Let’s be honest—Halloween doesn’t have to be a Pinterest-perfect marathon of stress. If you're the type that wants to stay in knitting/crocheting your way through a horror flick with a few good friends, this low-key Halloween party guide is for you. We’re talking easy, fun, and just the right amount of snark. 🎃 So grab your yarn -  throw on your snarkiest Halloween shirt - and let’s throw a laid-back spooky soirée that’s all treats, no tricks.

1)  Party Food: Easy but Spooky-Impressive 

Food is the backbone of any party, especially when you’re trying to keep things casual and not end up chained to the kitchen. Here’s how you can serve up delicious snacks without breaking a sweat: 

• 7-Layer Spider Web Dip: It’s a crowd-pleaser and requires almost zero effort. Think of it as your go-to “I’m not trying, but it looks like I did” dish. Just layer your favorite Tex-Mex dips and top it off with sour cream “webs.” Check out Chelsea's Messy Apron's version.
• Bacon Jalapeño Mummies: Because why not wrap spicy jalapeños in bacon and call it a mummy? These are dangerously easy to make and even more dangerous to eat. Keep a stash for yourself. Get the recipe over on Butter Your Biscuit.  
• Dracula’s Blood Punch: You know how we feel about Vampires, and you're going to need a signature cocktail to get this party started.  Sure, you could grab your favorite hard cider, but if you want to be a *little* extra, sip this while throwing shade at basic vampire costumes. It’s red, it’s dramatic, and it’s boozy enough to get you through the night. Find the recipe, and many other amazing looking libations over at My Money Cottage. 
• Brown Butter Apple Shortbread Bars: These bars are the dessert version of a cozy fall sweater. They’ll make you look like a baking pro, and give your guests that perfect fall pie flavor without having to get out your rolling pin (where is that thing anyhow?).  Get the recipe at the kitchn.

2)  Easy Party Decorations: Cheap, Cheerful, and No Crafting Burn Out

You want to Keep it simple, but still impress your guests.  Try these easy budget-friendly, low-maintenance ideas:

• Spirit Jugs: Grab some empty milk jugs, draw on spooky faces, and throw in some string lights. Boom—instant ghosts! See how it’s done at Eighteen25.  
• Spooky Snake Wreath: This creepy-crawly wreath by Krylon will greet your guests with just the right amount of snark. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make.
• Tomato Cage Ghosts: If you have a garden we know you've got some extra tomato cages laying around - sure you could just leave your withering tomato plants there, that's a *look*, but why not turn them into adorable ghosts with some fabric and a marker? It’s as easy as it sounds, and people will think you’re a decorating genius. Check it out at Dreamingfy. 
• Candy Vase Fillers and DIY Bat Branches Centerpieces: Fancy, but make it cheap. Fill a vase with some fall flowers, candy corn, and some lollies - or - add some faux branches, and glue on paper bats. Done. Get the details on Straight Forward Spaces .  

3)  Movies: Scare Factor or Cozy Thrills? Pick Your Poison 🍿

Whether your fellow crafters want to either knit/crochet through a horror marathon, or enjoy spooky-but-safe fun, here’s the ultimate list of both terrifying and spooky-but-chill flicks, with where you can stream them.

Scary Movies (For the Brave) 🩸

1. Hereditary (2018) – Stream on Showtime
Warning: After watching this, family gatherings will never feel quite the same again; this one is only for the die-hards - very disturbing. 

2. The Exorcist (1973) – Stream on AMC+
Think your kid’s tantrums are bad? At least they’re not levitating.

3. The Shining (1980) –  Stream on Max
When "working from home" goes terribly, terribly wrong.

4. It Follows (2014) – Stream on Hulu, Netflix, Paramount+
The most stressful game of tag you’ll ever witness.

5. The Conjuring (2013) – Stream on Max
Because who doesn’t love a good, old-fashioned haunted house?

6. The Witch (2015) –  Stream on Max
Puritan family (period) drama with a side of goat-inspired nightmare fuel.

7. Carrie (1976) – Stream on AMC+
Prom night gone *really* wrong—don’t skip this classic.

8. Poltergeist (1982) – Stream on Max
When your TV starts acting up, maybe don’t call a cable guy.

9. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) – Stream on Max
Sleep-deprived? Freddy Krueger will make sure it stays that way.

10. Sinister (2012) – Stream on Netflix
Home movies have never been so terrifying. Pro tip: don’t watch old reels.

Spooky but Not Super Scary Movies 🎃

1. Hocus Pocus (1993) – Stream on Disney+
This one's a cheesy classic: three witches, one town, and a black cat with an attitude problem.

2. Beetlejuice (1988) – Stream on Max
The O.G. creepy-comedy, your go-to if you’re into dead guys who seriously can’t take a hint.

3. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) – Stream on Disney+
Animated; Jack Skellington has an identity crisis, and somehow, it’s magical.

4. Ghostbusters (1984) – Stream on Netflix
Who ya gonna call? Well, definitely not those ghost-hunting apps.

5. Coraline (2009) – Stream on Peacock
Animated; Buttons for eyes, but the *real* horror is bad parenting.

6. The Addams Family (1991) – Stream on Paramount+
The ultimate spooky family you secretly wish would adopt you.

7. Practical Magic (1998) – Stream on Max
Witches, margaritas, and sisterhood—this is the witchy rom-com you didn’t know you needed.

8. Casper (1995) – Stream on Netflix
The friendliest ghost ever—but also, why is he so lonely?

9. ParaNorman (2012) – Stream on Peacock
Animated; A kid who talks to dead people... and no, it's not *The Sixth Sense*. 

10. The Witches (1990) – Stream on Max
If you ever thought kids were safe from witches, think again.

Now you’re fully equipped with snarky movie descriptions and all the streaming info you need. 🎃

4)  Party Music: Keep It Spooky, Not Boring

If your group is a little more lively a few drinks in, hit pause on your murder shows and mix up it up with some Halloween tunes that go beyond "Monster Mash". You need a playlist that screams "festive" but won’t make you gouge your ears out. Here's a snarky playlist that balances eerie classics and upbeat jams:

1. Somebody's Watching Me – Rockwell
2. Ghostbusters – Ray Parker Jr.
3. Disturbia – Rihanna
4. Black Magic Woman – Santana
5. Bury a Friend – Billie Eilish
6. Superstition – Stevie Wonder
7. This Is Halloween – Danny Elfman (*The Nightmare Before Christmas*)
8. Evil Woman – Electric Light Orchestra
9. Heads Will Roll – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
10. Psycho Killer – Talking Heads
11. Season of the Witch – Donovan
12. Sweet but Psycho – Ava Max
13. Bad Moon Rising – Creedence Clearwater Revival
14. Time Warp – The Rocky Horror Picture Show
15. Seven Devils – Florence + the Machine
16. Highway to Hell – AC/DC
17. People Are Strange – The Doors
18. Sympathy for the Devil – The Rolling Stones
19. Toxic – Britney Spears
20. Howlin’ for You – The Black Keys
21. I Put a Spell on You – Nina Simone
22. Monster – Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z
23. Spooky, Scary Skeletons – Andrew Gold
24. Demons – Imagine Dragons
25. She Wolf – Shakira
26. Runnin' with the Devil – Van Halen
27. Cannibal – Kesha
28. Heathens – Twenty One Pilots
29. Kill of the Night – Gin Wigmore
30. Witchy Woman – Eagles

Final Thoughts...

Look, nobody’s coming to judge your party (and if they are, maybe don’t invite them next time). A low-key Halloween bash with good snacks, spooky movies, and snarky décor is more than enough to keep everyone entertained. So put on your favorite Halloween tee, pour yourself a glass of that blood punch, and enjoy. After all, the best part of any party is when you can kick back and soak in the compliments.

Happy Halloween! 🎃