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Searching for ideas for your Halloween-themed bash this year? A new handy tool has got you covered. Just spin this eerie ‘slot machine’ and you’ll be presented with simple snacks that are both delicious – and spine-chilling – at the same time. Options include Puff Pastry Intestines and Vampire Hot Dogs.
The tool comes after a poll revealed Halloween is now the second most beloved family occasion of the year after Christmas, with the majority of households going ‘all out’ with fancy dress, trick or treating and throwing parties, with parents forking out an average of £285 and spending almost 23 hours preparing for the day.
The research commissioned by Herta found that when getting Halloween ready households spend average of two hours and 53 minutes devoted to planning and buying food, and three hours sourcing and making outfits.
A fifth (21%) are hosting a Halloween party this year, planning themed food and games, with apple bobbing and hot dogs most likely to feature.
Meanwhile, 27% of parents are planning a special dinner for their family on Oct 31st, and 46% will splash out on treats that won’t leave the house.
Discover spooky Halloween recipes using Frankfurters with this handy tool
Gemma Serdet, senior brand manager for Herta, which commissioned the research, said: “Halloween has become a firm fixture in the calendar for UK families, and it’s no longer just about trick or treating.
“If you think back just a few years, it felt like there was a bit of resistance to the holiday, but families are really embracing it now and enjoying all the spooky season has to offer.
“Parents are leaning into the celebrations with everything from costumes to decorations and – most importantly – food.”
The study also revealed that an average of £32 is splashed out on fancy dress outfits, £20 is spent on pumpkins for carving, and a further £30.41 goes on food to entertain guests, both kids and adults alike.
However, nine in 10 of those who will be going all-out to celebrate this year still want to keep it as affordable as possible.
With 54% planning to buy treats for anyone who knocks on their door, 48% will decorate the inside of their house, and 42% the outside.
More than one in 20 even confessed to putting more effort into Halloween than Christmas as a seasonal event. And it was rated more enjoyable for families than Easter, New Year’s Eve and Bonfire Night, according to the data from OnePoll.com.
Top games for those planning a spooky bash included a Halloween treasure hunt (48%), ghoulish charades (47%) and ‘Pass the Pumpkin’ (41%). They expect to host an average of 14 people per occasion, including both children and adults.
Gemma Serdet for Herta, added: “Whether families are choosing to attend or host a party this Halloween, there’s a real demand for fun, affordable, and easy-to-make themed food.
“It’s also a great chance for families to enjoy quality time together and get creative in the kitchen.”
THE AVERAGE COST OF HALLOWEEN:
- Halloween makeup/face paints: £19.28
- Costumes: £31.92
- Party food: £30.41
- Drinks: £22.31
- Sweets and treats: £24.93
- Gift bags and goodies: £25.31
- Downloading movies: £16.52
- Games: £20.80
- Buckets/baskets: £19.29
- Indoor decorations: £27.10
- Outdoor decorations: £27.38
- Pumpkins: £20.05