Costume parties are always a big hit-so why not try hosting one? They're timeless, fun, unique, and should never be outgrown. At a costume party, adults can wear something that they otherwise wouldn't want to be caught dead in (or "undead" in, if you favor vampire or mummy costumes). You can even hide your identity entirely for the entire evening with a mask or hood. In the America, costume parties are most common around Halloween, which is when they serve as teenage and adult alternatives to trick-or-treating. Every year, they're a great way to get out and enjoy the Halloween spirit. And if you don't usually enjoy being at parties with tons of strangers, don't worry. Even the shyest will be able to talk to strangers because everyone's crazy costumes make great conversation starters.

So, you're convinced: you want to host a costume party. Here are some important tips: as with any party, hosting a costume bash requires some careful planning. First, it's a good idea to choose a theme. This makes the party more fun, and gives your guests a clearer idea of how they should dress. Party themes include, but are certainly not limited to, cartoon characters, sports, movies, TV shows, Hawaiian luaus, and westerns. Then get your invitations mailed at least three weeks before the party so people have plenty of time to find a good costume. And of course, no one wants to be at a slow boring party. To prevent such a disaster, there are several things you can do. For starters, get music. It is impossible to have a good costume party without music that reflects your theme. Decorations, though often considered only good for kid parties, will add life to your party by setting the mood and atmosphere. A good costume contest inspires everyone to take the dress-up part of your party seriously, and builds lots of excitement because everyone wants to know who's going to win. (To keep everybody happy the party should probably have two contests with separate categories, so there's a better a chance of winning for everyone). Think carefully about which refreshments with coincide with your theme, and make sure there's enough for everyone because the food can make or break a party. Lastly, when appropriate, you can hold baccarat, roulette, poker, and other casino games during the evening.

But the most important aspect of being a costume party host is to have fun. If you're not, no one will. Let yourself relax, feel good, and look great in your costume. If you enjoy the moment, you'll be able to enjoy the memories for years to come.