Halloween Block Party on the Cheap

Having the Ultimate FRUGAL Halloween Block Party is easier than you may think… All it takes is a little planning and the party is sure to please even the Scariest Little Ghosts.

The very first year that we ever had a Halloween block party, I gave all my neighbors pumpkins to carve and candles to place in them with the invitations.  It was a very fun time and everyone loved the thoughtfulness of the invitation. Since then, the economy has taken a different turn and now our money situation is very different. But that does not mean that we can’t have a party for $50 instead of $200. We had to make a few changes such as cut back on the alcohol for the adults (yes, very sad, but the easiest way to save a ton) AND ask neighbors to bring a dish, beer, wine (for the adults) or a healthy snack to share. Everyone was very happy to bring something.  It keeps my costs down.  Plus there is always a big variety of food to enjoy.  Just making these two small changes dramatically dropped the cost of the Halloween Block Bash. Decorating is cut to a minimal; the party is held outside on Halloween evening. By pulling out a few tables and covering them with plastic table covers from the dollar store, the basics are set. The tables will soon be filled with howling good food. A few strategically placed jack o lanterns on the table add to the atmosphere. Food finds its way to the tables. There are spider cupcakes and skeleton cookies. The hot dog mummies make a short appearance. Bloody eyeballs arrived dripping and the witch finders are crawling all around. Impress with a simple and inexpensive Spider or Eyeball Punch Punch. In a punch bowl, add one can of regular or low sugar Grape Juice and one can of Pineapple Juice. Mix together and then put in a small piece of FOOD GRADE Dry Ice, find this at most large grocery stores. (Warning: Use gloves to do this. Do not let the dry ice touch your skin.) Throw in a dozen pre washed spider rings or plastic eyeballs. If you are too busy and find yourself needing a last minute costume, here are a few options: Grab some colorful clothing, glasses, hat and a wig to be a Peaceful Hippie. Puppy Sale Costume: Large box, cut hole in bottom, use suspenders and attach to the top corners, step inside box, let box hang, stuff paper inside to fill box, take stuffed animals and place all around box, some hanging over, make sign that says “Puppy Sale” and put it on the box. Sports Fan – Grab that Jersey a Hat and sneakers. Bull Rider – Cowboy hat and boots with jeans and a plaid shirt. Crayon – Dress in all the same color, place construction paper over a funnel and use it as a hat. Don’t forget the Trick or Treaters… since we are not IN our houses… we line up all the candy cauldrons and let the kids walk down the Candy Line. This is a fun way to see all the awesome costumes and a great time to socialize with the neighbors. The ultimate Halloween Party is a collaboration of many small parts. The spooky bottom line is that Halloween is Fun all around. *If you like saving money (Who doesn’t?!), Browse and Print FREE Grocery Coupons for all your Favorite Brands at CouponSurfer.com. Start Saving Today! You save money, and, as an affiliate, we may receive a small fee for your free participation in CouponSurfer. Look for coupons to restaurants so that you can save a little money when you dine out. Usually around the holidays, restaurants offer bonus gift cards with the purchase of a gift card (like spend $50 get $10 free). If it’s a restaurant I know we will visit, I take advantage of these offers for free dining dollars. If you enjoy saving time and money by meal-planning based on sales, check out our Recipe Page. Subscribe on our Home Page to receive our weekly newsletter in your inbox with links to menus and more. Check out our Pinterest Boards for more ways to save time, money, and sanity! Need some inspiration?  Check out our Motivation Articles. Looking for some ideas for projects, see what we have been doing with our DIY Articles, or our Pinterest DIY Board and Things to Try Board.