So you're thinking about hosting your very own Halloween Party. Where do you begin? Perhaps I can help.

I've planned and hosted a number of Halloween parties over the years. Some were simple affairs with primarily Halloween themed decorations and food. Others were elaborate affairs with costumes and music and prizes. The very first thing to consider is your budget. Plan only for what your budget will allow.

Planning the Type of Party-Costumes or No Costumes?

Decide what kind of party to have.

Will your guests be expected to wear costumes? Part of this decision will be determined on how close your party is to Halloween. Sometimes people need time between parties to clean their costume. Sometimes people don't want to be seen in their costume prior to a party where there may be prizes for the best costume. In those instances, I think people should have an alternate costume for other parties, but that's just my opinion. It's still something to consider. It may be something you discuss with your guests prior to finalizing your decision about the party attire.

Invitations-Mail them, Hand them Out, or Call People?

This decision is usually determined by how much time you have before your party, how often you see your guests, how formal you want to be and sometimes how much money you have to spend.

If you're creative, you probably don't mind creating cute little invitations you can either hand out or mail. If you're just inviting a group of friends you see daily at school it may be ok to just tell them when to be at your party.

It is very important that you communicate to your guests if costumes are expected or not. Do not assume. There is nothing worse than being the only one showing up at a party that is in costume when everyone else is not, or vice-versa.

You can't have a party without some type of food or drinks.

The time of day you're having the party will dictate the type of food to have. If you're having your party around a normal meal time like lunch or supper you'll need to provide more food. If your party is held between meals, like mid-afternoon, or late evening, I think just snacks are fine.

If you're on a tight budget, buy budget-priced chips. Once they are opened and in a serving bowl no one can tell they aren't name brand. Throw some cheap dip out there too, and there is no way anyone will know the difference.

Types of food that work well at a Halloween Party:

• Chips & Dips
• Pretzels
• Vegetable trays (cauliflower, carrot sticks, celery, brocolli)
• Crackers (any type)
• Mixed nuts or peanuts
• Trail mix
• Chex party mix
• Popcorn
• Ritz Bits (bite-sized peanut-butter and crackers or cheese and crackers)
• Teddy Grahams (bite-sized graham crackers)
• Candy corn & pumpkins
• Rice crispy treats
• Vanilla wafters
• Finger sandwiches (only offer 2 kinds-don't make it too complicated and don't make too many)
• Tropical Punch (red or orange) One thing to consider with punch is you'll need cups and ice. If you buy canned drinks and ice them down or refrigerate them well ahead of time, you eliminate that. However, can drinks seem to be harder to keep up with and people end up opting to get another one rather than figure out which one is theirs.

Decorations should be your last consideration if money is tight. Visit the dollar stores for inexpensive packages of skeletons, witches, ghosts etc. Simple orange and black crepe paper streamers can be used as well.

Packages of spider web are usually under $1 and a little goes a long way. You can really stretch and pull that stuff until it really resembles real wispy spider web.

This year just seems like a tough one for so many, I almost hate bringing up any type of extras, but I realize that sometimes, when things are good, you want to have some fun.

The links below include some places that offer some pretty cool stuff. I have purchased lots of things from Oriental Trading and they provide lots of variety and it certainly can't hurt to at least look at what they offer even if it's to get some ideas for things you can do on your own.

Whatever you do, have fun!