Remember those Halloweens when your mother would dress you up for Trick or Treat? Remember being all embarrassed when she'd bring out pictures of you covered you in a white sheet with holes for your eyes to show your friends? Or perhaps she dressed you as a huge pumpkin, complete with the green felt hat for the stump. As a child, nothing could be as bad as having the worst costume at Halloween. But everyone's been there a time or two.

Now, you're all grown up and Halloween is here once more. You may not be young enough to go Trick or Treat-ing, but that doesn't mean you can't party! In fact, this is the chance for you and your friends to show off those naughty Halloween costumes you've been hiding in your closet the whole year!

How do you plan the most rockin' Halloween party for grown-ups this year? Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Decide on a theme.

Everybody knows you're supposed to go to a Halloween party in a costume. But it would be extra special if you could think of a particular theme, so everyone could dress accordingly. If you're a fan of C.S. Lewis, for example, you can have a Narnia theme for your party. Imagine a room full of centaurs, witches, dwarves, talking animals and fawns! If you're all for detective stories, you can have a Sherlock Holmes themed party. Or have a Superhero theme. This way, you can even plan the decorations and food around the theme!

2. No Costume, No Party

Let's face it. There are party poopers. Those stubborn souls who refuse to cooperate and come to the party as, well, themselves. Bo-ring! In order to discourage such behavior, why don't you put a warning in your invitation: those who don't come in costume will have to pay a fee. And make them pay it! It's your party after all, and they have to play by your rules if they want in on the fun.

3. Food

Since its Halloween anyway, you might as well go all out and prepare "Halloween food" as well. Serve alcoholic Bloody Mary's and bowls of gummy worms and other gummy creepy-crawlies. Serve drinks in goblets and use a lot of candles. Just remember to be careful, of course!

4. Entertainment

What's Halloween without a little scare? Set up a small stage where your friends can share ghost stories. Assign one of your closest buds to be the official "spooker" of the night: tell him to jump out of dark corners, slip in and out of seemingly deserted rooms (wearing white) or suddenly shut the lights in the middle of the party. This may not really terrify, but it could provide your guests with a good laugh. If you're into dancing, you can also set up a dance floor and choose songs appropriate for the occasion. Think Michael Jackson's Thriller.

With these tips, you'll be on your way to throwing that spectacular party. Good luck and have a smashing Halloween!