We’ve all been there. That dimly lit, sketchy party blaring “Monster Mash” with the candy corn-splattered table. But on a holiday laden with clichés, how do we pick out the gems from the duds? Here are some ways to mix some fresh takes on old classics that even the most pretentious of hipster friends might compliment.
Music
While an occasional “Time Warp” or “Thriller” might add the perfect bit of nostalgia to your party, it is time to retire the repetitive track lists. Amanda Colbenson, manager of Other Music on East Fourth Street, suggests “Bollywood Bloodbath,” a ’70s 22-track collection from the Indian horror film industry. British record company, Finders Keepers, described the work as “malformed freak funk and dreadful discothèque pop.” Score.
Drinks
For those who are of age, there are some tasty drink options that won’t break the bank. Focus on garnish to make drinks festive. Drop googly eyes in plastic martini glasses of blood-red Campari with some seltzer for an instant cocktail your guests will gush over. Alan Taylor, assistant general manager at B-Bar on Fourth Street and Bowery, also recommended the half-outdoor restaurant’s Brain Shot cocktail, a combination of peach schnapps, grenadine and Bailey’s.
Decorations
Martha Stewart might just be the unsuspecting goddess of Halloween that years of dull parties have been lacking. Her design ideas, which include centerpieces covered in plastic spiders, ghost balloons and mirrors with glowing eye stickers are budget-friendly ways to blow cobwebs and skeletons out of the water. Plus, covering all your furniture in cheap, white sheets can always add an eerie, decorative touch.
Theme
“Keep it open,” said Daniel Eiduks, media and personal stylist for programs like ABC’s The View. If you want to gear your guests into a certain genre of garb, make sure you are also giving them some freedom to dress how they want. Eiduks suggests a Favorite Fictional Characters theme, which allows for freedom under a control freak’s need for a theme.
Michelle Altman is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected].