An old-fashioned farmhouse is the ideal place for a Halloween party. The wide fireplace and the simple furnishings are in harmony with all its traditions. The most appropriate decorations are boughs of maple, beech, and pine, flaming leaves and berries, rosy-cheeked apples and golden pumpkins, with garlands of pine and the feathery wild clematis. Jack-o'-lanterns and candles set in apples for candlesticks furnish light enough in addition to the roaring fire.
A closet near at hand is furnished as a witch's den. Festoons of black or gray muslin, made very dusty and covered with cobwebs are hung near the ceiling, and paper bats hang head downward. Cobwebs, bats and gloom go far toward giving the proper effect.
A gypsy tent set up in a corner is always an attractive addition to a spooky farmhouse party. A dark-eyed fortuneteller dressed in the garish dress of a gypsy queen, and possessing a personal knowledge of the circumstances and characters of the guests and the wit to use it, will disclose some very mysterious and interesting facts in the telling of fortunes.
In one corner, guests bob for the elusive apples, merrily floating in a low tub of water; and in another, guests can sail walnut shells carrying tiny candles in a similar tub, to see whether their ships will have fortune or misfortune.
A "Witch's Cave" may be improvised by transforming a small room into a forest of greenery, lighted only with blue-shaded lights and Jack-o'-lanterns. The witch, dressed all in black, her gown decked with mystical figures, toy spiders and serpents, and wearing a pointed hat with lifelike serpent coiled around it, will add to the uncanny effect. She presents to each one who desires to consult her, a tall lighted candle and a paper funnel, through which the inquirer must try to extinguish the flame by blowing through the funnel after "making a wish." If the attempt is successful, the wish will surely come true. Before trying, this seems extremely easy, but after the third attempt one must relinquish all hope. The explanation of the difficulty is that the funnel must not be held directly opposite the light, as the breath follows the sides of the funnel. To blow out the light the funnel must be held either above or below the candle.
The supper at a farmhouse Halloween party should be of a somewhat rustic nature—cold boiled ham with several salads, apples, various nuts, popped corn, maple sugar, gingerbread, doughnuts and crullers made in the shape of initials, fruits, and cider. The bowl of punch or lemonade should be wreathed with vine leaves.
[From: In and Outdoor Games: with Suggestions for Entertainments]
