Halloween parties are all about fun, costumes, and eating all of the candy corn bowls situated throughout the house without getting busted. 

Minus the candy corn gluttony, being a great guest makes the party even better. Here are five simple tips to help you be the guest everyone’s happy to invite back next year.

1. RSVP on Time

Put yourself in the shoes of the host—would you want to be left hanging after sending out the party invitations? 

Probably not, right? 

Hosts need a headcount to plan food, drinks, and space, so giving them a timely response is, you know, the respectful thing to do. It also helps avoid any last-minute surprises, like running out of snacks, liquor, or squeezing in extra chairs. 

So, do your host a favor and let them know if you’re in or out.

2. Stick to the Costume Theme

The two biggest Halloween party faux pas you can commit are:

1. Not coming in costume
2. Wearing a costume that has nothing to do with the party theme

Arriving as a plainclothes party-goer is just lazy, and coming as Borat if the theme is classic horror makes you look like a contrarian. Plus, it sends the message that you didn’t care enough to join in on the fun, and, in addition to no costume or an irrelevant one, that’s never a good look.

3. Don’t Arrive Empty-Handed

This tip works for just about any gathering, but especially for Halloween parties. 

Even if your host insists they don’t need anything, it’s always a nice gesture to bring a small gift. It could be a bottle of wine, some Halloween-themed snacks, a fun party favor for the host, or a BasketWorks gift basket…oops, too soon for the shameless plug!

It doesn’t have to be extravagant—just something to show your appreciation. After all, the host is putting in time and effort to make sure everyone has a great time. They have to clean up after all of you, too. 

4. Be Respectful of the Space

If the host says, “Make yourself at home,” don’t take them up on that.

Rules differ among households. 

Respect the host’s space—don’t leave a trail of candy wrappers, props, or empty bottles of Zima behind. If there are specific rules like “no drinks in the living room” or “shoes off at the door,” make sure to follow them. 

Clean up after yourself, especially if you’ve made a mess. 

5. Be Mindful of the Time

Don’t wear out your welcome. 

Honor the expression, “You don’t have to go home, but you gotta get outta here.”

As much as your host wants everyone to have a blast, they probably don’t want the party to go all night. Keep an eye on the time, and when it’s starting to wind down, say your goodbyes and thank the host before heading out. If you’re close with the host, offering to help clean up can be a huge bonus. 

🎃 SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT 🎃

Of course, what will put you over the edge when it comes to being the perfect guest is bringing the perfect gift. Seal the deal with our Trick or Treat Gift Basket, featuring Jelly Bellys, caramels, cheese straws, nuts, an assortment of chocolate candy, and more!

Happy early Halloween!

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!

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When you think of mulling spices, your mind likely drifts to chilly nights, warm drinks, and that comforting, spiced aroma that fills the air during the holiday season. 

Or, you’ve never heard of them, and your mind likely drifts to, “What are mulling spices?”

Mulling spices—typically a blend of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice—are often used to enhance the flavors of beverages like cider and wine. 

But these spices do more than just make your drink taste like a cozy embrace; they are gluttonous with surprising health benefits, too. 

Let’s explore why mulling spices deserve a spot in your pantry beyond just seasonal sipping.

1. Boosting Immunity

Cinnamon, a key ingredient in mulling spices, is loaded with antioxidants, which help your body fight off infections and reduce inflammation. 

Antioxidants are your body’s defense against free radicals, which can cause damage to cells and contribute to illness (they should make a video game where antioxidants duke it out with free radicals). 

During colder months when colds and the flu are on the rise, sipping on a drink infused with mulling spices can give your immune system a gentle boost, helping you stay healthier through the season.

2. Aiding Digestion

Cloves, another staple in the mulling spice mix, are known for their digestive benefits. 

They have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to relieve indigestion, bloating, and gas (sorry if you’re eating while reading this). Sipping on a warm beverage with mulling spices after a hearty meal can help soothe your stomach and support digestion. Cloves also have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce digestive discomfort.

3. Improving Circulation

Cinnamon and nutmeg, both found in mulling spices, are known to help improve circulation. 

Better blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to your organs and tissues, helping them function more efficiently. This can be especially beneficial during the colder months when you’re bundled up and your circulation may be a little sluggish. 

Enjoying a warm cup of spiced cider can be a delicious way to get your blood moving.

4. Fighting Inflammation

It feels like we’re picking on inflammation here. Sorry, not sorry. 

Allspice and cloves, both common in mulling spice blends, contain anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is linked to a variety of health issues, including arthritis, heart disease, and even some cancers. 

5. Relaxation and Mood Enhancement

The warm, inviting aroma of mulling spices can have a soothing effect on the mind. 

Don’t take my word for it. Take science’s! The scent of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg has been linked to stress relief and mood enhancement. Next time you’re feeling a little frazzled, sipping on a hot mulled drink might be just what you need to unwind and lift your spirits.

🍵 SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT 🍵

We wouldn’t tease you with a blog post about mulling spices if we didn’t have an awesome product starring these ingredients. I mean, that would just be cruel. Behold, our Fall Fiesta Gift Basket, built in a seasonal basket accented with fall leaves and featuring: mulling spices; Crunchmaster crackers; pumpkin butter; Anna’s ginger cookies; Sally’s Nuts; sweet potato chips; Vosges Walnut marshies, and more. 

Enjoy!

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!

Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and LinkedIn