Unexplained phenomena that transcends the laws of nature covers a wide range of quirks you can include in your paranormal party – occult rituals, ufology, poltergeists, communicating with spirits, extrasensory perception (ESP), human auras, levitation, or cryptozoology (Bigfoot and the like). Remember to keep it fun and not let things spiral and be taken too seriously.
Invitations
Reusing a halloween invitation is an obvious way to go, just make sure it’s not cheesy, and no pumpkins.
The spirit ouija board used in séances is closely linked to the paranormal.
Harry Houdini was a believer in communicating with the dead. Write party details on the back of a postcard, particularly if you decide to dress as Houdini (and even perform a classic trick, see Icebreakers below).
Party attire
There are two points in history where more people became interested in occult rituals and the paranormal. You could focus on either of these to help create your paranormal party theme.
The late 19th century was a time of obsession with the after life and the ability to communicate with the dead. Seances hosted by spirit mediums were hugely popular.
The fashion for this time was all about top hats and tails
and petticoats, corsets, bonnets and full skirts.
Alternatively, the 1920s began just as WW1 wound up. Many lives had been lost and countries were swept with grief and a need to move on. This brought on much decadence and partying alongside a spiritualism revival as people wanted to communicate with the sons, husbands and brothers they lost in the trenches.
See Roaring 20s for ideas on what to wear and how to decorate your home.
If neither of these moments in time are appealing, just leave it open and let your guests turn up as a poltergeists, fortune tellers, Bigfoot, mediums or whatever takes their fancy.
Capes and cloaks can add a finishing touch to any outfit. Just make sure it doesn’t have a Dracula collar.
Decorations
If you are going for a late 19th century atmosphere, this was a time of the plague, so a few rat silhouettes around the place would make your guests look twice.
Hang a lantern by your front door to welcome your guests.
Spook up a door or cupboard in an unlit corner. Be wary not to have too many bloody decorations as it’s an eerie paranormal party, not a gory Halloween party.
Tear, cut or fray fabric and hang over stair bannisters, chairs, bookshelves or existing curtains and blinds.
Hang spider webs from doorways, ceiling corners or drape over objects.
Place a few disturbing artefacts in nooks and crannies.
Food
Essentially you want your food to be tasty but look gnarly or slightly disturbing.
Use tarnished looking skull platters to serve.
If you are focusing on the late 19th century for your party include fare from that time.
See Roaring 20s for ideas if that is your chosen era.
Beverages
If you’ve asked your guests to bring beer and wine, welcome them with a potion.
Add some weaponry swizzle sticks.
If you want to buffer the ice box, get hold of drinks that sound a little more sinister such as Rogue’s Dead Guy or The Lost Abbey beers.
Choose full-bodied dark red wines such as Mourvedre, Syrah or Shiraz.
Strip soda bottles and replace with vintage potion labels.
Tableware
See if you can find an old lace tablecloth from your local thrift store. If it has a tear in it, even better.
Otherwise, use a grey or murky green cheese cloth table runner down the centre of your table.
Sprinkle it with sinister items such as sticks, stones and leaves from outside, along with mystical charms, glass eyes, ravens, or even cockroaches.
Skulls and spider webs for tableware.
Black cups will work with whatever tableware you’ve chosen.
Icebreakers
Hire a local tarot card reader, psychic or clairvoyant. Explain in advance that it is a party and some guests may not take it as seriously as others so they can decide if they would be willing to offer their services.
Set up a ouija board with instructions and let your guests mingle and have a go. If anyone starts taking it too seriously, probably best to put it away.
Perform this classic Houdini trick for your guests and then let them pass it round to play with. (Practice it a few times before the party so your trick looks super slick.)
Music
Even though costumes, decorations and food will be ominous, you still want your guests to have a good time on the dance floor. Make a playlist with tunes you know people love but sprinkle it with songs that have a bit of spook to them.
Send them off with a smile
Send your guests home with their fortune and hangover potion (aka paracetamol capsule) in mini glass vials.
Download and add a fortune to each vial.
