Thread: 2011 planning begins today...

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I've just come back from a trip to the shops where I picked up a few lovely items to go into next years prize baskets....


I got 3 purple mugs with spiders for handles for just £1 each, and a selection of wind up zombies, frankenstiens, vampire and witches for well under 1/2 price. They had some other cool stuff (like motion activated screaming vampires) but when I checked the packaging, it said the batteries couldn't be replaced, so I didn't bother.

I've also ordered one of those drinks dispensers that looks like an IV stand and a book called "Zombie Cupcakes" which were both 1/2 retail price or less. I've heard mixed reviews on the drink dispenser, but for 1/2 price, I'm sure I can cope or make adjustments as needed to improve it...


People never seem to believe me when I tell them that I start planning within days of the last party... How many of you do the same?

This might be the first year people didn't demand to know next year's theme DURING this year's party! I'm guessing they gave me a pass being 7 1/2 months pregnant I usually have a list of my top contenders for next year in my head all the time, and have to restrain myself from going public too early - I don't want anyone to lose interest (or try to change my mind)

I never have themes, as I love the randomness of people when left to their own devices...

I have the IV drink dispenser, it is slightly off balance, but I put a felt pad under one side and it worked fine. It was a big hit BTW, folks thought it was really funny. I made bloody ceasars to put it in it (it's a Canadian thing - very tasty drinks with Clamato juice, vodka, dashes worchester sauce & hot sauce). It runs a bit slow, but that's ok.

Sounds good! I can't wait to get it and try it... perhaps next year I will do the kitchen out like an old hospital/asylum... would be a good start point for decorating...

Originally Posted by selz

Sounds good! I can't wait to get it and try it... perhaps next year I will do the kitchen out like an old hospital/asylum... would be a good start point for decorating...

I suppose that could technically be considered a theme then

Where did you order the drink dispensor? Would be perfect for a vampire theme, which I plan to do someday.

Originally Posted by selz

I never have themes, as I love the randomness of people when left to their own devices...

Same here. I've already set the date for next years party and will order what I need when I'm earning my normal wage again. Been on long term sick so the money ain't great at the mo....although I still spent a fortune on this years party!

Yes, next year I am doing a theme for the first time, already know what I'm going to do and the food! no date yet. I would like to have it the weekend before Halloween ( its on Monday next year so I guess 2 weekends before) to make it easier for out friends to get babysitters.

We actually picked up Martha's finger invites at JoAnn's for a decent discount before Halloween and are planning on using them next year or we will try our dvd idea instead, not sure. Haven't had a chance to go out shopping, see what's left but I think we've missed our shot. Hopefully next year we will have already bought a house and are all set up by the time Halloween comes around. I've already warned ylbissop that we have to cut back a good bit next year since we will probably, more than likely, have a smaller budget. Like I've said before, I want to go back to the basics, making a graveyard, have some great carved pumpkins, and work on any other project we've pushed back due to time or space. We normally don't do a theme ourselves, since we like to make props, decorations, our costumes, etc. based on whatever we feel like that year. I know if we have the right amount of space ylbissop wants a witch's section and I was considering a circus idea somewhere too. But we shall see. I promised him that we can start working as soon as we move into the house since we are thinking sometime in the spring.