SO EASY, IT'S SCARY!

 

Ok, tomorrow is the first day of October, and with only 30 days and counting, I've gotten many frantic e mails asking for the easiest decorations to spook up the house for Halloween.

Well here are my top 5 favorite ideas. Not to worry, they're super fast, super easy, and are super fab-boo-lous!

Ok, all you need for this creepy entry way are some black trash bags. Take scissors and cut strips length-wise so they blow in the wind. You can put this up this up with duct tape (use black, so you won't see it) in a matter of minutes!

Now for some scares for the inside of the house.... With a few dabs of hot glue, and a bag or two of plastic spiders, you can attach them to doors, windows, stairways..... actually any where you can imagine. Keep in mind, if you want to attach them to the wall, the glue may leave a mark once it's removed. So I suggest any surface that's glass or has a glossy finish, and only use a dab.... you won't need a lot to hold these little guys on.

On to idea #3.... every house needs some bats for Halloween, and these look great on tall branches sticking out of a huge vase on the floor, or as a centerpiece on the dining room table! I loooooove this idea, and have done it soooooo many times, but it never gets old!

All you'll need is some black ribbon, some hot glue, and a white paint pen. This one is as easy as 1,2,3.

1. Cut ribbon to make bows for on the branches. Tie them on the branches, where you think they'll look best.

2. Use a dab of hot glue to hold in place.

3. On the knot of the bow, take your paint pen (or white acrylic paint and a tiny brush) and make eyes. Da ta! You made a bat! Now, keep doing that until it looks like a flock of bats.

This is one of my personal favorites, and I've been known to do this all year long around The Manor. Candles that drip blood just give your room that little added touch that says you're a super stylish Halloween Homemaker! 

What you'll need for this is some white pillar candles in assorted sizes, a few red candlesticks, and a lighter or matches.

Take a red candlestick, light it, and hold it over the white pillar candle. As the wax drips, hold it over the edges of the white candle so it can drip over the sides. This may take a few mintues to get the wax to melt quickly, but once it's good and hot, it should melt pretty quick.

*Keep in mind this is a grown up only project, not a good idea for the kiddo's. 

And the fastest decorating tip I can give you, that'll give you the most BOO for your buck.... cover all your furniture with sheets and torn cheesecloth fabric! It'll take a matter of minutes, and will really spook up your living (or dead) room!

There you have it. My top 5 fast and favorite decorating tips. Now come on, let's get moving.... you've got a busy day ahead!

 

BLOODY CANDLE LIGHTS

It's project day! And today's project is a fun one....
A lot of you have been asking about making my famous Bloody Candles. So let's continue with our bloody theme. This is an oldie but a goodie, so let's revisit the ghosts of blog posts past, shall we.......

You all are well aware, of how much I love to create pretty things.... all covered in blood. Well, today's project is no different.

If you're like me, you've been saving lots of jars for all kinds of projects. And now is the time that we're finally gonna put them to good use, and make some bloody candle lights!

This is a super easy project, and will look amazing, with the rest of your Halloween décor.

First of all, you'll need a few jars, of assorted sizes. Make sure they're thoroughly cleaned (labels removed) and dried. Then we'll be using red and black acrylic (gloss) paint.

Then using a medium size (craft) paintbrush, cover each jar with a thin coat of black. Let set for about a minute or two, then lightly wipe off with a paper towel.... leaving a bit of the paint, creating a "hazy" effect on the glass. Do this to each jar. Let dry for about 10 minutes.

Then using a thinner paintbrush, dip the end into the red paint, and make drips along the rim of the jar. Make sure to let some of the paint drip down the sides, and even add a few smeared fingerprints.

Let dry for about 2 hours. Then add white votive candles, and group together to make quite a fab-boo-lous centerpiece!

 

*Please keep in mind, jars can get hot, so please do not display candles unattended! Also, be sure to keep away from where your little monsters can reach! Safety first!

HAPPY BLOODY FRIDAY!

I've been asked many times over the last few months, for my favorite recipe for making fake blood.... Well, I do have quite a few to choose from, and just in case you missed it the first time, here it is:

What's a Halloween costume party without blood for special affects? Fake blood is available in novelty and party supply stores but making it yourself is fun -- and you'll see more realistic results. Mix up a batch before a party and keep the local vampires in good supply.

Here are some recipes for you to make your own realistic-looking fake blood. Real blood is reddish brown so you may need to alter the amounts of ingredients for the desired affect. Keep in mind, fake blood is messy and some of these recipes may leave stains -- so use with caution and allow plenty of time for drying.

Homemade Fake Blood:
1 c. Karo Syrup
1 Tbsp Water
2 Tbsp Red Food Coloring
1 tsp Yellow Food Coloring

Mix together in a mixing bowl and you're done. Try adding blue or yellow for a different shade.

Simple Fake Blood:
Clear Corn Syrup
Red Food Coloring
Milk - Optional

However much fake blood you want to make, is how much corn syrup you'll need. Pour it into a bowl and mix in some red food coloring. Add some blue if you like. Adding a small amount of milk will make the blood appear darker and thicker.

Realistic Recipe:
2/3 c. Corn Syrup
1/3 c. Warm Water
5 Tbsp Corn Starch
4 tsp red food coloring
1 Tbsp Powdered Cocoa
2 drops of green or yellow food coloring

Mix the corn starch with the water in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the corn syrup. Add the food coloring slowly, checking for color.

Cheap 'N' Easy Blood:
~Plain Flour
~Water
~Red Food Coloring
~1 tsp. of Coffee

Boil the water on the stove, then sieve in the flour, making sure you get ALL of the lumps out. The quantity of ingredients aren't important, it just depends on how much you want. Once you have the flour mixed nicely into the water it should look nice and thick. Next, add the red food coloring.

You will notice that it's a ghastly, bright red color but don't worry this is why we add the coffee. It is important that when you add the coffee to make sure the mixture is hot, otherwise it wont dissolve, but up until adding the coffee can be done in a ordinary mixing jug or pan.

Palmolive Imitation Blood:
You can also make fake blood with Palmolive dish soap, (it doesn't matter how much you put in) it depends on how much blood you want! Add red berry powdered Kool-Aid! This is great for prop projects, but be aware, IT WILL STAIN!

Have A Bloody Good Weekend!

IT'S ALL HERE IN BLACK & WHITE

Sometimes it takes months of planning to pull off the perfect Halloween party. But if you've decided this year to do something a bit more sophisticated, like an All Hallows Eve dinner party, why not try a black and white theme?

It's really a lot easier than you think. Black and white invitations, subtle decorations, even cocktails... and don't forget the perfect costume!

 

 

 

And when it comes to the dinner table, check out some of these spooky & elegant table settings.... and remember, sometimes all you need is some black and white spray paint, glitter, maybe a few cobwebs, and you can transform anything!

 

IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!

Happy First Day of Fall to all my Halloweenies!

What a glorious day! Get ready to feel a little chill in the air, leaves crunching below your feet, and the smell of candy corn.... how delightful!

And with 37 days until Halloween, I know that your to-do lists are getting longer each day, but why not celebrate this special day with a fantastic Welcome Fall Dinner, tonight?

Try this Spooky "Eyeballs" Casserole.

 

Once the family gets over the scare factor, they will enjoy the rich and hearty tastes of this pasta bake recipe. The "eyeballs" are made of fresh mozzarella cheese and olives. Served over a bed of al dente pasta and flavorful meat sauce, this dish is not just a gimmick. It tastes great! It's also easy to make, so that you can spend more time celebrating the first day of Fall.

 

Kids and adults alike will be amazed at how creative this dish is and will love how it tastes, too! This recipe comes from my fiends at All Free Casserole Recipes.com, and it's devilishly delish!

 

Serves: 8

Preparation Time: 15 min         
Cooking Time: 35 min         
Baking Dish Size: 9 x 13                   

Ingredients

• Vegetable cooking spray
• 1 jar (24 ounces) Prego® Italian Sausage & Garlic Italian Sauce
• 1 container (15 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 7 cups bow tie-shaped pasta, cooked and drained
• 1 container (8 ounces) small fresh mozzarella cheese balls
• 2 tablespoons sliced pitted ripe olives       

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 13 x 9 x 2-inch shallow baking dish with the cooking spray.
2. Mix 1 1/2 cups of the sauce, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and pasta in the prepared dish. Spread the remaining sauce over the pasta mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and cover the dish with foil.
3. Bake for 25 minutes or until hot and bubbling. Arrange the cheese balls randomly over the pasta mixture. Place a sliced olive on each cheese ball. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Happy First Day of Fall.... enjoy!

 

 

WE SCARE BEACUSE WE CARE!

I know that most of you Halloweenies will agree that scaring the pants of the little monsters is one of the true joys of Halloween. Come on, you know it's bad, but you love it anyway. That's ok. As long as it's good, harmless, fun.

And if you're looking for a few good pranks to make the kids scream, here are my top 5....

Fake Bugs In The Cereal Box
What a classic! There's nothing funnier than the kids opening a box of their favorite cereal and finding bugs! Be sure to use really large ones, so they don't accidentally end up eating them.... remember, it's one thing to scare, but safety first!

Here's Lookin' At Ya!

Just add googly eyes to everything in the fridge, and turn everything around, so they eyes are facing the front of the fridge. Oh, how I love this!!! Then when the kiddos go in there for an after school snack, they'll get quite a surprise!


The Haunted Mirror
Write a scary message with liquid dish soap in the bathroom mirror. When your kid gets out of the shower they’ll be shocked to see the steam revealed your hidden message. I’d suggest: “Eat your veggies or else.”

Plastic Spiders In The Ice Cubes
Just fill up those ice cube trays with plastic spiders, and be sure to give junior a nice, icy cold glass of his favorite fruit punch! I promise the screams will be well worth it! And remember, make sure the bugs are big enough they'll see them, we don't want them choking on plastic spiders! And make sure to do this with the older kids only!


There's A Spider On The Toilet Paper!
I looooove this! I know, I've featured this little trick before, but I do love it so! All you do is get a black Sharpie marker and draw a spider on the toilet paper. Voilà! Instant fun!

Now, if that just wet your appetite to prank everyone in the house, be sure to check out BuzzFeed for more fun Halloween pranks!

*bwah hahahahaha!

CLASSIC VILLAIN COSTUME PARTY

Are you searching for something different? A fun-themed-grown-ups-only party idea? Well here it is.... Host a costume party with a twist. Have all your party-goers come costumed as their favorite movie villain! Maybe it's Cruella de Ville, Bonnie and Clyde or Mommie Dearest, everyone has a favorite bad guy! Have a best costume contest, where guests vote for their favorite characters.

Start out by sending party invites, printed up to look like movie tickets. Make sure to have a zombified ticket-taker at the door to take admission tickets. Don't forget classic move snacks like popcorn, soda, and Goobers to make the theme complete.

 

Provide ballots with each guest’s name listed and have party goers vote for their favorites. Be sure to award prizes for the a first, second and third place winners.

 

 Once everyone has had a chance to see all the guests, collect the ballots. Figure out the winner and award a prize (and an Oscar trophy, of course!) before everyone leaves!

Once again, everyone will think you're such an amazing party planner! Witch, of course, you are!

A LITTLE BLACK MAGIC

Yes, with only 43 days to go until the most frightful day of the year.... The Queen's mailbox has been flooded with questions on the easiest decorating ideas. The most commonly asked question is what would make a good centerpiece for my buffet or dinner table? Well, here you go Halloweenies....

Check out this fun Halloween centerpiece, made with nothing but candy corn, candied pumpkins, and a some black branches. I've also done this with black jelly-beans, and lots of black licorice candies!

You can either buy black branches at your favorite craft store, or you can paint them yourself.  If you choose to paint them yourself....  spray paint the branches with black gloss, let dry. Then, take a tall, clear vase and place the branches in the center.

While holding the branches up, fill the vase with the candy until the branches stay upright.

When you get to the top, add the candy pumpkins, making sure that the branches are secure.

Now.... you've created an instant centerpiece, in less than 10 minutes. And you want to know the best part? All your dinner guests will be amazed at your spooky style and craftiness!

You're welcome.

HOW DO YOU FONDUE?

I saw this idea on Everyday with Rachel Ray and had to share it!

 

Whether you're throwing a Fall dinner party, a chic Halloween bash or Thanksgiving cocktails, this pumpkin  fondue bowl is the perfect decor feature for your table.

Cut a hole in the top of the pumpkin, large enough to fit a bowl. Use it to hold dip, or pour melted cheese or chocolate in it for a fondue set up!

 

The best dipping things for cheese fondue are bread chunks, salami, green apples, and summer sausage!

And if you're going all chocolate, I think fruit and marshmallows work the best! Give it a try, you won't be disappointed. Thanks for the idea, Rachel Ray!

Now, if you've never done a fondue before, I'll share my favorite easy cheesy fondue recipe. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 6 ounces Emmentaler or Swiss cheese, shredded (1-1/2 cups)
• 6 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded  (1-1/2 cups)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 clove garlic, halved
• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons dry white wine
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Kirsch or other cherry brandy (optional)
• Dash ground black pepper
• Dash freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 loaf crusty country bread, torn into 1-inch chunks

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine Emmentaler and Gruyere cheeses. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Add cornstarch; toss gently to combine. Set aside.
2. Rub the inside of the pot (or Dutch oven, whichever you use to serve the fondue) with the halved garlic clove. Discard garlic.
3. In the same pot, heat (on the stove) wine over medium heat until small bubbles rise to the surface. Just before the wine boils, reduce heat to low and stir in cheeses, a little at a time, stirring constantly and making sure cheese melts before adding more. Stir until mixture bubbles gently. Stir in Kirsch (if desired), pepper, and nutmeg.
4. If using a fondue pot, transfer cheese mixture to fondue pot. Keep mixture bubbling gently over an outdoor grill, open flame, or a fondue burner. (If mixture becomes too thick, gradually stir in a little additional wine.) Fit chunks of country bread onto long skewers.  Dip bread into cheese mixture. Makes 8 servings.

 

SPOOKY MADE SIMPLE

Ok, so if you're making yourself crazy, and think that you have to go all out for this Halloween party with exotic food and table-scapes. Well, I have to tell you.... you couldn't be more wrong. Here's a good example of easy and fabulous!

 If you don't have time to plan a large menu, just do drinks and a dessert table, instead. (and if you're really pressed for time, you can even buy the goodies already made.... then just decorate them yourself!)

Add a few spooky props, sparkly dishes, some candles and some spiderwebs. Dim the lights and wait for the guests to arrive!

Simply Spooktacular!

BARBECUE BAT WINGS

Now that party season is right around the corner, I've been getting lots of requests for The Queen of Halloween's Famous Barbecue Bat Wings! In case you missed it, let's revisit The Posts of Halloween Past.....

What party wouldn't be complete with some really good appetizers? And who isn't a fan of hot wings? You can do it really simple and buy them in bulk, and just throw 'em in the oven....or you can do it from scratch, with this super-easy recipe! They're so quick to make, and the presentation really completes the special effects!

INGREDIENTS:
~24 chicken wings (3 to 4 pounds)
~1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
~3/4 cup molasses
~1/2 cup beef broth
~1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
~1 cup ketchup
~2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
~2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
~1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
~1 tablespoon sesame oil
~1 teaspoon hot sauce

PREPARATION:
Preheat oven to 375°F.

Stretch out each chicken wing to resemble bat's wing. Arrange wings, skin side down in single layer in large roasting pan.

Combine soy sauce, molasses, broth and ginger in small saucepan; heat over low heat until mixture is smooth and well blended. Pour evenly over wings. Bake wings 30 minutes; turn and bake 30 minutes more or until sauce is thick and sticky.

Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients in small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until bubbly, stirring occasionally. Let cool slightly before serving.

Makes 8 servings and 1-1/3 cups sauce

Trust The Queen.... these bat wings are to die for!!!

 

ZOMBIE SCARECROW DAY!

From all of the e mails that I've been getting this week, I know you all are really kickin' it into high gear with the Halloween decorating.... great job, Halloweenies! And I am here to help. Justine 
e mailed me wanting to find out how to make something "zombified" but not too scary for the kiddos, front yard décor. Did you come to the right place, Justine!

I think Zeke the Zombie Scarecrow is the perfect mix of cute and creepy, if you ask me.

Yes, you too can make this little zombie cutie to add that something special, to your Halloween yard decorations!

All you need, is one of those cheapie scarecrows that you can find at your favorite craft store, 2 bamboo skewers, an exacto knife, and some red and black acrylic paint.

First, take the bamboo skewers, (with the pointed end going into the body) and slide one in each arm of the scarecrow, and push the pointed end into the body of the scarecrow, to make the arms stretch out, like a zombie pose. Then break off the end of the skewer, so it's the same length as the scarecrows straw hands. (Save the broken pieces, if you want to make a scary scarecrow)

Next, take the scarecrow and cut a few slices in the face and body, with an exacto knife. Then in the slices, dab with the red acrylic paint, making some smears and splatter. Be sure to add some splatter to the clothes and straw hands as well, to add to the effect.

Then, using the black acrylic paint, make scars and smears on the face of the scarecrow, and some splatter on the clothes, as well.

You can make him as gory or as cute as you want. I of course.... went for the creepy factor, and added the ends from the broken bamboo skewers, in the heart and the head..... just for effect!

How cute is this guy?

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

If you're planning a Halloween party for the kids you know that keeping them entertained can require you to have a spell book full of magic tricks. Well, let me tell you, games are always a great way to keep them from getting bored.

Here is the best collection of Halloween party games (for grade school aged kids, anyway...) on or off the Internet. (Pretty easy and not too expensive!)

These party games are kid-tested, and you can use these Halloween party games for other events, too. Use your imagination, and just have fun! Check these out.....
For prizes, I suggest penny candy and party favors (Like you'd find in bulk at the Party Supply stores), so you can give out lots of prizes. Try to make sure every kid wins a few pieces. After all, the object is to have fun, not compete against one another.

The "Name Game"
This is a warm-up, get to know you game for kids through adults.

All you need is:
3x 5 cards
Marking Pen(medium or wide point)
Safety Pins
Before the party, print neatly the name of a person or character associated with Halloween onto a 3x5 card.
Use a different name on each card.

Make up enough cards for more than each person invited to the party, especially for kids. This can be such a fun game, that party participants often want to play it more than once.

Upon arriving, use a safety pin to put one card on each guests' back. Do not tell them who is on the card.

Game Objective: To guess who "you" are, the name on your back.

Rules:
You can ask only one question of a guest, before moving to another guest to ask a question.
Only "Yes" and "No" answers can be given.
Laughing, facial expressions, etc are certainly allowed.
Look for questions which will quickly narrow the quest such as:
Am I a male(or female)?
Am I a real person(versus fictional character)?
If a guest guesses too quickly, give them another name tag.

Ghost-Centration:
Object of Game: To guess pairs of hidden objects. Like the "Concentration " game.

Preparation:
Take twelve post-it notes.
Using a crayon or marker, number each post -it note from one to twelve on the front, non-sticky side.
On the other side, put on two cards each the words: Ghost, Pumpkin, Witches, Goblins, Treats and scarecrows. Make sure each pair not in numerical order.
You can make up any pairs of names you want.
Put the post-its on a wall in two or three rows in numerical order.

Playing the Game:
Each player takes a turn asking for two numbers to be turned over.
If there is a match, the player wins a piece of candy.
The play goes on to the next player whether or not a match is made.

Tip: For older "kids", use more than twelve post-it notes.

Pumpkin Golf:
Object of Game: Hit the golf ball into a pumpkin.

Preparation:
Carve out a pumpkin. Make the mouth extra large.
Build a cardboard ramp about one to two feet side from the ground to the bottom of the pumpkin's mouth.
You will probably need some support under the cardboard.
Tape the ramp to the floor for stability.
Mark a starting point a few feet from the start of the ramp. The older the kids, the farther away.

Playing the Game:
Each player gets to hit a golf ball three times.
Each time the ball goes into the pumpkin, the player wins a piece of candy.

Pumpkin Bowling:
Object of Game: Knock over the bowling pins. Make a strike or a spare.

Preparation:
Select several small pumpkins about four to six inches in diameter. You need extras in case a few split or break.
Place plastic (children's set) of bowling pins several feet away on the lawn or floor of the room.
A great alternative to bowling pins are plastic liter bottles. Let the kids decorate them with Halloween objects before the game.

Playing the Game:
Measure off several feet.
Give each child two tries to knock down the pins.
A strike is worth two pieces of candy.
A spare is worth one piece of candy.

Pumpkin Penny Pitch:
Object of Game: To pitch a penny into a pumpkin.

Preparation:
Method #1: Carve out a pumpkin (or two,or three) and line the inside with plastic or aluminum foil.
Make the top opening big.
Method: #2: Use several small plastic pumpkins(Less messy)

Playing the Game:
Place the pumpkins a couple feet away.
Give each player ten to twenty pennies.
Every time a penny goes into the pumpkin, a piece of candy is won.

Pumpkin Ring Toss:
Object of Game: To toss a ring around a pumpkin.

Preparation:
Carve out a one to three pumpkins.
Buy or make three or four rings about twice as big around as the pumpkins.
If you don't know what to use, try an extra piece of leftover electrical cable and tape together with duct tape. (Scouts use this as a "Reduce, re-use and re-cycle" project)

Playing the Game:
Measure back several feet, depending on age group.
Give the rings to the player.
A piece of candy (or two) is awarded for ringing the pumpkin.
You can award one piece of candy for a partial ring and two if the ring is completely around.

Tic-Tac Ghost:
Object of Game: Get three O's or X's.

Preparation:
Use a "Toss Across" game.
Tape pieces of candy or small prizes on some of the O's and X's.
You can use a paper note stating the prize. Sometimes the prizes are too big to put on the game.

Playing the Game:
Each player gets five or six bean bags.
Toss the bean bags at the game. There are two ways to win.
Win a prize by getting three O's or X's.
If the player turns over a prize, they win that prize.

I'm pretty sure having these party games in your bag of tricks will be a big hit. Remember when putting together a kid's party, it's all about fun... but it sure doesn't hurt to have a few tricks up your sleeve!

CAGED CREATURES

I always think some of the most fun I have during the Halloween season is the "making of the props"!

It gives you the chance to be wildly creative and you'll just love the "oohs" and "aaahhhs" you'll get from your party guests.

Bottles of potions, jars filled with eyeballs, and a bubbling cauldron are always a treat, but don't forget to have some caged creatures hanging around. And nothing's off limits! Snakes and mice are always a fun surprise. Anything from birds to spiders, rats and bats.... they all look fab-boo-lous in a decked out cage!

And making a cage is really pretty easy. Just grab some old wire hangers, floral wire, and something to use for a base, (a wooden base, or urn would work best) some spray paint, and some mossy filler. I just cut the hangers with a pair of snips and shape them into the cage shape. Attach to the base with floral wire, add some moss at the bottom, spray paint, and you're good to go!

I spray painted this little wire cage for my pet rat, Lucifer.... and made this other cage, using twigs and branches I found on the grounds of The Manor. It makes a spooktacular home for my Transylvanian love birds Gomez and Morticia.

Be sure to hop on your favorite craft sites and Pinterest boards to get inspired! Most sites will give you the step by step instructions and I guarantee, once you get started, it'll be hard to stop!

Now don't be scared off, it's really easier than you think...... trust me.

CLASSIC HORROR MOVIE NIGHT

Hello Halloweenies! Parties, parties, parties! That's all everyone seems to be asking about. Please help! I've been getting that a lot lately!

Amber e mailed me and was looking for a party idea that wasn't the typical Halloween Party. No kiddies or costumes, just a fun evening with the 20-something friends. (Or fiends, if you hang out here at The Manor) Classic Horror Movie Night sounds like it just might be what you're looking for.

So get in the mood to watch some good old classic horror movies, and why not make a party out of it? This is one of my favorite theme parties to do. It's sooo easy and all you need is a few scary props, some good munchies, creepy cocktails, and a stack of dvd's! Here are my top 20 favorites.... in no particular order:

Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)

A family-friendly choice and you'll remember why you loved these guys! Very funny, and even scary.

Munster Go Home! (1967)

Who doesn't love the Munsters? Sure it's goofy, but the Munsters are in color and it's fun to watch! Another good one for the kiddies, too.

The Birds (1963)

Leave it to Hitchcock to turn a flock of birds into malevolent monsters! And I love the outfits!

The Black Cat (1934)

A psychological horror film based on a Poe story, the first joint effort for Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi.

Frankenstein (1931)

It's a classic and make it a double feature with The Bride of Frankenstein! A double feature Frankenstein party is a guaranteed good time!

Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
Considered even better than the original, the movie boasts a great campy performance by Elsa Lanchester. One of my personal top 5 favorites!

The Fly (1958)
Half man, half fly, with Vincent Price thrown into the mix. Pretty scary at the time.

Halloween (1978)
Still my number 1 favorite of all time! I actually saw this at the movies when it came out. Yes, I was a teenager in the 70's! Very nostalgic for me. (Not a good one for the kiddo's) This early John Carpenter effort set the tone for many slasher flicks to come. None of the sequels measured up! And to this day, the scene where Jamie Lee is trapped in the closet, still freaks me out!

The Haunting (1963)
One of the greatest of all haunted house movies makes its point without ever really showing us a ghost. Avoid the recent remake at all costs.

Horror of Dracula (1958)

The first of the Hammer horror films, with Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee together for the first time, is thought by some to be the best vampire movie of the classic era.

House On Haunted Hill (1959)
Another one in my top 5! A sinister host, played by Vincent Price offers a group of people $10,000 each if they'll spend the night in his macabre mansion, then does his best to see that no one collects. Directed by the legendary William Castle. (B&W and colorized versions are available, but B&W is much better!)

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
When I was a kid, this was the first horror/sci-fi film that I was forbidden to see (probably had something to do with the word "body" in the title). The 1978 remake wasn't bad, either.

The Invisible Man (1933)
Directed by the legendary James Whale (Frankenstein), this original version of the H.G. Wells tale stars Claude Rains, who is a scary character, even though he's rarely seen in the flesh. The film also stars Gloria Stuart, of Titanic fame.


The Legend of Hell House (1973)
Roddy McDowall and Pamela Franklin star in this haunted house film that's a somewhat weaker version of "The Haunting," though still plenty scary and entertaining.

Night of the Living Dead (1968)
This one I wouldn't suggest for the kids. But George Romero's seminal but low-budget 1968 zombie flick is still about as scary as they get, because in spite of the black and white, it looks real. 1978 sequel was better, but this was the first.

The Pit and the Pendulum (1961)
One of Vincent Price's best classic horror vehicles, based loosely on the Poe story.

Poltergeist (1982)
A very scary film, with an excruciating climactic final scene taking place in a muddy pit full of decomposed corpses!

Psycho (1960)
Hitchcock might not be happy to hear that he started the slasher flick craze, but this is still his most popular film, and one which influenced generations of filmmakers.

The Shining (1980)
We couldn't forget this one by Stanley Kubrick, who teams up with Jack Nicholson for a Gothic tale with a difference. Come on, you know those little girls freaked you out!

The Wolf Man (1941)
One of a handful of the most remarkable horror films. Lon Chaney, Jr.'s best-known role. The rest of the cast is excellent, as well.

Don't forget to turn out the lights, pop some popcorn, and light a few candles to set the perfect party mood. And make sure to scream real loud at the scary parts!