Awesome Halloween decorations and ideas that won’t break the bank! We’re sharing ways you can host a Halloween party on a budget and still make it look charming! From cocktails to Halloween decorations and recipes, these party ideas are not only affordable but also classic and charmingly spooky.
We love celebrating Halloween with spooky decorations and fun cocktails, but we’re all about doing it on a budget. So we’re spilling the potion on all things budget Halloween. Also, tips for creating the ultimate
It’s all about thrifting and finding unique items for a fraction of the cost. If you haven’t stopped by a Goodwill, Savers or any second hand store in your area, you’re missing out. It’s a mecca for affordable Halloween party decorations. From beautiful vintage glassware that costs $1 to fun Halloween costume ideas, they really do have it all.
Halloween Party Decorations on a Budget
Shop Thrift Stores
When it comes to shopping for Halloween, it’s all about saving money! Second-hand stores like Savers or The Goodwill are great places to find unique Halloween party decorations and costumes.
In fact, everything for this Halloween bar was purchased at Savers and other local thrift stores. I found the most charming, vintage, one-of-a-kind pieces to pull this party together and
I went shopping with an overall idea of what I wanted to create, but I didn’t have a color scheme in mind. As soon as my eye landed on the most gorgeous royal blue goblets, I KNEW they would be stunning for Halloween!!
Like a black cat, in that dark blue sky look… it all came together in the aisle. Search high and low (literally on the shelves!!) for vintage glassware, punch bowls, vases, fabrics, vintage glass decanters, and any other royal blue items tp incorporate. As you can see, you’ll find a lot of treasures for your Halloween bar.
You will be pleasantly surprised at how adorable vintage glassware and punch bowls are.
Here’s a list of items you can score at thrift shops to save money and use to decorate a Halloween Bar. Some thrift stores will have a Halloween section for faux spider webs and Halloween costumes.
- Vintage vases
- Punch bowels
- Decanters
- Old wooden frames
- Cake stands
- Spider webs
- Old linens and table cloths
Halloween Flowers
Always have flowers at your party, even for Halloween! Halloween florals are fun to make as you can use dried or fresh flowers, darker colors,
I had Erin make a charming floral arrangement, in the blue vase I found at the thrift store, and we used peacock feathers to go with the blue theme. We also used the feathers to garnish the cocktails too, which added so much charm!
To save money, create an arrangement from flowers and branches outside. The best part about a Halloween arrangement is that the flowers can be dried and discolored as it adds to the spookiness!
Halloween Cocktails
It’s not a Halloween party without the cocktails! Here is a list of some delicious Halloween cocktails to make!
- Apple Cider Punch
- Purple Gin and Tonic
- Monster Mash Lemongrass
- Smoking Lavender Martini
- Black Sangria
- Spiked Jolly Rancher Punch
- Candy Corn Vodka Shots
When shopping for spirits, look for bottles and labels that go with the Halloween bar theme. Things like Angry Orchard, Midnight Moonshine or Pumpkin Beer. Local grocery stores or liquor stores will carry a large supply of unique sprits to place on the bar.
This tequila bottle was one of my favorite items on the table. I splurged a little on this but I couldn’t resist! After the tequila is gone it can still be used for decorations!
Halloween Ice Rings
Ice rings are great for keeping a punch cool. Add fruit, dried flowers, and spices in a round bundt pan and freeze. Here is a tutorial on how to make ice rings! For the apple cider punch, we made an ice ring using sliced apples, blueberries, and cinnamon sticks. I LOVE the way ice rings look in punches!
Again, another easy Halloween decoration idea that won’t break the bank but adds a lot of charm.
Dry Ice In Cocktails
We used dry ice to add a little spookiness to the drinks and decanters! Dry ice makes the cocktail look like it’s smoking. We use it often for Halloween. You have to be careful and follow directions since it’s so cold it can burn your hand, so you can’t touch it directly.
Once it’s in a drink it will fall to the bottom and start to melt. Here is a guide to using dry ice in cocktails.
You can also use dry ice in decanters as decor. Once the water gets really cold, you’ll need to switch it out with warm water and add more ice to keep he smoke going.
How much does dry ice cost?
Dry ice varies in price depending on where you buy it. Some stores have minimums on purchasing, especially if they sell in bulk. It can range anywhere from $1.00 to $3.00 per pound. We get ours at a local ice store that sells everything from ice sculptures, dry ice to shaved it.
Halloween Potions – An Easy Halloween Party Decoration
Make your own potion using vintage glass jars, water, dye and dry ice. These are super affordable to make using just a few ingredients. You can change the color like green or red to match your party theme. You will have to continue replenishing the ice as it melts.
Fog Machine
Another option for creating fog at your party is to purchase a smoke machine. These should be used outdoors, or at least placed outside and have it leaking through an open door. You can find many options for fog machines here.
Halloween Party Food Ideas
It’s always a good idea to have some snacks and desserts out for guests to nibble on, like cheese plates, small bite-size appetizers, and mixed nuts. Here are some fun ideas for easy Halloween food and desserts!
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Candy for Halloween Party Decorations
Candy is another affordable Halloween party decoration. Buy in bulk and fill vintage glasses and jars with candy. Add a little glass cup inside the jar in the middle to make your candy last longer and fill more jars.
Have some assorted candy out in vintage glass containers. It is Halloween after all! We chose all blue candy and purchased it at Party City. Here are more options of where you can purchase Halloween candy:
Candy apples are a fund dessert to have at a Halloween party. We have a wonderful tutorial here to make your own!
More Halloween Party Ideas
- Vintage Halloween Party
- Charming Halloween Movie Night
- 6 Tips for Creating a Halloween Bar
- How to Host a Pumpkin Carving Party
If you have tried these party ideas or any other ideas on Sugar and Charm, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
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I love this DIY tutorial – so clever.
I’m your mom’s college mate ! I love your website, but not getting it Sign me up!
Hey Dolores! We have a newsletter coming out very soon! It will be twice a month and recap the blog too.. we have it as a pop-up in the corner! You can sign up that way, thank you!!! My mom said she had a great time with you 🙂
Gorgeous! I love the blue/black colour combination!
Thanks Monique!!! I thought it was unique and I LOVE royal blue!!