Black and orange should be the color theme. But don't go overboard. Too much of a good thing can turn into a bad thing. Add a few lighting effects and some scary twists and you've got the makings of a successful party.

• Lots and lots of black and orange crepe paper. Twist it. Crinkle it. Hang it from the ceiling.
• Lighting should be dim enough for the kids to see shadows along walls, etc. A few blinking lights strategically placed will certainly be scary. * Blue or black low-watt light bulbs create a dark cloud of mystery.
• Dangle black cardboard bats (they're easy to make) from the ceiling.
• Hang plastic spiders from the ceiling.
• Remove as many bits and pieces from the room as possible to give a bare look and cover remaining furniture with white sheets.
• Buy helium balloons and cover them with lightweight white material (e.g. white bin-liner). With a black marker color in two spots for eyes and you'll have floating ghosts. These can be particularly good out in a dark garden as they sway in the wind – don’t forget to tie them down!
• Ask part guests to put their coats in a cupboard or spare bedroom and have a skeleton hanging just inside the door … and wait for the screams!
• Once you've got the decorations and the food ready, all you need to do is add the sound effects. Nothing too loud but something that fits the Halloween spirit.
• Popular songs such as "Ghostbusters," "Time Warp" and the theme from "The Addams Family" are perennial favourites.
• Go to your nearby record store and buy special effects CDs that have all your favorite Halloween sounds - creaking doors, slamming windows, breaking windows, and screams
• Every time you pass by a window, make sure you look out and howl at the moon. Guaranteed to get the kids giggling and howling along.

Find out about the history of Halloween
Wondering what Food to serve at a Kids Halloween Party? Have a look at our Ghoulish ideas
Or check out our Halloween Food Recipes from Ballynocken Cookery School
Keep Halloween Healthy with Tips from Bia Kid
Halloween wouldn't be the same without Games . have some fun playing ours.
Halloween can be a dangerous time for kids - Teach them our 5 Top Safety Tips
Return to our Full Halloween Section