Last Minute Ideas for Kids & Adults
For over 25 years, my parents’ house has been the main attraction on the neighborhood trick or treating circuit. It’s not because they expensively decorate the outside of the house, or even that they give out the best candy. But rather, my mother simply (and inexpensively) turns her foyer into a thrilling experience that the kids just eat up!
Create a Fab & Fru Haunted Foyer
What You Need:
1) Scary Music & a Boom Box or Speakers
2) A Cheap Strobe Light
3) Dry Ice
4) A Stool or a Tall Table
5) A Deep Large Bowl & Another Bowl that’s slightly smaller
6) Black Fabric or a Black Sheet
7) A Creative Adult answering the door dressed as Something Spooky
Cauldron on a Pedestal: Create a pedestal using a stool or tall table. Place the larger of the two bowls on top of the pedestal and drape the black fabric so it covers the stand and falls to the floor. Carefully lay the dry ice in the covered large bowl. BE CAREFUL: DO NOT TOUCH THE DRY ICE - YOUR FINGER WILL STICK TO IT (talk about scary). Place the other bowl on top of the dry ice. You want the second bowl small enough to fit inside the larger bowl, but big enough to leave only a small space for the ‘smoke’ of the dry ice to billow out from — making it safe so the kids hands can’t touch the dry ice. Put the candy in the top bowl.
Monstrous Music: Position Your Boom Box or IPod near the foyer and a window and make sure it can’t be seen. Crack a window so the kids can hear the scary music as they approach.
Mood Lighting: Position the strobe light so it illuminates the entranceway. Put it on the slowest flash speed and turn off the rest of the lights.
Get in Character: Put on your costume and wait for the kids to ring the bell. Tailor your character’s level of creepiness to the age of the kids. Invite your guests to reach into the cauldron for their treat…if they dare!
All of the elements to create a haunted foyer are, of course, Fabulous & Frugal! And with the exception of the dry ice (which you can get at most butcher shops and grocery stores) everything else can be found at a party store or drugstore.
HOST A MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT
Looking for an adults-only Halloween celebration – that doesn’t involve spending ghoulish gobs of cash? Host a murder mystery dinner party!
I was able to order a used game in great condition from Barnes & Noble for just $35. Keep in mind that most games require eight players, but there are games out to accommodate 6-10 players.
All the games include a themed menu and recipes - you can choose to make the suggested meal or create your own. To make the evening extra Fab & Fru, have each of your guests bring part of the meal. You’ll end up with an anything-but-ordinary potluck, and hopefully your friends’ cooking isn’t too scary!
The key to a successful night is to invite people who like to dress up in costume and who will stay in character all night. Keep in mind that the game can last for hours so make sure all of the players can stay for the entire party!
Check out these Murder Mystery resources to find the right game for you – and have a wicked fun night!
Happy Halloween! With just a little money - and a lot of creativity - you can have a frightening fun – and frugal – celebration!
