[Stingy Jack]

A good Halloween party should go from about 7 pm until 1 am (or whenever the guests leave). Of course, a lot of this time should be spent engaged in conversation with the guests ... preferably around a roaring bonfire out back with proper music. Have plenty of food and drink to go around; and a good deal of the atmosphere should not only be in the decorating, but also in the opportunity for the guests to be creative. Halloween is a night of imagination! You don't want to spend the whole evening crowded in front of a television. Give a prize for the best costume, and allow any guests who wish to do so to tell a chilling tale of their own to the others.

But, sooner or later, you are going to want to watch a movie ... and in my humble opinion, your list of films is beyond repair. Overhaul the entire thing completely (it looks as if you plan on having a bunch of 7th and 8th graders over ... is that the case?), except for, perhaps, the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre and the first Halloween. The others are far too lame, and most are action films ... not horror.

But whatever you choose, it should really be your choice. Don't allow your guests to pick the films (unless there is an overwhelming consensus on a particular picture). As host, you should provide the entertainment. Nobody wants to go to a party and have to make decisions about anything other than what to eat, what to drink, and who to flirt with. Just be sure that, even though a movie is playing, have other things available for those guests who are not interested in the movie. Keep the bonfire burning, the music playing, and have plenty of space for people to get together in small groups and mingle.

One thing I find to go over extremely well at a Halloween party is a completely unexpected, and well-executed scare. Maybe plan to have the power go out at one point, shortly followed by a blinding strobe-light illuminating the appearance of a hideous spectre. Have one or two of your closest friends help you plan and execute whatever you decide. Guests appreciate a host who takes the time to entertain ... and word will get out about your parties for next year.