After two years of planning alternative Halloween parties, let’s just say: We’re looking for new ways to make the most of spooky season. And with Hocus Pocus 2 coming out this September (Sept. 30, 2022, to be exact), why not start the fun a bit early? Whether you want to throw the ultimate watch party before catching the Sanderson sisters’ return to the silver screen, or you want to skip the usual pumpkins-and-skeletons and host a Hocus Pocus-themed Halloween party, we’ve got you covered. You don’t need to invite a bunch of people over; you just need a few props, a killer menu and a fun game or two. Here’s what to do.

1. Set the scene with black flame candles, cauldrons and plenty of cobwebs.

Seriously—Etsy sells LED and wax-based replicas of the iconic candle that brought the witches back from the Great Beyond. Throw in a fog machine and some velvet floor pillows (at $19 each, it’s hard to find cheaper—and cushier—seating) for your movie night, and you’re all set for a Sanderson-worthy night in.

2. Look the part.

Even if you’re not up for a full-blown costume (though there are plenty of those online, whether you’re a Sarah, Mary, Winnie or Billy), you can channel the movie’s vibe with a top that pays homage to Hocus Pocus without being so overt:

• An “I Suggest We Form a Calming Circle” flannel, $50
• A Sanderson Sisters Tarot-inspired tee, $19
• A very Dani-esque Hocus Pocus sweatshirt, $22
• A “Black Flame Candle Company” sweatshirt that offers a modern take on the franchise, $13+

3. Serve up Black Magic Margaritas.

A little food coloring and a sanding sugar rim gives these margs their haunting look. Get the recipe.

4. Make “Booook!” S’mores Pops together.

Is this one of my favorite recipes I’ve ever created? Yes. Will it ever get old to me? No, no, it won’t. And once you see how easy these s’mores pops are to make, you’ll agree. Get the recipe.

5. Set up a projector to watch the classic.

If you’re going to go all out, streaming the movie on Disney+ from your laptop isn’t going to cut it. If you have the funds, a projector can really turn the party into a top-notch movie night.

6. Play Sanderson charades.

Write down a bunch of classic lines from the movie, toss them into a bowl, and have people draw them at random, trying to act them out a la charades. Whoever guesses the line correctly first earns a point. The first person to 5 points wins…all of the candy in your house. Hey, fair is fair.

Editor’s Note: This story was originally written in 2020 and has since been updated with new links. On that note, these items were all hand-selected and contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission on any purchases, which helps fund the operation of the site.