For some, spooky season begins the second September first strikes, for others it’s marked by October’s crisp weather and longer nights. No matter when you choose to begin your fall festivities, we’ve got all the inspo you need for hosting dinner parties, movie nights and, of course, classic costume parties this Halloween.
Below you’ll find horror movie recommendations ranging from gateway to gothic, a soundtrack to set the scene at dinner, macabre DIY decor, treats to make (including a killer cocktail!), plus activities to keep your guests entertained like telling spooky stories or decorating pumpkins. And don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten inspo for your Halloween looks!
Halloween watch-lists
10 gateway horror films to spook the whole family this Halloween
10 period horror films to watch by candlelight this Halloween
9 Canadian horror films that belong on every Halloween watch-list
Fear not! 10 Halloween movies for scaredy cats
Spooky menu inspo
What to cook in October: Hearty meals for Halloween night
Gin and Blackberry Chiller
Spiced apple cider sangria: A festive beverage that’s bursting with fall flavours
Spider Web Mirror-Glaze Cake
Black and Orange Halloween Chili
Make these Mummy Candy Apples for a haunting Halloween treat
Gothic decor and DIYs
How to create a gorgeous gothic display in your home this Halloween
13 TikTok hosting hacks for Halloween
A haunting soundtrack
Haunting film scores to soundtrack your Halloween dinner party
Killer looks
A vampire makeup look from Ms. Myles that’s perfect for Halloween
Follow along as she shares how to achieve this edgy eyes and lips combo.
A dripping “blood ” Halloween nail tutorial
Follow along with @nailsbyalsn for how to DIY this mani at home.
An adorable ghost manicure for Halloween
A step-by-step tutorial from nailsbyalsn for getting these ghouls just right.
A 3D webbed manicure with spiders, just in time for Halloween
Inspo for your spooky season nails, from nailsbyalsn.
The best pop culture Halloween costumes of 2023
Frightful fun
How to create a gingerbread haunted house for Halloween
Betty Shin Binon shows how to level up a store-bought kit with melted gummy bears, black icing and more eerie touches.
How to tell a ghost story and scare your friends
How to read the tarot for yourself or your friends — with advice from the experts
Last-minute pumpkin carving and decorating help
