What are the key elements to a great Halloween party?

Question

I'm planning on throwing one this year, I have few ideas but not enough to make a GREAT party, help me out please

Answer 1

I have one every year and find that your "decor" makes a great impact.  I use lots of the spider webbing you can get at party stores and decorate with ghost lights, hanging bats and spiders.  I also use orange light bulbs instead of the normal ones to correct a darker lighting effect.

All of the food that I make has a fun Halloween type name, like witches fingers (chicken fingers) and eyeballs (meatballs).  I also make a punch and was able to find a hand mold.  I freeze fruit punch in the hand mold and call it "bloody hand punch."  

I downloaded Halloween sound effects and music and play it on my iPod throughout the party.  

This year I plan on having a costume contest to add to the fun.  People always wear costumes, but I think the contest will get people to be extra creative.  

If you need a place to find some cheap Halloween decorations, Oriental Trading Company is good.  I wait for sales at Party City as well.  Last year I bought a ton of things after Halloween at Target for this year's festivities (just an idea if you decide to make this an annual event).

Best of luck!