The spookiest night of the year is creeping up fast. Soon, costumed creatures will be knocking at your door, ready to trick-or-treat, so best make sure you and your haunted home are ready.
“Whether you’re hosting a ghoulish gathering or are just dead set on outdoing the neighbours by raising the standard for scary, a little spending savvy will let you shop ‘til you drop dead this Halloween without making all your money disappear,” says Jonathan Spencer, Brand & Campaign Manager at OneDayOnly.co.za.
Below, he shares his top five tips to create the perfect Halloween vibe on a bare bones budget:
- Creepy and kooky costumes: Iconic characters from classic movies and theatre, like everyone’s fave Lydia from Beetlejuice or the much-misunderstood Elphaba from Wicked, serve as the perfect inspo for cost-friendly costumes. For a haunting Lydia-inspired look, opt for ghostly pale foundation and black bin bags to recreate her billowy black dress, finishing with dramatic dark eyeliner. Put a Wicked twist on your outfit by capturing Elphaba’s spirit with green face paint and a black witch’s hat. For a chilling homage, channel Imhotep by wrapping yourself in toilet paper, literally embodying the essence of The Mummy.
- DIY décor to die for: Searching for eerie and affordable ideas to add a Halloween touch to your home? Transform a potjie pot into a witch’s cauldron, stretch out cotton balls to create your own cobwebs, light loads of candles, and string some fairy lights through tree branches to cast spooky shadows.
- Terrifying tunes: Set the scene with a playlist that’s all thriller, no filler. Add spine-tingling classics like Rockwell’s “Somebody’s Watching Me” and the ghostly tones of the Addams Family theme song, and you’ll have your guests’ bones rattling in no time.
- Twix or Treat: Halloween’s nothing without candy to keep the little ghouls and goblins buzzing with excitement. Stock up on delicious sweets that won’t leave those mini monsters saying Boo! While you’re at it, add a dash of flair to your candy display with some eye-popping decorations and watch your home become the go-to stop in the neighbourhood.
- Witches Brew: For the adult witches and warlocks, embracing the fright-filled evening with blood-red wine or a dark rum cocktail will help raise those spirits. To add an extra spooky touch to your refreshments area, serve your potions in themed glasses and place some dry ice in a bucket to create an eerie smoky effect.
“There’s no need to sell your soul for a night of screams. With these tricks you’re all set for a killer Halloween without ghosting your wallet,” concludes Spencer.
