A major part of the costume industry includes Halloween masks. Halloween masks are a great disguise.

Whether you choose a Halloween mask that covers your entire face and head, or just a portion, the final effect of either is that it alters the shape of you face. This can make it even more difficult to recognize you than it would be with mere face paint. So if you are shooting for the best costume prize, this may be just the option you need to clinch the victory.

Another benefit of Halloween masks is that they are very simple to use. If you paint your face, you will need a good deal of time, patience, and some artistic talent to get the right effect. With a Halloween mask, you simply slip it on and you are ready to go.

It is important to note, however, that Halloween masks can be dangerous if they are worn improperly. Special care should be taken to make sure that the mask does not block your vision or your breathing. You will want to try the mask on to make sure that it fits properly before wearing it on Halloween night.

Halloween masks can also be hot. So, if your Halloween evening will be spent in a warmer climate or a crowded party room, you may become uncomfortable rather quickly. If you feel that you are overheating, remove your mask. Also make sure that you drink plenty of water during your Halloween celebrations.

Halloween masks can be an excellent addition to your Halloween costume. Just make sure you select one that’s right for you and does not impair your vision or breathing. And as an added bonus, you can later use your Halloween mask as a creepy decoration around your home.

As you carve your pumpkins into blood-chilling designs, don’t throw out the seeds. You can turn those seeds into a scrumptious Halloween treat. Here’s a Halloween recipe I recently found that will surely bring you some delight.

The first thing you’ll need to do is separate the goo and guts from the actual seeds. But don’t rinse away all the goo, as it adds flavor to the seeds.

Next, place the seeds in a mixing bowl and add some melted butter: 1 tablespoon for every 2 cups of seeds. Add salt or other preferred seasoning: 1 teaspoon for every 2 cups. For example, you could try one of these tasty seasoning mixes:

* Spicy Garlic Mix: 1 tbs of garlic powder, 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp cayenne pepper.
* Southwestern Mix: 2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp cayenne pepper.
* Sweet and Spicy Mix: ¼ cup sugar, 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp cayenne pepper.

Toss the seeds, butter and selected seasoning thoroughly to combine. Then spread the pumpkin seeds on an ungreased baking sheet in a thin layer.

Roast the seeds in an oven at 300° F for about 30 minutes. Stir them after 15 minutes so the sides toast evenly. Take them out, cool them, and serve with a cool refreshing drink.

Halloween crafts that make for an impressive low-cost centerpiece for a buffet table or part of your Halloween decorations are long-legged spiders. This friendly arachnid is all legs.

Here’s what you need:

* Foam balls: four 1 ½ inch, one 2 ½ inch
* Eight 16-inch-long pieces of wire
* Black acrylic crafts paint
* Paintbrush
* Glue gun and hotmelt adhesive
* 3/8 inch wiggle eyes
* Crafts glue
* Scrap of orange felt

Cut the 1 ½ inch foam balls in half with a knife. Paint all the foam balls and wires black. Bend the wires about 4 inches from the end to form knees. Hot-glue shorter ends into the sides of the 2 ½ inch foam ball, four to a side. Glue a half ball onto the other end of each wire, making sure the ball sits flat on the tabletop. Attach wiggle eyes with crafts glue. Cut eyebrows and mouth from felt; glue onto spider face.

Halloween probably has more parties than almost any other day, second perhaps to New Years. People of all ages love to dress up and pretend they’re someone else for a night. Most people end up with more than one invitation to Halloween parties and have to choose one of them to attend.

If you are thinking of throwing a Halloween party, you can attract plenty of guests with a creative, unique Halloween party theme. Most people don’t plan a theme beyond “wear a costume” at Halloween. Just giving your party a more specific theme will help it stand out from the crowd. The simplest Halloween party theme is the traditional “spooky” type of Halloween party where everyone comes as their favorite ghost, horror movie character or monster.

However, there are lots of other themes you can try. For example, consider a famous couples party, where everyone comes as a famous couple. Or maybe a movie theme night, where everyone comes as their favorite Star Wars character. Some other Halloween party themes include:

- crazy hat party
- decade party (60’s, 70’s, 80’s, etc.)
- murder mystery
- favorite cartoon character
- pirate party
- “future” party (e.g., everyone comes as themselves in 25 years)

When planning your party, remember that your menu is as important as your theme. You can choose to serve a full meal or just finger foods. But whatever you serve, be creative. For example, you could make some Yummy Brains or Deviled Eyeballs.

If you start to plan your party early, you’ll leave yourself lots of time to get everything organized. Get some help from friends or family if you need it, and remember - planning the party is half the fun!