Trick or Host: Halloween 2024

[Guy991]

Hello everyone,

This is my first year hosting during Halloween! My co-host and I have been debating just how far we should go in transforming the house into a haunted experience. Given that it’s already a 90% rustic, old, mysterious property, it may really spook any self-check-ins who arrive late at night! The last thing I need is a last-minute cancellation because someone is scared of fake spider webs or finds a full-size laughing clown with glowing red eyes. Plus, Halloween is celebrated differently around the world, and some guests might not even be familiar with it.

So, we decided to keep it subtle. Here’s how we set up our lobby table. Each guest will also receive a small plastic pumpkin bucket filled with sweets as a gift from us, and a small, lovable white ghost hanging from the door handle to their suite.

I’d love some more cute ideas to create a moderate Halloween experience. And please, no convincing me to add gravestones to the main lawn next year!

Happy Halloween, everyone!

 

[Cheri354]

If you really want to go all-out, start posting for a Halloween Experience a few months/weeks ahead of time for folks looking for FuN 🙂

[Greg2406]

@Guy991 

Looks good.   

My guests want Bourbon  😎 

Happy Halloween.

[Frances3408]

@Guy991. Hi Guy. Ok, so I guess you dont want my skeleton head in a ghost sheet that hangs above front doorway and comes down from a wire moaning when triggered by the motion sensor. Nor the endless supply of fake cobwebs that are impossible to get off brickwork afterwards!

I think you have hit the right balance though and love what you've done.

If I was hosting with kids I'd go all out (notifying parents beforehand in case not appropriate). Add Halloween cupcake making kits, bobbing apples and the list goes on. Dont forget a range of scary and not so scary DVDs if TV and streaming options limited.

Of course here in the OZ Beaches Halloween is less of a thing and my predominately adult 31 October guests are not really interested. This year I am also lucky to have guests checking out that day with no check in until the weekend so I get to miss it and less to clean up. But I always leave out lollies and chocolate in the fridge so who needs an excuse!

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[Karen4131]

Hi @Guy991 🎃

Cozy theme 🙂 I'm not sure if it's a "cute idea", but with Halloween coming up, I posted a photo from last year on my listing of a 'spooky' carved pumpkin.

I’m not expecting any rentals in late October, since my place is mostly a summer spot on the Northern Hemisphere. But I'm thinking of keeping it as the cover photo for a few days—not to get bookings right now, but to generate interest and maybe catch someone’s attention so they'll add it to their wishlist and consider it for summer. So, that was my way of bringing a bit of Halloween into my listing. 🙂

 Best regards, Karen 🙂

[Jos15839]

It sounds like you're creating a fun and welcoming Halloween atmosphere! To enhance your subtle Halloween experience, consider using soft, warm lighting with orange or purple fairy lights to create a cozy ambiance. Incorporate seasonal decor like small pumpkins and fall leaves, maybe even carving mini pumpkins with friendly faces. Playing a gentle playlist of Halloween sounds or music can add to the atmosphere without being overwhelming. For treats, offer Halloween-themed snacks like ghost-shaped cookies or pumpkin spice treats alongside the sweets in the pumpkin buckets. You could set up a DIY decoration station for guests to craft simple items like decorated mini pumpkins or paper bats, adding an interactive element. Consider a "Welcome, Boo!" sign at the entrance and a friendly ghost cutout with a cute message. Using pumpkin or cinnamon-scented candles will tie in the seasonal smell nicely. Dressing your co-hosts in festive but not scary costumes, like cute animals, can add to the fun. You might also set up a photo area with props for memorable snapshots and create a cozy corner for sharing classic Halloween stories or ghost tales that invite guest participation. These ideas should help you strike the perfect balance between festive and welcoming!

[Bhumika]

That's so creative @Guy991 😍 Love the set up! 

Have you added any more items to this set up since the time you shared it with the community? 

Haha, I can imagine how it would like, if you added gravestones to the main lawn 😉 — a spooky welcome for guests!

@Guy991 @Karen4131 @Frances3408 @Greg2406 have you noticed our Halloween game yet? I'm excited to invite you to crack our [GAME] Halloween crossword puzzle ‌🎃‌‌👻‌ . Looking forward to your creative answers😉

[Jack2821]

Start posting for a Halloween Experience a few months or weeks in advance for anyone searching for FuN if you truly want to go all out: A faint smile on the face: