There may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but there are half as many ways to create a killer DIY Halloween party in this article. Whether you’re looking to full-on host an event, or simply pick a few crafty ideas to get your family in the mood for the season, Horrorbuzz is here to help! Though a far cry from Martha Stewart, I do have a seasoned eye for beauty when it comes to the macabre and grotesque, so I scoured the Internet and compiled a list. Special thanks to Horrorbuzz’s Norm for the visuals and Troy for collaborating on ideas.
The criteria was straightforward – I sought unique ideas that were budget friendly, kid-friendly, eye-catching and not overly time-consuming. I also covered the main bases: outside decor, inside decor, food, drinks and dessert; hitting five from each so you’ll have plenty to choose from. Without further ado, here are a few of my favorite things:
OUTSIDE DECORATIONS:
1.) 
Audrey 2 pumpkin: This reminds me of the musical Little Shop of Horrors. Pure win.
2.) Glow in the dark ghosts: Simple yet striking. Primary supplies are chicken wire, wire cutters, glow in the dark spray and cheesecloth.
3.) Black cat pumpkins: a unique, elegant and cute twist on a classic decoration.
4.) Life-sized Spider egg sac for doorway: Fill two trash bags with leaves, tape around the neck, then tie tea-stained twine around the tape. Finally, wrap the entire thing in cheesecloth (also stain with tea if desired). Add fake spider webs and/or spiders from your local supermarket, Walmart or Party City.
5.) Glowing Eyes: Free, easy, fun AND environmentally friendly!
INSIDE DECORATIONS:
6.) 
Bloody Mary’s Mirror: To make your own, all you’ll need is an old or thrift store mirror, spooky photo and some sandpaper.
7.) Nosferatu’s lair candles: Drip red wax over a white candle (or if you prefer, black) for a bloodied effect. You can also create a similar gothic look using candles placed in the neck of recycled bottles.
8.) Indoor haunted forest: paper mache projects can be a fun nostalgic throwback to do with your kids. If you have an excuse to make them spooky, even better!
9.) Apothecary Jars: There were so many different verions of this cool effect. For this one you only need jars, labels, decoupage materials and whatever you’d like inside. It’s quick and looks fantastic. If you’re heavier into crafts (sanding, painting), try this version.
BONUS: Harry Potter floating candles with night sky backdrop. When I saw this prop, I had to throw it in. While it is one of the more labor-intensive mediums, this idea like the evil tree, could be saved and reused each year. Another tip to save time: use a hot glue gun to create candle-drip effect rather than foam. EatingBender.com tried it out with great results!
FOOD:
12.) Michael Myers’ slasher-victim inspired appetizer spread: splash stage blood (or ketchup in a pinch) on an old chopped up shirt and pants, then stick appetizer pans inside. Form the shape of a body with clothing, place tongs inside hands.
13.) Worm bait hot dogs: place raw spaghetti into chopped hot dogs, then boil.
(For a quicker version with similar ingredients try Mummy Dogs – wrap Pillsbury crescent rolls around hot dogs, using mustard for eyes)
14.) Spicy Cryptkeeper ribs: This is designed to be a delicious, cooked-with-love recipe. My lazy, alternative suggestion would to buy a few calzones from your local pizza place, cut them into slices and arrange accordingly. Or do the same with pork ribs. Just make sure you have the skull and bones. It’s the little things.
15.) Graveyard Taco Dip
DRINKS:
16.) 
Bloody Injection Shirley Temples
17.) Funky Frozen Hand Punch: Pour water into a rubber grove and freeze. Voila!
18.) Radioactive lemonade: Simply mix tonic water with your favorite lemonade recipe. The tonic water glows bright blue under a black light.
side bar: to make cupcakes glow under black light, mix a batch of jello made with tonic water instead of regular water; then dip cupcake tops inside the jello mixture after icing.
19.) Caramel Apple cider shooters
20.) Witches Cauldron root beer floats
SAFETY: please note that dry ice can cause damage and frostbite if it comes into direct contact with skin. Take precaution to handle with tongs and store in the pre-packaged container it came in until you’re read to use.
Fun fact for adults: a fragment or two of dry ice inside your own cocktail is plenty to create a cool visual effect. Dry ice, unlike regular ice, will sink to the bottom and stay there, so sip carefully and enjoy!
Where to buy it: Many grocery chains, including Walmart, carry dry ice along with regular bagged ice. You can find additional locations using this directory.
DESSERT:
22.) Zombie brain cake
24.) Edible pumpkin candy cups
25.) Maleficent’s poison candied apples
I hope this list has inspired creativity for a DIY Halloween party. Check the gallery within the article for a full photo rehash of the ideas seen above. I can almost almost guarantee your house will be the talk of the block. Who knows, maybe the next step will be building your own home haunt!
Have other ideas or tips? Tried any of the suggestions mentioned? Results? We’d love to hear your story in the comments!
There were a few awesome tricks and treats that I’m saving for next time. To get a preview of those runner-ups, feel free to follow your Halloween-fiends Troy (@zombeemunkee) and Myself (@kimflys) on Pinterest.
