Sonal Dutt is the executive lifestyle editor at Every Day with Rachael Ray, the magazine that takes a bite outta life! Besides fast and easy recipes, we’re also full of fun party ideas, cool home, beauty and style picks, tasty travel tips and much more.
We’re always looking for an excuse to throw a party, and what better time than Halloween? We love it so much at Every Day with Rachael Ray that we came up with three great grown-up scare affairs for our October issue: a goth-inspired black widows’ ball, a rock ‘n’ roll karaoke bash and a wacky mad scientist party that really tickled our (skeleton) funny bones. How fun is this: You turn your place into a creepy inventors’ lab, complete with scalpels instead of cheese knives, test tubes instead of cocktail glasses and funky, colorful wigs for everyone. Let the madness begin! [Insert diabolical laugh here.]
Decorate
[Clockwise from top: Mad Lab Biohazard Resident Evil Virus Glow in the Dark Blacklight Green Candle from lilysbydesign; Nosferatue Shadow Vinyl Wall Art from PillBoxDesigns; Six large custom test tubes from sneezer222; Cyclops Plant from ButterflyLove1; 28 Custom Designed Bottle Wraps and Neck Wraps from partypapers]
For the perfect mad scientist party, you want to strike a balance between sterile white laboratory and eerie Hazmat zone. Pull out all your metal platters, like baking sheets or roasting pans, for a surgical touch, and use wads of gauze for napkins. We could see filling out the party space with hidden surprises, like a Cyclops plant tucked between houseplants and an Igor-like assistant lurking in a dark corner. More ways to do it up right: Aim a black light on a white-lined table, cleverly filled with neon test tube cocktails and water bottles marked “POISON.” Attach a small strobe light to give off a lightning effect (for conducting “experiments”).
Eat and Drink
[Clockwise from top left: Weird science cupcake picks from Partystarters; Beaker test tube cookies from acookiejar; Mad science cupcake toppers from Death By Cupcake; Halloween cocktail rim sugar kit from dellcovespices]
Play up our crazy party theme by serving equally crazy food! Add a little bite-size gore to the table by filling glass beakers with eyeball cakepops or lollipops. Round it out with other “dissected” body-part eats, like our Buried Alive Muffins, Severed Finger Cookies or Cheesecake-Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes (with “brain” frosting). For easy touches, rim your test tube cocktail glasses with brightly colored sugar. And top all treats with biohazard warnings!
Dress
[Left to right: Serotonin Earrings from molecularmuse; Science Affair Silkscreen Microscope Necktie from toybreaker]
Ever wonder what you’d look like if you were hit with a bolt of 1.21 gigawatts? Well, that’s the kind of costume you’re going for tonight. Ladies: Throw a simple white lab coat over your clothes, put on a pair of thick-frame glasses and add some chromosome-looking earrings for sparkle. Top it off with frightening Bride of Frankenstein, teased-out hair (the bigger, the better!) and rubber doctors’ gloves. Guys: Rock a lab coat with a microscope silkscreen tie, or wear a DNA T-shirt to show off your science. For both: Tuck plastic syringes, thermometers or glass vials filled with “chemicals” (juice or food dye with water) in your lab coat pockets.
Favors
[Clockwise from top: Mad scientist beaker soap from Two Eggplants; Bloody brain soap from brookiesbath; Adjustable brain ring from Neverland Jewelry; Butterscotch scent soap from Cleaner Science]
Give guests a piece of the party to take home by labeling black plastic bags “Lab Sample.” Fill each with cakepops, finger cookies, and lollipops, along with any beakers, brains and eyeballs you’d like to include. We also love Mad Scientist Beaker Soap and Bloody Brain Soap as favors. For extra fun, spook guests by squirting Silly String into the bags before handing them out. They’ll think they’re grabbing brains when they reach in!
And now, a special offer for Etsy readers: Subscribe to Every Day with Rachael Ray for only $10! Click here for details.
What are your Halloween party plans this year?


124 comments
Sign in to add your ownAliKan says:
Must do!
1 year ago
VintageEye says:
Need severed finger cookies!
1 year ago
GiftsWithCharm says:
love it!
1 year ago
katrinaalana says:
This could be a fun theme for the office. The mad scientist theme is awesome. Love/hate the severed finger cookies!
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Awesome theme I love the test tubes, so crazy! I remember when I was at school I went as mad scientist to a Halloween party. Fortunately then I still had a lab coat and I smeared it in all sorts of paint colours!
1 year ago
whatnomints says:
Haha this is great!! Love this theme because we all know that "geeks have more fun" ;) <-------
1 year ago
bhangtiez says:
Coolest collection! Love the fingers & the brain cupcakes. Thanks for sharing these great ideas!
1 year ago
SeaFindDesigns says:
Will show this to my daughter... who happens to be obsessed with Beaker/Muppet......... she'll love to try it!!
1 year ago
vintagegoodness1 says:
Oh how I hated go to my Science classes in school, but I would love to attend a party like this one!
1 year ago
nondecaf says:
Absolutely love this article, such fun!
1 year ago
TheBlackOnion says:
You've inspired my Trunk-or-Treat theme for this year!
1 year ago
AntoinettesWhims says:
Great ideas!!! I love the test tube and beaker cookies!!!
1 year ago
AvianInspirations says:
This might be one of the best Halloween themes I've heard yet this year. Love the serotonin earrings and beaker soap!
1 year ago
aBreathofFrenchair says:
Cool ideas!
1 year ago
SacredandProfane says:
Amazing idea!!!
1 year ago
ThoseThreeWords says:
Coolest halloween party ever! Those finger cookies are almost too creepy, though. Such a fun collection!
1 year ago
BlueRoseRetro says:
Baa-ha-ha-ha
1 year ago
kissadesign says:
What fun!
1 year ago
MegansMenagerie says:
Love!!!! The fingers are great!!!
1 year ago
blueskyclouds says:
So many great things...love the severed finger cookies...and the adjustable brain ring!
1 year ago
myvintagecrush says:
Awesome. Not sure I could actually eat the fingers..eek!
1 year ago
joypompeo says:
What a great idea for a party!!
1 year ago
mylenefoster says:
Good alternative to the usual. And fun, too!
1 year ago
DanasaurDesigns says:
awesome! love halloween ideas.
1 year ago
baconsquarefarm says:
Oh this is fun how awesome are these finds, love the fingers...!!
1 year ago
kathyjohnson3 says:
Love these finds! gives me some great ideas for halloween! Thanks for sharing this!
1 year ago
adoreneko says:
Our Halloween plans are cakepops and scrapbooking kits with lots of cute, but scary stickers.
1 year ago
melindaf says:
I absolutely adore Halloween and am planning my 3rd annual costume Halloween Party. There are some Fabulous ideas here - thanks, Etsy, as always for fun, unique ideas!
1 year ago
birdie1 says:
Hilarious! Some really great and fun ideas here ~ thanks!!
1 year ago
FreakyPeas says:
I absolutely love Halloween. You have some great ideas. We once used beakers for glasses at a party. Had to have a straw with it ....That would fit in with this.
1 year ago
sparrowgrey says:
Such a great idea; really unique. I've made those severed finger cookies before and they are divine. So yummy. I love the beaker cookies too! Well done.
1 year ago
OhCreativeOne says:
this is so fun!
1 year ago
columbina says:
Wonderful. What fun works of art by Etsy sellers. Yay for Halloween.
1 year ago
HelloShoes says:
this is Great..I love the holidays:)
1 year ago
MandyBesek says:
Great Halloween finds Sonal!
1 year ago
Iammie says:
Great idea!
1 year ago
rozzie says:
Yummm! love those test tube/science cookies!! what great ideas and fun photography in this article. Great stuff.
1 year ago
TheBakersDaughter says:
Has anyone else noticed that Halloween is way more fun as an adult?? LOL! Great ideas!
1 year ago
HumphreysHandmade says:
That bloody brain soap is awesome. I love this time of year anyway though, 70% of my shop is horror related :-p
1 year ago
ACupOfSparkle says:
This is super awesome!
1 year ago
Mclovebuddy says:
ewww. so awesome!
1 year ago
seasidecloth says:
Eeeek, ooooh, eeeew - looks so ghoulish and fun !
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Geeky and cool solutions to a unique Halloween party! Great article! Love Rachael Ray!
1 year ago
OnlyOriginalsByAJ says:
What a fun idea! I love all the cupcake design....I'm going to try that this Halloween!!
1 year ago
AmberGypsySky says:
hehehe this is sooo neat!
1 year ago
EveryDayRachaelRay says:
Super fun, right? We had a blast with this party!
1 year ago
DominiqueD says:
LOVE IT! Specially since I am a mad scientist! I'm deff sending this to my friends for our upcoming chemistry halloween party
1 year ago
TheScarfTree says:
There are so many great idea's out there! Crazy! Those fingers look so real (and disgustingly nice)! Brilliant!
1 year ago
thestellabluegallery says:
Loving these ideas!!! Can't wait to start the party planning :). Thank you guys too for the Etsy readers magazine subscription deal... Off to order mine right now!
1 year ago
BanglewoodSupplies says:
Hilariousness!
1 year ago
valeriephoto says:
Super creepy and gross/awesome! Perfect for a grown-up Halloween.
1 year ago
MerCurios says:
What fun!
1 year ago
ekohaus says:
Super Good idea!
1 year ago
lauraprentice says:
Spooooooooooky! I'm going to be throwing an "enchanted forest" theme birthday/halloween party. Great ideas here!
1 year ago
yuccamayapapaya says:
love it all!
1 year ago
shannondzikas says:
I am so making those fingers! My three year old will be both disturbed and delighted!
1 year ago
RefugeHeart says:
I think I'm going to throw a mad scientist party with my fourth graders - - I DO teach some pretty wicked science! Thanks for the great ideas!!!
1 year ago
CatherineMarissa says:
My son wants to be a mad scientist when he grows up & Halloween is his favorite obession...er, holiday. Must remember to share this with him. :)
1 year ago
torocraneo says:
A halloween party? I am a mad scientist year round :D
1 year ago
valerieoutlet says:
This is excellent! We throw a HUGE halloween party every year, so I scour for ideas all year. I already set the theme for this year, but I want to keep this in mind for another year.
1 year ago
alisonkelleydesigns says:
What a fun and awesome time to be had with all these goodies!
1 year ago
LayOffTheBooks says:
Love the finger cookies! I have made them in the past for Halloween with a bit of green food colouring in the dough and labeled them as witch fingers :)
1 year ago
paramountvintage says:
themed halloween party? what a great idea!
1 year ago
AuthenticAVictoria says:
I think it is awesome that these blogs feature etsy sellers! What a great way to spread the love!!
1 year ago
ClayCat says:
This is a super cool party!!! Love the original theme and the ideas are hilarious! Super fun! Great article! <3
1 year ago
GracefullyGirly says:
Looks like so much fun! I've thrown a few wacky Halloween parties complete with specimens and haz mat stuff and I planned to do it again this year, bigger and better than before. Thanks for the suggestions. I am already gathering decor together to decorate!
1 year ago
ShoeClipsOnly says:
Love these! Great suggestions and ideas, very creative! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
Officeboy01 says:
I like the cupcakes with the Trix topping. Sweet treats are the best....
1 year ago
FadedRoseFactory says:
Fantastic Idea!!!
1 year ago
SlippinSouthern says:
Simply mouthwatering treats y'all.
1 year ago
SpringwoodSoaps says:
Ha Ha I love this my husband is always calling me the mad scientists and even posts crazy scientists pics on our facebook page Hee Hee :)
1 year ago
iowajewel says:
love it!!!!!!
1 year ago
tiltomorrow says:
Creative theme... Nice to give away a sweet treat at the end of the day to someone who has had a busy hectic day and to see a big smile on their face.
1 year ago
Officeboy01 says:
My favorite dessert is lemon chiffon, sweet with a bit tart...
1 year ago
torchyhunter says:
Love the first cupcake with the rolls (intestines) of frosting. Yuck.
1 year ago
thevelvetheart says:
Oooh, I love Halloween parties! Great ideas!
1 year ago
tiltomorrow says:
Oh how fun will this will be...ohh la la...
1 year ago
twamies says:
yay deathbycupcake! go delaware etsians!!!
1 year ago
Officeboy01 says:
Just read the Haus Press, I like blog. There are some really good blogs to read this evening.
1 year ago
SweetiePieCollars says:
This is such a fun theme! The cupcakes are my FAVE!!!
1 year ago
lapetiteposy says:
Looks like so much fun! I love this idea :)
1 year ago
MishaGirl says:
Makes me think of the Muppets....you know Beaker and the crazy scientist guy. What a fun idea! And that bloody brain soap-,,,,brookiesbath- YOU ROCK!
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
Oh what fun! Love those severed finger cookies.
1 year ago
jungledread says:
Ha! Crazy ideas. Those poision soda pops are wicked for any occation! XD
1 year ago
eastmeetswest says:
This is fun!
1 year ago
brookeelissa says:
seriously fun! what a great article full of GREAT ideas.
1 year ago
kmcknight1 says:
Very well put together! Awesome idea! Now I can't wait for Halloween.
1 year ago
SplendidShop says:
Absolutely love this idea! Another party theme to get my creative brain going full steam ahead!
1 year ago
sandboxcastle says:
Ack! I love the soap beakers! and the snacks all look too gruesome to eat :) Great party theme for Halloween!
1 year ago
MadisonStreetBeauty says:
not a bad idea
1 year ago
lilblondezombie says:
Wow! This post is awesome! This has introduced some fantastic shops to me. Thanks! : )
1 year ago
foodhorrorshow says:
Very creative! One of the best posts I've seen yet!
1 year ago
blessedvintage says:
love the cupcakes
1 year ago
TheBerryPress says:
Great fun ideas!
1 year ago
JenMcLamb says:
May favorite holiday and now I'm even more inspired for our party this year! Thanks Etsy and Rachel Ray!
1 year ago
LaronDesign says:
A great idea for a party!!
1 year ago
recycledwares says:
what a fun party idea, there is so much that could be done with this theme.
1 year ago
dreamversion says:
MWA HA HA!!! Awesome idea!!!
1 year ago
vintagehomerecycled says:
What fun! I must make those finger cookies.
1 year ago
BigHelmetHead says:
Oooh, I like everything, everything here! I want a Mad Scientist Party, I'd drink the poison and eat all the eyeballs, brains and severed fingers :D
1 year ago
BigHelmetHead says:
Oooh, what a beauty! I want that party! I'd drink the poison and eat all the eyeballs, brains, and severed fingers with gusto :D
1 year ago
AdornmentsNYC says:
hee hee - these are all fun and cute.
1 year ago
Esma says:
Cool stuff. I love the severed finger cookie idea!
1 year ago
littlealouette says:
om gee. LOVE!
1 year ago
anatomyhouse says:
awesome! those cookies are perfect!
1 year ago
lilysbydesign says:
THANK YOU FOR FEATURING ME AND MY BIOHAZARD CANDLE!! So excited and this is an amazing group of items
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
Great picks - Etsy should host a halloween themed craft night.
1 year ago
ImagineThatCustDesig says:
Love Racheal Rae! Thanks for Sharing these Ideas. TOO FUN! Especially Love the bottles of Poison. Thanks, Tammy
1 year ago
daisies143 says:
LUV these! all are great!! <3
1 year ago
itaylorw says:
all those look amazingly cute
1 year ago
LorraineYoungPottery says:
WAAA!! the Beakers and test tube cookies are wonderful !! this is a kid's dream day making this stuff... though I am not sure how much would survive being eaten. TIP: I just love mad scientist theme, top it off with the movie, "The man with two brains" with Steve Martin. Lorraine :)
1 year ago
ThePinkDillo says:
How fun! This makes me want to plan a Halloween party - so many great ideas!!
1 year ago
AwesomeWallStickers says:
this is great!!! i love the creepy man wall sticker and the test tube cookies. they're so colorful and yummy looking. not going to be eatting any finger cookies though, ugh!!! www.wall-decal.com
1 year ago
empressbat says:
What a great article!!! I love those cupcakes with the brain icing!!! Superb. and the test tube cookies!! Such great fun.
1 year ago
megansbeadeddesigns says:
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO frikin awesome! I love everything featured here! Gotta get my hands on some of that brain soap!
1 year ago
catiques says:
Love it all, But I started the giggles. Think about sitting at a friends and she/he serves coffee and a cupcake or cookies with severed finger. What a shocker.Hope your heart is good and love the pranks.
1 year ago
BrickWallViews says:
The mad scientist beaker soap reminds me of those wax sticks filled with juice that I used to eat as a kid!
1 year ago
babblingbrookes says:
This would be sooooo amazing!
1 year ago
aviciousabyss says:
Love this! Wish I had time to throw a party! I don't think I'd have the guts to bite into one of those finger cookies though, they look absolutely disgusting! :)
1 year ago
herbanlifestyle says:
Too cool! Mad scientist must be part of the Zeitgeist, because that's the theme of my husband's my costumes this year (I'm dress as Miss Sakamoto).
1 year ago
EclecticFun says:
This would be almost more fun setting up then actually having the part except you could sit back and look at the reactions. Love to see those finger cookies ingested. :)
1 year ago
newhopebeading says:
Fun party!
1 year ago
ZenSay says:
Looks great I especially like the finger food look...
1 year ago
Drew from drewtoby says:
Wow, now that is one great themed party idea! Thanks for the informative post, and keep up the good work! Owner of http://halloweenpotluckrecipes.net16.net/?p=1
260 days ago