Ultimate Halloween Party-Planning Guide Slideshow

1. Decide on Your Theme

A party's theme ties everything together! If your guests are the adventurous type, try a haunted house theme, inspired by antiques, muted colors, and all things scary. Grab some inspiration from Anders Ruff's Haunted Halloween photo shoot.

Other theme ideas:
Throw a Bewitching Halloween Bash! If it's a girls' night out, how about a Glam Halloween Party?

2. Send Out Your Invites!

The perfect Halloween party begins with the perfect invitation. Check out these free printable invites to inspire your party!

1. Spooky Owl Invitations from Martha Stewart
2. Bat Invitation from Party Planning Center
3. Candy Corn Pirate, Mermaid, or Cowboy Invitations from Oliebollen
4. Mini Invites and Stickers from Paper Crave
5. Halloween Invitations from Perideau Designs

3. Dress Up the House

Spook up your home with these fun and affordable DIY crafts which are sure to bewitch your party guests.

1. Table Décor Printable from Living Locurto
2. Paper Bats with Template from Made
3. No-Carve Pumpkin Decorating from Real Simple
4. Tangled Web from Better Homes and Gardens
5. Halloween Hang Ups from Martha Stewart
6. Make-Your-Own Tablecloth from Martha Stewart
7. Spooky Banner Printable from How Does She?
8. Halloween Candle Wraps from <

5. Dress Appropriately

Want your party guests to show up dressed in amazing costumes? Then you better dress to impress, too! Let everyone know beforehand that you'll have some fabulous prizes to hand out to the best costumes. Check out these 10 DIY tasteful adult costumes to start your brainstorming! And if kids are coming to the party, check out these 20 awesome handmade children costumes.

Play with Your Food!

A party isn't a Halloween party without some spooky (but still tasty) food! Check out these fun recipes to fill up your guests.

Click here for more Halloween party ideas.

1. Halloween Food Ideas from One Charming Party
2. Candy Corn Cheesecake Mousse from Glorious Treats
3. Apple Smiles from Disney Family
4. Pumpkin Veggie Tray from Taste of Home
5. Spooky Taco Dip from Better Homes and Gardens
6. Buggy Burger Cookies at Squidoo
7. Skeleton Cupcakes from My Recipes
8. Sand Witches from 

4. Print Out Decorations on the Cheap

If you're not super crafty, or you're on a budget (or both!), download these three free Halloween Party kits for instant party décor. They've got everything you need to make banners, cupcake toppers and wrappers, candy buffet labels, favors bags, and more!

1. The Witches' Larder Party Kit from Second Sister Suaviloquy
2. Retro Halloween Party Kit from Ellinee
3. Halloween Party Kit from My Grafico