In search of inspiration for your upcoming Halloween celebration? Look no further than a new interactive tool designed to help you plan a spooky and delicious party. By spinning this virtual ‘slot machine,’ you can discover creative snack ideas like Puff Pastry Intestines and Vampire Hot Dogs.
A recent survey unveiled that Halloween now ranks as the second most beloved family event of the year, following closely behind Christmas. Many households go all out for Halloween, investing an average of £285 and nearly 23 hours in preparations, which often include elaborate costumes, trick-or-treating, and hosting festive gatherings.
According to research sponsored by Herta, families dedicate around two hours and 53 minutes to selecting and purchasing food for Halloween, in addition to three hours devoted to outfit planning and creation. A significant portion (21%) of households are planning to host a Halloween party, complete with themed cuisine and activities such as apple bobbing and serving hot dogs.
Furthermore, 27% of parents intend to prepare a special Halloween dinner for their families on October 31st, while 46% plan to treat their loved ones at home. The study also found that families typically spend £32 on costumes, £20 on pumpkins for carving, and approximately £30.41 on food for entertaining both kids and adults.
Despite the festive splurges, nine out of ten celebrants aim to keep their Halloween expenditures reasonable. More than half (54%) plan to distribute treats to trick-or-treaters, while 48% will decorate the interior of their homes and 42% will adorn the exterior.
Interestingly, some individuals prioritize Halloween over Christmas as a seasonal celebration, with the holiday ranking higher in enjoyment for families compared to Easter, New Year’s Eve, and Bonfire Night. Popular games for Halloween gatherings include a spooky treasure hunt (48%), ghoulish charades (47%), and ‘Pass the Pumpkin’ (41%), with an average of 14 guests expected at each event.
Gemma Serdet, senior brand manager at Herta, emphasized the growing enthusiasm for Halloween among UK families, noting the shift towards embracing the holiday’s festive spirit through costumes, decorations, and most importantly, themed food. She highlighted the demand for fun, affordable, and easy-to-prepare Halloween-themed dishes, which provide families with an opportunity to bond and showcase creativity in the kitchen.