With Halloween right around the corner, many of you are probably running around trying to figure out last minute decorations and costumes.

But no need to fret, allow me to play Martha Stewart.

The annual Halloween party I throw begins in an attempt to organize everything during fall break by figuring out food and decorations. Here are some of the best that my family and I have found:

For food

Have cupcakes, because who doesn’t like a cupcake? They’re cheap and easy to make. Just buy a box mix of vanilla cupcakes and dye the batter orange in order to get that Halloween feel. Then, buy a can or make your own white icing. Separate it into two batches, dye one black and the other purple. Ice half of the cupcakes with each color, and allow your guests’ mouths to turn into a Halloween rainbow. Want more creativity? Set out candy, such as candy corn and red hots, allowing people to customize their cupcake as they please.

For more filling food, a big crock pot of chili is the way to go. Make your best pot of chili, and set out cheese, sour cream, chives and cilantro with plenty bowls and spoons. Worried about your guests’ diet? Vegetarian chili is even easier to make, and no one will notice the lack of meat in the dish.

Hot dogs are also great for parties. They’re easy to hand out and easy to prepare. Get ketchup, mustard, relish and other toppings (especially if there will be people from Chicago or New York at your party), and you’re set.

For decorations

First and foremost, FAKE COBWEBS ARE YOUR BEST FRIEND. Attack your front yard with this stuff, but make sure it is pulled apart nicely and not balled up. The thinner it is, the better it looks.

Make your bushes stand out with illuminating eyes to haunt your guests. Cut eyes in the toilet paper rolls, and tape glow sticks inside. Then scatter them throughout your bushes and have the whole block wondering what creature lurks in your yard.

Gravestones are also a great touch if you’re going for that stereotypical Halloween look. You can get them at Target and Party City, or you make your own using styrofoam and gray spray paint.

Buying decorations from the Dollar Store or Kroger is not a bad thing. They’re cheap, and they look great, so don’t be afraid to utilize them. Plus if you use low lighting, who can tell the difference?

Inside your house, have ghosts hang out in every room. Get clear latex balloons full of helium from Party City or other party stores, and cheesecloth from Kroger or Lit. Put a dot of glue on the top of the balloon and lay a single sheet of the cheesecloth over it, allowing it to hang. You can repeat this process on the same balloon until you get your desired affect, but be mindful that too many layers can weigh the balloon down. Cut the string and allow your ghost to hang out on the ceiling for the rest of the night.

And there you have it. If you end up using any of my ideas, feel free to tag us in your photos (@WSHSScroll) or email them to us at [email protected].