I love Nightmare before Christmas. It’s kind of a prerequisite, marrying one of the world’s biggest Oingo Boingo/Danny Elfman fans. He channels Jack Skellington, at least, as soon as the Halloween decorations go up.

And with my and my youngest daughter’s birthdays in late October, our birthday parties tend to circle around this theme.

 

Last year, we even brought in a little colorful, bright Dio De Los Muertos fare… here’s what I mean.

For E’s birthday bonanza, inspired by Disneyland, and the Nightmare before Christmas decorations around Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion, we went to work creating a unique, girlish Nightmare world… for a house full of seven year olds, and a party swathed in fun!

There are stores that make these, hand made, but in RecessionHome style, I had to DIY my own Floating Zero – using a coat hanger, a sheet, and a battery powered tea light. of course.

These banners were made with a stunning Dio De Los Muertos fabric on black background. The pinks, purples, and vibrant shades that brought to mind the haunted holiday at Disneyland that is our family’s favorite.

Now… for the table items…

While we played “Nightmare Before Christmas” on the tv in an endless loop, the main seating / game room / dance hall was done up with Nightmare Before Christmas flare. Note the gourd Jack Skellington and Sally pair that was my big Etsy Store purchase. Unbelievably, the seller was from Fallbrook, CA — a mere hop, skip and a jump from here. One phone convo, and we were meeting in Temecula Wine Country to do business. Love it.

Games included:

Pin the Pumpkin Nose on Zero

Mummy Wrap

Freeze Dance

Brave the Spider Hallway

Costume Cake Walk

and of course…

Ghosts in the Graveyard