Pumpkins in City Hall Plaza by ludik from Flickr
Hey Bostonians, are you ready for all the crazies to come out? After a week of putting the final touches on our costumes and attending ghoulishly themed events, the wait for Halloween is finally over! Whether you’re at a house party, or painting the town orange and black, here are a few savvy tips for your Halloween weekend:
(1) If You’re Going to a Halloween Party, Wear a Costume (and a Jacket):
I hear all of you Halloween haters scoffing at me, but deep down you know that I’m right. If you’re not going to a party, or staying at home to dole out candy to the kiddies, fine; don’t wear a costume. But, if you are going to a Halloween themed nightlife event, you’ve gotta make an effort. And, you may also want to consider a jacket because it’s going to be much chillier tonight than it was last year! My favorite gals at Shoestring Mag. have 20+ great tips for DIY Halloween costumes (and makeup) if you’re searching for inspiration (click here). I also penned a last-min Halloween costume post last year (click here).
The Savvy Bostonian Turned Flapper
(2) A Halloween Costume is an Icebreaker Like No Other:
Sure, you may look silly, but whether you’re at a house party or a bar, the fact that everyone is in costume makes it easier to approach people. So, even if you’re a shy single guy or gal, promise me you’ll make more of an effort to socialize tonight. Start with “Hey, I like your costume,” and see where it takes you. Conversation starters are the best when they’re simple. I also always like to ask people (whether I’m hitting on them or not, thank you) what they’re best Halloween costume ever was. (Mine was a referee – not a sexy referee – that called party fouls all night.)
(3) Stay Classy…(or at least attempt to!):
Halloween is not the night to reinvent the wheel when it comes to your alcohol consumption (hear that, wannabe Snooki’s!?). There’s no debating that it’s a rowdy holiday for adults, but I believe that you can showcase Halloween spirit without being a drunken “hot mess.” Before heading out, be honest about how much you usually *do* drink on a given weekend and try to keep that in mind when faced with tempting shots and mystery “witches brews.”
Speaking of those “witches brews,” if you’re at a house party, steer clear it, or whatever punch they’re serving, simply because who knows how much alcohol was put in there. Fancy Halloween drinks are generally safer at a bar, but don’t mistake a sweet themed drink for being low in alcohol (ask your bartender what’s in it, if you’re concerned). If you really want to be festive, enjoy one fun drink, then switch back to your usual drink of choice. If mixed drinks aren’t your thing, ’tis the season for great seasonal brews, so consider bringing a pumpkin ale to the party (like Shipyard Pumpkin) for a douse of festive spirit.
Halloween Candy by .imelda from Flickr
(4) Going to a House Party? Treat the Host or Hostess
If someone’s nice enough to throw a Halloween party, be sure to thank them by bringing a great treat (or two) to the party. As mentioned above, grab a six or 12-pack of pumpkin ale, or nice bottle of wine and consider toting along something sweet for your host/hostess. If you enjoy baking, try my canned pumpkin brownie bites, or the healthy pumpkin spice whoopie pies from Oh She Glows. In a pinch, Trader Joe’s also has tons of sweet nibbles (the sea salt brownie bites are a personal fave), or picking up a 1-2 dozen mini cupcakes from Sweet are always a hit. Flowers can also make for a fantastic hostess gift and Trader Joe’s has great pre-arranged ones for under $15, or simply buy a few sunflowers at your local shop to add to the party’s festive decor.
(5) Going to a bar? Line Up Early
Halloween, like New Year’s Eve, is one of those holidays that attracts people to the city in droves. Feel free to call me The Snarky Bostonian, but areas like Faneuil Hall, Boylston Street in the Back Bay and Lansdowne Street in Fenway are going to be filled with throngs of people, including tons of crazies. If you’re smart, you’ll line up early. And, if I haven’t already sounded mom-ish enough, it’s going to be cold out, so wear a jacket! The last thing I want to hear in line is a scantily clad guy or gal whining about being cold. Snarky, but true!
Warm wishes to everyone for a safe & happy Halloween! And, if you’re feeling up to it on Sunday, don’t forget the very last SoWa Open Market of the Season – appropriately themed the “Market of the Living Dead.”
SoWa Market of the Living Dead