How to Host a Samhain Party

Want to host a Samhain party this fall that’s more witchy than kitschy? 

We’ve got some awesome ideas to create a festive atmosphere that’s truly magical.  

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your Samhain party and your season of the dead, well . . . to die for.;

Step 1:  Pick a main event. 

Whether you hold a seance or a dumb supper (or both!), pick a main event to focus on and make it the theme of your invitations.

Step 3:  Consider an additional, smaller activity. 

Particularly if you expect children to attend, a lighter additional activity like bobbing for apples or a pumpkin decorating contest tends to round out the evening nicely and leave everyone feeling grounded.

Step 4:  Choose a way to honor the departed. 

Remember your departed loved ones.  In keeping with the spirit of the season, do at least one thing to acknowledge the deceased, particularly if you or someone in the group lost someone this past year. 

This need not be heavy or too serious—a few photographs included in the centerpiece or serving a dish the deceased enjoyed during life fulfills this tradition nicely.

Step 5:  Plan a menu. 

If you’re doing a dumb supper, you might want to opt for potluck. 

But if you plan a ritual not centered around food, most guests appreciate a few simple, fall-themed appetizers and some autumn ale.

Step 6:  Don’t Forget a Cocktail

Of all the things on this list, absolutely nothing will create a more epic atmosphere than a dry-ice cocktail.

Try this recipe for a Black Magic Martini.

Step 7:  Try a “fire only” lighting concept. 

Consider a candlelight-only lighting scheme for a mystical vibe.

Use only candles or (if outdoors) bonfires and tikki torches to light your scene.   It requires a little extra planning for fire safety.   But using only flames creates a powerful, mysterious atmosphere.

Step 1:  Decide whether or not to invite the little witchlettes. 

Including children at a pagan party often changes a lot of the decisions you need to make. 

If you want little feet everywhere, be certain all the parents are okay with allowing them to participate in the ritual, and plan at least one activity just for them.

Decorate naturally. 

Although many a witch revels in the availability of witch-y looking items at mainstream stores this time of year, plastic Halloween decor just isn’t my thing.  I prefer to make my own or, even better, use what nature provides.  Apples, mums, pine cones, squash, acorns and, of course, pumpkins!

Make favors. 

I love making ritual favors for the Sabbats.   Try filling mini coffins with liquor candies for adults, or roll Samhain ritual candles in herbs and oils and give them away.