by Sarah Miller

Halloween is just around the corner, and it’s time to start planning for a spooktacular celebration! Whether you’re looking to create the perfect costume, decorate your home with eerie flair, or organize a fun-filled party, this guide has everything you need.

Trending Costumes to Try Out This Year

When it comes to selecting a Halloween costume, staying on trend can make your celebration even more exciting. Here are some top picks to consider:

Mens Steampunk Adventure Costume-all items from Medieval Collectibles

Show off a steampunk hero attire for the night, or transform into an eccentric monarch or time-traveling wizard from another era! Rule the evening with gears, flowing robes, and a hint of Victorian flair that’s guaranteed to turn heads (and maybe steal hearts) at every Halloween party.

Pop Culture Icons

Everyone’s channeling their favorite characters from blockbuster movies and hit TV shows. Think superheroes, fantasy legends, and the outfits that make them instantly recognizable—complete with all the cool accessories to match.

Classic Monsters with a Modern Twist

Why stick to the same old vampire or witch? This year’s monsters are getting serious upgrades—mixing in modern fashion or even tech-inspired twists. Picture an alien with streetwear swag or a witch with a futuristic broomstick!

Group and Couple Costumes

Two (or more) heads are better than one! Grab your squad or partner and go all out in matching costumes, pulling off famous duos or an entire crew from your favorite animated show!

On a budget? No fear! A great way to create a standout DIY costume is by repurposing old clothes and adding gears or intricate designs, to give it a personal flair. To ensure both comfort and safety, make simple adjustments like adding reflective tape, especially for nighttime activities.

Spooky Fact: The concept of dressing up for Halloween dates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, where people would wear costumes to ward off ghosts.

Ghastly Home Decor for Halloween

For a spooky Halloween vibe, deck out both the inside and outside of your home. Use cobwebs, skeletons, and pumpkins for a classic haunted look, and set the mood with dim lighting, LED candles, and purple or orange string lights.

Hang decorations to maximize space, and add mirrors with spooky decals for extra effect. Outside, go all out with tombstones, a fog machine, and hanging ghosts. Just be sure to use outdoor-rated lights and keep cords out of the way for safety!

Organizing Spooky Games and Activities

Want a party that’s fun for everyone? For the kids, keep it classic with bobbing for apples, a costume parade, or a scavenger hunt for some extra excitement.

For the adults, things can get a little spookier with a virtual escape room or a murder mystery game. Craft stations like pumpkin decorating are always a hit for all ages.

Set the mood with eerie music, dim lighting, and maybe a fog machine for good measure. When it’s time to eat, whip up some quick treats like “witches’ broomsticks” or “ghostly meringues,” and wash it down with some “witch’s brew” punch.

If you’re feeling fancy, throw in some healthy bites like “pumpkin patch hummus” or decked-out “cogwheel cookies.” Simple, spooky fun for a night to remember!

Spooky Fact: Did you know that the tradition of carving pumpkins originated from an Irish myth about “Stingy Jack“? Originally, turnips were used before pumpkins became the popular choice in America.

Keeping Safe While Trick-or-Treating

Make sure your trick-or-treaters are easy to spot by adding reflective tape or glow sticks, and swap masks for face paint so nothing blocks their vision. Stick to well-lit streets, stay with your group, and definitely check the candy haul at home before diving in.

For the best trick-or-treating spots, seek out neighborhoods that go big on decorations and have lots of participating homes, with low traffic and plenty of streetlights.

When stocking up on candy, think back to how many kids showed up last year and plan for extra, just in case—it’s better to have leftover candy than to run out! And don’t forget to include non-candy treats for the kiddos with allergies.

A Hauntingly Good Time for All Ages

Making Halloween fun and welcoming for everyone is easier than you think. Get the kids involved with DIY decorations and costume parades, while the adults enjoy themed parties or movie marathons—there’s something for all ages. Mix in a variety of activities, keep it inclusive, and you’ll have a frightful Halloween that everyone remembers with a smile!

Editor’s note: I buy all my cosplay items, whether for Halloween or for an event, from Medieval Collectibles! I even bought my replica of Excalibur there.