Pumpkin Patch Party for Kids

Set a Halloween scene that's merry, not scary. For an inexpensive yet clever table, use steel garbage cans as legs for a plywood tabletop covered with rickrack-trimmed burlap. Use the generous space to spread out snacks, treats, and party favors. A dish drainer makes a handy holder for plates.

Give a hint to all the bewitching party fun to come with easy-to-make pumpkin invites made from card stock.

Set the party scene with this unique and fun accordion-style pumpkin garland.

Tissue-paper circles embellished with punched shapes turn store-bought suckers into merry jack-o'-lanterns. For a ghostly effect, display them in a mini pumpkin container resting on top of an upside-down glass covered with cheesecloth.

Set up a drink station in the corner of a room where kids can mix and mingle while partaking of their favorite beverages labeled with cute foam pumpkin labels.

Kids will devour these open-face bologna-and-cheese sandwiches. They're a cinch to make: Use small cookie cutters to create the cheese faces. A basil leaf and bread-crust stem complete the pumpkin package.

Embellish orange paper plates with craft-foam stems and chenille vines to turn them into pumpkins that coordinate with the party theme.

For a cute, simple way to serve party treats to your goblin guests, add bat wings to a plastic pumpkin bowl.

Ready, set, toss! This pumpkin toss game is sure to score big with party guests.

Turn orange table-tennis balls into mini pumpkins for the pumpkin toss game (see the previous slide) by drawing pumpkin faces with permanent marker onto the sides.

Who knew a plain lunch box could end up so cute? Prep silver lunch boxes by painting them orange, then give kids a few supplies to create their own ghoulish pumpkin grins on the lid. (See the next slide for ideas for decorating the lunch boxes.)

Use self-adhesive magnets to attach decorations to the metal lunch boxes. Let kids stick magnets to the backs of painted wooden shapes and alphabet game pieces, then arrange and rearrange them on the box.

What would a celebration be without the merry clatter of noisemakers? For a great party favor, kids can easily create these personalized pumpkin-face shakers.

Transform orange and black paper cups into frightfully fun take-home treat containers.