Thread: Best Place to buy decorations, etc..?

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ok so I have been getting alot of great ideas from everyone on how detailed throwing a successful Halloween party should be....Now the tough question is: Where is the best and cheapest place to get all the supplies that I would need? As you know I can't very well wait til the last minute to start buying everything so Party City is kind of out of the question seeing as they don't start putting all their stuff out til September....Is it cheaper and better to buy all the party favors, decor and kitchen ware online or at a store? Please help.

I like Dollar Tree and online Oriental Trading. They get you the staples. Now, to get the scarier masks and realistic props, you have to visit websites (well I do, my city has one or 2 decent prop shops, but they are HIGH).

In this tough economy, I just can not add to my collection this year I'm afraid I dream of coming upon a garage sale where some Halloween addict such as myself is selling all their stuff dirt cheap! LOL

Last year I bought lots of serving dishes/platters at Dollar Tree. They always have black serving pieces, plastic forks, spoons etc.

I love Oriental Trading for Halloween stuff. They have a ton and it's all dirt cheap, and you can get it all online. It's a good place to search for the basics.

-Karen

I agree that the dollar store is the first place to check out. And go to a few of them. Buy all of your plates, etc there if you need them. No need to spend big money on halloween plates. Same with table coverings.

Then pick out a few bouquets of silk flowers that you can spray paint black.
After you have looked at every item in the store in a Halloween mindframe, it is ok to check out.

Then try big lots, and tuesday morning before going to any of the bigger chain stores.

One more vote for Dollar Tree. That's for the basics of serving plates and things like that.

You can easily get fall garland and things like that there BUT make sure you check places like Michael's too because I got some garland that was longer and had more leaves there for not too much money.

Adding to what everyone else said - re-purpose, re-purpose, re-purpose. Depending on your theme, scour garage sales and thrift stores. A can of black spray paint or glitter is your new best friend. Also, search themes out on the internet. Websites like HGTV and Martha Stewart are absolutely priceless. Someone here also turned me on to Hostess with the Mostess? - Entertaining with a Modern Twist. Check that site as well for some good ideas for using cheap stuff well. Remember things like framing pictures off the internet in cheap or yard sale frames, etc etc.

Remember to look at themes other than Halloween. Sometimes just the "technique" they use will inspire you to do something absolutely fantastic!!

I once again have to agree with my girl Pan! You would not believe the fabulous stuff I get from garage sales and thrift stores. The best old looking candleabras, fabulous frames, Even the flea market. I found two gorgeous gowns that I will make a costume out of at the Flea Market. Check out my profile page and click on my album. Those dresses were 8 and 9 dollars. Found great $40 dollar finials for $10 dollars at walmart that I changed for my cemetery, and get the best old lace and crochet table cloths that I dye dark grey to hand for curtains and use on tables. Can get those for a couple of bucks and bam instant spooky table cloth or window covering. you have to get into the habit of looking at things in a different way. Say to your self "What can this be" that will help out a lot good luck!!

Another place that I absolutely love... Walgreens. They have tons of Halloween stuff and it's generally on sale or buy 2 for $X type pricing.

Dollar Tree is fantastic, but I always check out Walgreens too.

I hit the Goodwill frequently for ball gowns and vintage dresses to make into costumes, glassware and serving pieces, tables & chairs, and the occasional "EUREKA!" find - last year it was director's chairs for my Hollywood themed party, this year I'm getting tea pots & tea cups for Wonderland.

Also love Dollar Tree, the best of the dollar stores in my opinion. Right now they have glitter skulls, garlands, and some cool melamine tableware/serving pieces. As far as paper plates and the like they are good if you just need small numbers and are flexible on colors (not nearly the rainbow that Party City has). I often just get that stuff at Costco since we go through it so fast.

I like Michaels but only when I have the 40% off coupon (I'm also a rewards member, so I get an additional 40% off item every time I go there, that was an AWESOME deal).

For Fabric it's Joann's, and again I only buy things when they are 40% off - between the regular sales and the coupons, you can basically get anything 40% off if you are willing to wait a week or two. Joann's also clearances stuff out really early, last year I scooped up a ton of black & orange bowls BEFORE HALLOWEEN at 75% or more off. Also got my Bjork wig for under $5.

I pretty much avoid Target until after Halloween, they often have cute stuff but it's not cheap and no coupons. I've gotten some awesome day after deals though