My son was almost born on Halloween. He arrived on November 1st, so we've often had Halloween birthday parties for him. Some years, he loves the spooky theme and other years he's just over it and wants a party that has nothing to do with ghouls and goblins.
His last birthday he decided he wanted something "spooky". (Yay, so much easier that way!) I didn't want to go too cutesy, he was turning 6 after all. While watching the intro to to "American Horror Story" I got the idea to do a mad scientist laboratory. I felt this was the perfect way to make the party fun and spooky in an age appropriate way. Of course, it was also a costume party. So fun!
I found a cute zombie/monster via free clip art and decided to use it for my son's invitations. I love using Adobe Photoshop CS5 to create invitations, programs, menus...whatever type of stationery needed for a party. For this one, I even made soda pop labels!However, I'm also a big fan of purchasing them from talented stationers on Etsy. If I have time to do the stationery, I do, otherwise I purchase it.
The colors for his party were orange, neon green and black. We held the party in our garage. In order to make it look like an actual lab instead of a garage, I hung black painter's plastic to create the space. (It worked really well at hiding all of our junk too!)
I also used strands of Halloween lights so the garage was dim but you could still see.
Next, I used my husband's old potting table and arranged all the specimen jars. I used plastic body parts like eyeballs, tongues, and fingers in colored water. (Yay for food coloring!) I think my favorite detail was using the pumpkin guts from our Jack O' Lanterns to create what looked like human flesh in a jar! (Gross.) My second favorite thing from the spooky lab was the "brain". I used a big vase, a cauliflower and some red food coloring for this special effect.
To keep the theme consistent, I also served food that looked like body parts. It was so fun coming up with a menu, and I really have to thank google images for the inspiration! Witches fingers (bread sticks), brains (mac n' cheese), flesh balls (meat balls), and witches brew. We also had "Type O Negative" blood and "Beetle Juice" for the drinks. The cake was made from "toxic sludge" and I found a toy that resembled the zombie we used in the invites and decided it would make a great cake topper!
After eating our spooky supper, opening presents and enjoying some cake, we had a bonfire in our backyard. It was the perfect night, not too cold and not too hot. They played some night games and then it was time for the party to end. Each kid left the party with a ghost lolli pop that I had presented in a white picket fence planter box.
I absolutely love the Halloween theme party but I know this next year my son will probably want to do a "normal" party. So I'm sure you will get to see a Transformers or Star Wars party. ;D
If you have a Halloween party to share, I would love to hear what you did and see some pictures! To submit a party, please contact me at info@wonderfuldayweddings.com. Please include all vendor credits and a small write up about your party!
Vendor Credits: Crafts (paper) - Silhouette SD Cutter, Decor - Party City, Oriental Trading Company, Food - Cub Foods,Photography - Wonderful Day Weddings LLC, Rental Items - Wonderful Day Weddings LLC, Stationery - Wonderful Day Weddings LLC
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