Thread: Debating throwing another Be-Witching Bash

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I had so much fun last year and all my guests seemed to have a good time as well but I just don't know if I can handle the expense this year or the time/effort it takes away from my Halloween party.

I know that I won't have to spend as much on decorations this year but there's still food, prizes, and costume (but I can probably throw that together from my closet). Anyone have ideas to cut back on the cost so I can host another of these wonderful parties?

You can always ask that the guests bring a "witch potion." Some kind of snack, food, dessert, drink, etc. Food is always a huge expense. It'd help take some of the stress off the budget, plus it'd free up some of the time you'd spend preparing it.

I think the decorations you can just mix up a bit. I am always worried that some of my rooms look the same at each party, but have come to realize the guests don't remember from year to year what decorations you had and where it was. I agree about the food suggestion posted above. Your friends probably already want to help, most of them realize both the time and expense it takes for you to host these parties. If you are a bit of a control nut like me, tell them what you want them to bring, that way everything goes together. I really don't think anyone would be insulted by this and that way you don't get 10 bags of chips and bottles of salsa! I remember reading about your Witches Party last year ( and the pictures) it looked wonderful!

The expenses can add up quickly, its a major concern for me this year as well - especially when you are trying to raise the bar every year like we do. I always have guests telling me I should let people bring stuff to help out. I think anyone who has thrown a good size party knows how much goes into it! Last year I caved in and asked people to bring stuff and was surprised how people really jumped at the chance. It was their way of having a chance to be creative too and we got all kinds of deliciously creepy and creative offerings like shrimp made to look like brains, a cemetery cake etc. It really cut down on costs tremendously and ended up being great conversation pieces as people talked about who brought what and how they did it!

Thanks for the input guys! I am a horrible control freak when it comes to my parties. I hate when people don't bring themed dishes when I've gone through a ton of trouble to make sure everything on my table helps to set the mood. But I suppose I could ask for it to be witchy.

I am the same way with food, controlling May help to give some ideas to get the thoughts rolling. Some friends of mine impressed me with their dishes but asked me for ideas so I directed them to some of those Halloween recipe booklets they have at the store every year.

The best thing I did for myself when I added the Witches Wingding to the October festivities was to make the parties as far apart as I could. The Wingding is the first weekend in October, and the Halloween party is the last. The first year they were only two weeks apart and I nearly went bananas!!

And this year even I, the QUEEN control freak (just ask my family ) is seriously considering finally responding positively when people ask: "Can we bring anything?" Money is tighter this year than it has EVER been. And look at it this way....don't you enjoy contributing something to the merriment when you go to a party? Maybe we should give our guests the same opportunity to feel like they contributed in some way.

Yeah, I think you guys are right.
I'll probably have to do it on the 8th this year because the 1st is supposed to be a Little Smith Travel (my new business) trip to Savannah and *if* I get accepted I will be vending at the Craftin' Outlaws show on the 15th. October is going to be a buuuuuuuuuusy month for me!

I agree with the whole money is tighter than ever this year! Maybe that could be a theme or a portion of it in itself. The government is about to shut down as I type this, so why not play off of this and have some fun...

Remember the old movie Fast Times at (something) High?

Why not something like Hard Times for Witches, Hard Times at Haven Haunt, or something that shows that even witches have tough times at the moment. I just let my mind wander here for a minute and now realize that it could be made into something with some work and thought. Hmmmm.....

Maybe have a mock auction where witch valuables/trophies are sold off to attendees. Maybe use the game idea that someone posted where they give play money to the guests to used during the night.

I was thinking about doing a Putting on the Witch theme and going all glitter and glitz with the table decor, but the rest being my usual stuff. Maybe a depression era fancy witchy dress party. It could be fun. And, of course, guests would be encouraged to bring along a dish or beverage.

Instead of a pot luck, call it a cauldron luck lol