In most parts of North America, children are dressing up to trick or treat, and adults are getting ready to host their annual Monster Mash.

Decorating your home for this ghoulish holiday is the perfect opportunity to show off your creepy, crawly creative side. If you are planning a gathering at your home this Halloween, it’s time to start gathering what you need. However, before you hang the spider webs and serve your ghostly goodies, there are a few standard rules when hosting an outdoor event in the fall.

Here are some outdoor party basics to make sure that your backyard is guest-ready.

Bring the Heat

After September, temperatures start to drop. You should be prepared to keep your guests warm especially if your party starts after the sun goes down.

Patio heaters are a quick fix that will ensure your guests can enjoy the night outdoors while remaining cozy. Electric models are simple to use, while propane/gas heaters are better for larger areas as they have a greater heat output. IR Energy’s EvenGLO heaters provide comfort to spaces within 20-24ft in diameter, giving a strong, consistent flame all through the night. Their units are a great solution and can be easily purchased the same day if you run out of time before your party.

If you have time for longer home improvement projects that can increase the value of your home and make your outdoor living areas more inviting, consider installing a patio fireplace or a fire pit.

While permanent fire pits and fireplaces are certainly more attractive, there are portable fire pits that are more affordable and can also be picked up and put into use the day of your party.

These fire features are great for creating an ambiance in your garden. They will provide heat for your guests and are the perfect spot for gathering around when it’s time to roast marshmallows and tell ghost stories.

Provide Shelter

There is always a possibility that a shower may unexpectantly occur right in the middle of your soiree. Therefore, it’s best to be prepared for inclement weather so that you can keep your guests comfortable. The first and most important part of this is making sure you have a covered outdoor entertaining area.

A covered patio, pergola or deck is ideal. Having a versatile retractable canopy installed is even better. This custom feature can be adapted to any new or existing overhead structures, regardless of size and complexity.

No rain can stop this jam. With ShadeFX’s single track system and waterproof fabric, rainwater sheds to the sides of the canopy and away from your guests. We have fire-retardant fabric that pairs great with outdoor heaters too.

When the rain stops, impress your guests by retracting your canopies and revealing the moonlit sky. If you listen closely enough, you may hear the werewolves howling.

Let There be Light

The fall season has officially begun and with it comes noticeably shorter days as nightfall comes much earlier. Consider adding extra lighting so your guests won’t be stumbling around in the dark.

Solar path lights can help direct traffic, while festive lights can provide the perfect soft lighting. Drape string lights across some plants, fence or wall to add a lovely but subtle background touch to your outdoor gathering.

To keep within the theme, lanterns are a great choice. They are available in a wide range of sizes and styles and can be dotted strategically around the garden for added character.

Have a deck? In-lite Design Corporation are the leaders in deck and paver lighting, providing a polished design guaranteed to make your backyard shine. Their solutions can also be integrated into the beams of your pergola, for a truly unique look.

Once you have handled the basics of preparing your home for fall parties, you can focus on the finer details. Like picking a theme to help streamline your party prep and decoration choices. This can make choosing games, eats and drinks much easier.

Ready to host an awesomely ghoulish outdoor party? We can help with the basics. Contact us today.