With this in mind we’re sharing some of the top hints and tips we’ve come across for hosting an unforgettable Halloween party. In addition to that, if you think your pumpkin carving skills are worth sharing, then check out the end of this post to find out how to enter a competition for a chance to win a ‘boozy night in’ taste box from award winning Yorkshire retailer Keelham Farm Shop.
Create your own spooky cinema
If you’ve got a Netflix account that you access through your YouView from Plusnet TV package then you can set this up as an app to stream through a smartphone. Why you might ask? Well if you have an expanse of white wall at your disposal then this little smartphone projector gadget currently available from ‘I want one of those’ for only £11.99 can turn your living room into a cinema once the lights go down. The video below gives you an idea of how to assemble a typical cardboard smartphone projector.
Although some reviews claim that the clarity and size of the picture that these cardboard projectors offers are not quite up to scratch, we think it would add an element of fun and bring something a bit different to your party!
Of course, if your own TV screen is on the large side then you don’t need to go to all that bother! We just recommend putting some spooky cobwebs and spiders around it for some extra scare factor.
Make some disgustingly juicy jelly worms
No ghoulish get together is really complete without some squelchy sweeties that children and adults alike can enjoy (or gross each other out with). We really like this simple video recipe below, and having tried them out ourselves can testify that they taste a lot better than they look.
All you’ll need to make these wonderfully wiggly jelly worms are the following ingredients:
- 100 flexible plastic straws
- 1 package strawberry jelly
- 3 packets of unflavoured gelatin (this Doctor Oetker one is suitable for vegetarians)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 3/4 cup whipping cream
- 12 to 15 drops green food colouring
Throw a fiendish fancy dress party
If you’re thinking of hosting a Halloween party, then giving it a fancy dress theme is the best way to ensure lots of fun and laughter. Sure there’s bound to be one ‘hilarious’ person who arrives wearing a bin bag in a bid to outsmart the party rules – but awarding prizes to the best (and worst dressed) guests gives you the chance to name and shame those who’ve disregarded your dress code!
If you’re stuck for inspiration, there are loads and loads of YouTube videos that give great ideas for DIY Halloween costumes which don’t cost a lot, using clothes you might already have or can find in a charity shop.
One of the easiest looks to achieve is ‘Beetlejuice’. Just follow these instructions for a cheap and easy way to create the costume which is suitable for anyone to try.
- Get an old black suit you don’t wear anymore and paint vertical white stripes down the jacket and trousers with an emulsion type house paint. If you want to make your stripes really precise then use masking tape to mark them off beforehand.
- Find a suitable place to hang your suit to dry.
- Take an old white shirt and rub grey eyeshadow along the collar and cuffs to create an unwashed look
- Add a black tie and black boots (something like Doctor Martens would be ideal).
- For makeup just get some green, white and black face paint.
- White your face out all over, add large black circles all around your eyes, then dab green bits of face paint all around your hair line.
- When it comes to your hair – if your own is on the longer side then just backcomb it and add in some grey and green temporary colour spray. If you have short hair then just get the cheapest wig possible and do exactly the same to it.
Now you know how to become Beetlejuice if you need a look for two people why not check out this super easy way to create a Lydia Deetz look?
Hold a pumpkin carving competition
Maybe you’re a pumpkin carving professional or perhaps like us you’re a bit more fingers and thumbs when it comes to putting your personal stamp on this most orange of the squash family.
Whatever your skill level – we really like this video tutorial that gives you some of the basics when it comes to pumpkin carving. So why not get creative with a procession of spooky candle lit pumpkins up your driveway? It will add that eerie feel to your Halloween party.
Create a Plusnet pumpkin for the chance to win a prize!
Now you’ve seen a video that’s shows you the basics of what to do, if you think your pumpkin carving skills are scarily creative then we want you to carve a ‘Plusnet themed pumpkin’ and tweet a picture to @Plusnet or share it on our Facebook page with the hashtag #PlusnetPumpkins.
We have our hopes set high to see some lovely pink pumpkins that ‘scream Plusnet’ or any other designs which might make a really cool pumpkin for Plusnet!
Our chosen winner will win a ‘boozy night in’ taste box (as featured in the Guardian Gift Guide) from award winning Yorkshire retailer Keelham Farm Shop.
Boozy night in Taste Box contains:
- Lunetta Prosecco Spumante - 20cl
- Lunetta Rose Spumante - 20cl
- False Bay Sauvignon Blanc - 75cl
- Sierra Grande Merlot - 75cl
- Great Newsome Frothingham Best - 500ml
- Keelham Tipsy Pig - 500ml
- Scrubbys Mixed Root Vegetable Crisps - 40g
- Pipers Anglesey Sea Salt Crisps - 40g
- Mr Filbert's Mexican Sweet Chilli Mixed Nuts - 120g
- Herbal Hangover Comforter - 20g
Check out Keelham’s online shop for some other great taste boxes available with next day delivery.
Rules
- Must be your own original carved pumpkin picture
- Competition is open from midday 18th October until Friday 28th October
- Winner announced on the 31st October
- All entries must be shared on either Facebook or Twitter pages with hashtag #PlusnetPumpkins and competitors full name
Don’t forget – the best way to make the most of searching for any helpful hints and tips online is with superfast, unlimited fibre from Plusnet.
You can also conduct searches from wherever you are on your smartphone with one of our mobile SIM only deals!