Halloween party ideas for adults

A grown-up Halloween party fails in one of two ways: it's a normal night in with cobwebs, or it's a kids' party with alcohol. The fix is a theme with a low bar and one piece of entertainment that runs itself.

Everything here assumes adults who'll dress up if it's easy, drink more than they eat, and want to talk. Costume competition, one big game, hot food at nine.

For the games in full see our <a href="/pages/halloween-party-games">Halloween party games</a> page, and for the whole plan the <a href="/pages/halloween-party-ideas">Halloween party ideas</a> hub.

Themes adults will actually dress for

• Black tie horror — evening wear plus one gruesome detail. Shop this card
• Horror film characters, one film per couple. Shop this card
• Decades of horror: seventies, eighties, nineties. Shop this card
• Witches and warlocks — a hat and black clothes and you're in. Shop this card
• Murder mystery, with characters assigned a week ahead. Shop this card
• Gothic dinner: six people, candles, three courses, no games. Shop this card
• Anything but a costume: come as your worst work colleague. Shop this card

Drinks that look the part

• One themed punch in a big bowl beats six cocktails you have to make. Shop this card
• Blackcurrant and prosecco, a raspberry at the bottom of each glass. Shop this card
• Mulled cider — it's the end of October, everyone's cold. Shop this card
• A no-alcohol version of the punch that isn't just orange juice. Shop this card
• Black cups, orange straws, done. Shop this card

Entertainment for grown-ups

• Murder mystery kit — the single best money you'll spend. Shop this card
• Horror film quiz, teams of four, one picture round. Shop this card
• Costume competition announced at nine, prize worth winning. Shop this card
• A playlist that turns into a normal party after ten. Shop this card
• One film on mute in the back room for the people who want out. Shop this card

What to write in the invitation

• Costumes compulsory. Sorry, but they are. Shop this card
• 8pm, food at nine, prize for the best effort. Shop this card
• Bring a bottle and a reason to be frightened of you. Shop this card
• Adults only this one — the kids' party is the Sunday before. Shop this card
• Fancy dress optional but you'll regret opting out. Shop this card

Banners and cake toppers

The two things that do most of the work in a party photo.

Confetti and table bits

Cheap, quick and posted from the UK.

Halloween and birthday cards

Printed in the UK and blank inside, so the message is yours.

Where to shop next

• Halloween party ideas
• Halloween party games
• Halloween party ideas for adults
• Kids' Halloween party ideas
• Halloween birthday cards
• Halloween card messages
• Buy Halloween cards
• Halloween cards
• Party supplies
• Buy party supplies
• Birthday cards
• Birthday party ideas
• Bonfire Night
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas
• Gifts to make someone smile
• Thinking of you gifts

Frequently asked questions

What do adults do at a Halloween party?

Dress up, eat late, and play one big thing — a murder mystery or a horror film quiz. A costume competition with a real prize is what makes people actually make an effort.

What's a good adult Halloween theme?

Black tie horror: guests wear something they already own plus one grim detail. It looks brilliant in photos and nobody has to buy a costume.

How long should an adult Halloween party last?

Four to five hours. Games in the first two, food in the middle, and let it become an ordinary party after ten.