Somehow, it’s already September. Don’t be fooled by the slight change in temperature and daylight—October is approaching, and that means Halloween is around the corner. If you’re like me—the all-knowing host of your friend group, this month is the best time to plan your Halloween party.

Look at your calendar and create that virtual invite, because each weekend in October is precious time. Halloweekend is generally the weekend before or after Halloween, especially if the holiday falls on a weeknight. Halloween falls on a Thursday this year, so it’s probably best to celebrate during the last week of October and save your Thursday night for trick-or-treating in your neighborhood.

Send Your Invitations Now

Personally, my method for planning a successful party lies in an app. It usually takes less than 20 minutes or less to create a free invitation on Partiful, and it will save you a trip to the post office. Keeping it old school with physical invitations is also cute, and your guests will feel special to open their mailbox to a surprise. Either way, it’s time to choose a date and stick to it. You’ll have ample time to choose a theme, and your guests can prepare their outfits and request off of work.

Costumes and Decorations Will Sell Out

Don’t be shy—encourage costumes at the Halloween party because one of your guests will definitely be itching to wear a fit that they’ve been scheming about all year. Planning a Halloween costume and party simultaneously isn’t an easy task, but your future self will be grateful. A movie-inspired “Nightmare Before Christmas” party is fun and unconventional, and it’s an excuse to bring your Christmas tree out. But there’s nothing like a traditional haunted house filled with cobwebs and carved pumpkins.

In my opinion, the best part of hosting a Halloween party is the decorations. The earlier you plan, the more time you will have to shop.

Prepare a Menu or Potluck

If you don’t put too much time into decorations, channel that energy into crafting an appetizing charcuterie board and finger foods. Having a potluck could be beneficial if you’re inviting a variety of guests, but I tend to handle a majority of dishes at my party and ask guests to bring drinks and desserts. Holiday parties are an excuse to get creative because there’s no other acceptable time to add finger-shaped pigs-in-a-blanket to a menu. For drinks, don’t be afraid to pick up a cauldron at the store and add something seasonal like a poison apple punch or tangy pumpkin sangria.