Set up the useful things before the decorations

Place each station where guests will naturally need it. Keep costume supplies near the entrance or coat area, cup markers beside the clean cups, and take-home bags near the exit. None of the three needs to sit on the main food table.

This plan prepares one repair basket, labels for 12 cups and 8 treat bags. Adjust the quantities to your guest list. Keep anything small, sharp or edible arranged for the ages and needs of your group, and let an adult manage repairs that use safety pins.

1. Costume repair basket

A small basket helps with slipped straps, loose hems and costume pieces that will not stay put. It is for quick, temporary fixes—not cutting or sewing while people are moving around.

  • 1 small basket
  • 12 safety pins in a securely closed container
  • 1 roll removable fabric tape
  • 6 clear removable adhesive strips
  • 1 lint roller
  • 3 plain hair ties
  1. Put the safety pins inside their closed container before adding them to the basket. Arrange the tape, adhesive strips, lint roller and hair ties around it.
  2. Set the basket near the coat area, high enough that young children cannot reach the pins without an adult.
  3. Use tape or a hair tie for the simplest fix. If a safety pin is needed, have an adult secure it from the inside of the costume with the clasp fully closed.

Test fabric tape on a hidden spot before using it on delicate, fuzzy or rented costumes. Do not place adhesive on skin, and do not use this basket for face paint, medical care or a damaged electrical costume accessory. A regular lint roller can also remove glitter or crumbs before a photo.

2. Cup marker station

A name marker reduces cup mix-ups without asking guests to remember a color or charm. The tape becomes a removable writing surface, so the marker never needs to touch the cup itself.

  • 12 clean cups
  • 1 roll washi tape
  • 1 black marker
  • 1 small tray
  1. Cut or tear twelve short strips of washi tape and place them sticky-side down along the edge of the tray, leaving one end easy to lift.
  2. When a guest takes a cup, wrap one strip around the outside of the cup below the drinking rim and press it flat.
  3. Write one name or simple symbol on the tape, let the ink dry for a moment and keep the marked cup with that guest.

Use cups and tape suited to the drinks you are serving. Keep the tape away from the rim and inside of the cup. On a cold cup, dry the outside before applying the tape so it can stick. Remove the labels before washing reusable cups.

3. Take-home treat bags

A small take-home bag gives guests a place for wrapped favors or the extra sealed treats you planned to share. Preparing the bags before the party keeps the end of the evening from turning into a search for containers.

  • 8 small kraft paper bags
  • 8 large round stickers
  • 8 blank note cards
  • Individually wrapped treats or non-food favors for 8 bags
  • 1 dark olive tray or basket
  1. Place one note card inside each bag, then divide the wrapped treats or non-food favors evenly among all eight.
  2. Fold the top of each bag down twice and close it with one sticker.
  3. Stand the bags in the tray near the exit and give one to each guest as they leave.

Keep food in its original individual wrapper so ingredient information remains available. If guests have allergies or dietary needs, separate suitable bags and identify them clearly rather than relying on color alone. Avoid putting homemade food into unlabelled bags. A small puzzle, sticker sheet or glow bracelet can replace candy.

Keep each station easy to find

Walk through the party route once before guests arrive: entrance, drinks, food, activities and exit. Move any station that blocks a doorway or serving area. Refill the cup tape if it runs low, return loose pins to their container and keep the take-home bags together until departure time.

These details are deliberately small. They support the party without becoming another activity the host has to supervise. Set them up early, point them out once and let them quietly do their jobs.

For a complete gathering, add three simple Halloween party games and choose food from the Fondfolk Halloween party menu.