Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1546275
TRUNK OR T R E A T The 101 on the Halloween alternative. If the long walks and scary scenes of a traditional trick-or-treating experience are a bit too haunting, try trunk-or-treating instead. Trunk-or-treating offers more controlled trick-or-treating fun. Like a tailgate, people park their cars in an open lot, pop their trunks (sometimes decorated with elaborate flair), and give treats to all the little ghouls and goblins that stop by. Smaller in scope and easily accessible to all types of families, trunk-or-treating is a toned-down alternative for Halloween thrills. How to Organize a Trunk-or-Treat Event Whether you're going for haunted hubcaps or a creepy caboose, there are many ways to give your car the Halloween treatment. Here are a few of our favorite ideas: The Mummy: All you need is toilet paper and big googly eyes. TP your trunk, stick the eyes on top of the hood, and voila—your guests will feel like they're being watched. The Dinosaur Cage: Use an inflatable dinosaur, foliage, and caution tape or string to simulate a scene right out of Jurassic Park. Just make sure the dino doesn't get loose! The Walk-In Movie: Replace usual Halloween handouts with movie theater candy and give guests popcorn while you play a movie or festive special on a TV or projector screen. The Fan Favorite: Represent your favorite team by covering your car in sports gear and passing out candy in matching colors. The Arcade: Challenge your visitors to games like Connect Four and Tic-Tac-Toe with a prize for the winner. Trunk-or-Treat Ideas 1. Pick a location. Parking lots are perfect. Make sure there's enough space for cars to park and arrange displays, and for attendees to comfortably canvass the area. Access to restrooms and trash cans will surprise and delight any guest. 2. Set the date. Trunk-or-treating is a Halloween event, but it doesn't have to happen on October 31. Hosting the weekend before might entice more monsters to your bash. 3. Plan the details. Is your event invite-only? Will candy be provided, or should participants bring their own? What other activities will be available? 4. Get volunteers. There's magic in numbers. Get plenty of help with setup, teardown, and everything in between to make it a frightening good time for all. 5. Spread the word. Your party is a scream, so sell it! The more you promote, the better the turnout will be. 36 COMING HOME MAGAZINE