large format cocktail,” which is a nice way of saying you should make a lot of the same drink and put it all in a bowl. They keep you out of the kitchen, and available to socialize with your guests.

“There’s a number of ways to do large format cocktails in an effortless way,” McCanta said. “A well-made punch shows a true skill and can be every bit as nuanced as a cocktail, and nothing like the grog you slushed together in your frat-party days. My biggest tip for punch is start off with a homemade ingredient that’s been the backbone of punch for over a century called ‘oleo-saccharum.’ Essentially, you zest a bunch of lemons or limes into a jam jar, and leave them to sit with white sugar overnight. The next day you have an incredible tasty infused sugar that will be the best base for any punch.”

From there, mix with caution, and test as you go. “The best way to avoid making a tacky cocktail is to make sure you use the best ingredients, just the way you would cooking,” he added. “That means you should be using homemade ingredients, quality spirits, and only freshly squeezed juices—and always taste as you go. This way you’ll always get your sophisticated flavors, even if it’s a simple mix.” 

RELATED: The 10 Essential Cocktail Punch Recipes

Lighting Is Pretty Much Everything

Ron Wendt is the founder of his own event production firm, and he’s regularly given free reign to remake sprawling private homes into party palaces. If your budget isn’t princely, there are still some small things you can do that make a big impact.

“One of the easiest ways to elevate your Halloween party is to place candles everywhere and set the lighting low,” Wendt said. “This inherently will create a dark, spooky mood, but will also create an elevated vibe.”

He also recommends ditching the orange and black color scheme we all associate with Halloween. “Use a dark velvet tablecloth and china that completes the look,” he said. “Maybe this is where a hint of orange can come in without going crazy. You don’t need to put cob webs and fake dried blood all over to have the party feel appropriate for the holiday.”

However, above all, he cautioned that your guests need to know the night’s number one rule before arriving: Costumes are required. Even if you apply all of these décor tips, your guests and their costumes add much more to the scene. 

Make Your Own Costume

Want to have some actual fun on Halloween? Take a leaf from the book of Dana Covarubbais, the lead wardrobe stylist for hit shows like Master of None and Quantico, is a self-described Halloween obsessive.

“Never do store-bought costumes,” she said. “You can be more creative than that! Hit up your local Salvation Army or thrift shop and find a vintage piece that inspires you and go from there. Hit up a craft store, hardware store, or even a dollar store. It’s always more impressive when you made it yourself.”

Once you’ve decided to go the extra mile and craft your own get-up, she advises that you find something that fits you well and that you’ll be comfortable wearing all night. After all, you don’t want to be too hot or too cold, and no one likes a sweaty costume mashed against them on the dance floor.)

RELATED: 10 Halloween Costumes That Are Already in Your Closet

Suck it Up and Add "Thriller" to Your Playlist

Raise your hand if you’ve been to a party where the host played their favorite artist — and only their favorite artist — all night long. DJ and producer Brendan Fallis, who’s regularly tasked with spinning songs for some of the biggest parties in the world, recommends that you keep the classics in rotation, but don’t be afraid to take requests.

“If you’re hosting, you probably know your invite list pretty well, so curate the mix to them,” Fallis said. “But my number one tip would be to not just play what you think is good, because more often than not, not everyone wants to hear only what you want to hear.”

That said, “Thriller,” “Monster Mash,” and “Ghostbusters” should probably make playlist appearances throughout the night to avoid disappointing your guests. It’s like dancing the Electric Slide at a wedding. You just have to do it.