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Halloween Party Tips: Leslie Kaplan Tells How to Throw a Spooky-Stylish Bash

Halloween party decorations

Too old to go trick and treating without inviting some disapproving stares? Throw a Halloween party instead and get all the treats you want!

Here are some tips, courtesy of event planner Leslie Kaplan of L.A.-based Encore Leslie Kaplan Event Design, to turn your bash into a monster hit.

Related: PHOTOS: Celebs' 2012 Halloween costumes

Keep it simple. No need to ransack party stores for uninspired decorations. Nor is it necessary to make elaborate DIY crafts. Instead, says Kaplan, "use dim lighting with flickering candles, project clips of scary movies, display a station of candy apple desserts, or hire a magician or palm reader to entertain your guests."

PHOTOS: Celeb kids' cutest costumes!

Map it out. Prevent long lines and bottlenecks by making sure there are multiple food and beverage stations "to create good flow and promote mingling," says Kaplan, who helped throw Shayne Lamas and Nik Richie's anniversary party.

Pick a palette. Kaplan suggests an all-black color scheme for the holiday. "Don't forget to include the décor details at your entryway, atop your bar, or in the bathroom."

Get the party started right. Cheers! "Whenever I entertain," shares Kaplan, who started out as an assistant for celebrity planner David Tutera, "I make sure my guests are always greeted with a  drink. If servers are not an option, use a beverage cart with cocktails on it and place it at your entryway with a note that reads 'Help yourself and come in!' "

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