Host the ultimate Halloween night at home: activities, decorating ideas and more

An illustration of adult friends dressed in different costumes and gathered in a home for a Halloween celebration.

Gummy eyeballs floating in a glass bowl filled with bright green punch. That is my very first memory of Halloween and the moment that changed my definition of the perfect way to spend it. I was 10, dressed in an itchy witch’s costume, entering a Halloween lover’s dream (aka my favorite childhood neighbor’s living room). Giant cobweb and spider decorations, bursts of purple and green and orange everywhere, a table full of creepy yet cute foods—I was amazed!

Since then, I’ve always loved the idea of celebrating Halloween night at home. It’s the perfect way to start a new tradition outside of the usual festivities like trick-or-treating or costume parties (which are also great, of course!). So whether you’re a self-proclaimed scaredy cat or the one doing the scaring, we’ve got the guide to your best Halloween night in ever!

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Halloween ideas for the nostalgic one  

A collection of Peanuts Halloween gifts for a nostalgic Halloween night in at home with friends or family, including a jack-o-lantern shaped candy bowl with a little Snoopy attached to the rim, a floppy plush Snoopy covered in a jack-o-lantern pattern, an interactive plush in the form of a jack-o-lantern with Snoopy

 

You have one goal on Halloween: to feel like a kid again. Your dream celebration is all about recreating that childlike magic with wacky costumes, familiar icons like pumpkins and ghosts, and king-size candy bars for trick-or-treaters.

How to decorate:

Nothing says classic Halloween like the Peanuts gang, so these new goodies are perfect for your vibe!

 

What to do:

Grab some pumpkins and make ’em pretty with these Peanuts Snoopy pumpkin carving designs. They’re way easier than they look, seriously!

What to snack on:

These delicious Halloween little smokies—because finger foods bring out everyone’s inner child.

Halloween ideas for witchy vibes  

A collection of gifts for a witch-themed Halloween night in with friends or family, including a Disney Hocus Pocus light-up cauldron pillow, a cauldron shaped mug, a pair of stemless wine glasses, a glittery, light-up water globe and Winifred Sanderson hooded blanket, as well as a motion-activated witch hat decoration with light and sound.

 

I’d bet a pot of witch’s brew that there’s a deck of tarot cards on your nightstand. Purple and black are your signature colors (with a hint of something neon sometimes, because range!). Skip the crystal ball—a Halloween night in with your best buds is guaranteed to be full of fun and fabulous witchiness.

How to decorate:

Cue your new theme song, “Walking in a Witchy Wonderland”—these decorating ideas are a witch’s dream.

 

What to do:

Send your guests home with the cutest witch broom treat bags. You only need a few supplies to make them, and they can double as a creative craft to pass out to trick-or-treaters.

What to snack on:

Try this sweet-and-salty snack mix with mini witch’s hats, along with a cauldron of witch’s brew Halloween punch.

Halloween ideas for the glam ghoul  

A collection of gifts for a

 

To you, Halloween is all about the aesthetic. Gross, gooey or grotesque? Out. Sticker stations, matching plushies and cute treats with favorite characters? In! For your Halloween night at home, you’re ready to light a few pumpkin-spice-scented candles, snap some glossy shots for your scrapbook and make fun new memories with your besties.

How to decorate:

 

What to do:

Host a Halloween plush exchange and ask your guests to bring their favorite to share. Choose yours, and don’t forget a festive gift bag to put it in!

What to snack on:

Say cheers with some festive Halloween cocktails, then have fun decorating Halloween gingerbread cookies together.

Halloween ideas for the scaredy cat  

A collection of gifts for people who like to

 

I can think of quite a few things the average person is afraid of—spiders, heights, pictures of that phase when no one told you the bangs weren’t working, etc. At the top of your list, however, is anything related to haunted houses, scary movies or jump scares. And that’s okay! These ideas are all treats, no tricks.

How to decorate:

Embrace some lighthearted fun with favorites from Disney’s Lilo and Stitch!

 

What to do:

Gather round to do a group puzzle like this colorful pumpkin one (coming soon!) or make a yummy Halloween gingerbread house together.

What to snack on:

This scary good “Cookies and Scream” Halloween popcorn. (This will be the only scary part of your night, so don’t panic!)

Halloween ideas for the fear fanatic  

A collection of gifts and decor for people who like to keep it creepy on Halloween, featuring Beetlejuice, including a lighted tabletop gravestone decor, a sandworm candy dish, a glow-in-the-dark throw blanket, a color-changing mug, and a drop-and-greet spider plush with sound and motion.

 

Growing up you were the kid who wore a scary costume to school and terrified the rest of the class (#icon). You’d be more than happy to find a monster under your bed, as long as they don’t snore or steal your Halloween candy. Creepy, crawly and “can cause nightmares” is your vibe for the night.

How to decorate:

Nothing makes people squirm more than the idea of a spider randomly plopping on their head. Let’s start there!

 

What to do:

In between scary movie viewings, try some of these Halloween paper crafts to celebrate the season.

What to snack on:

These peanut butter spiders are almost too creepy to eat (which is why you’ll probably love them).

You’re officially ready for a delightfully wicked Halloween night at home. Call your favorite people over, grab all the candy you can and let the fun begin!

 

For even more Halloween ideas, check these out: