You have your Halloween decorations picked out and artfully placed around your porch and inside as well. Everything looks great. It’s the perfect combination of spooky and warm and inviting. Yet, something is still missing. You need that little extra touch of haunted that will blow your guests away and take your Halloween look to the next level. But what is the secret to a perfectly haunted Halloween? Dry ice!

Dry ice is carbon dioxide that is frozen, reaching temperatures lower than -109 F. This unique substance is one of the only examples of a material that sublimates, which means it turns directly from a solid into a gas. When sublimated, dry ice creates a creepy, smoke-like gas that is perfect for Halloween. The gas is heavier than air and so naturally sinks and floats along any surface such as a table or the floor.

When using dry ice, remember to use the proper precautions. You should use tongs or thick winter gloves when handling dry ice. You can cut slabs into smaller pieces by tapping it with a hammer. Keep the ice in a cooler rather than your freezer, as your freezer may actually cause your dry ice to melt. Other than that, enjoy this perfectly spooky substance that will add so much to your Halloween decor.

Ready to learn how to use dry ice to enhance your upcoming Halloween party? Here are 5 spooky ways to use dry ice this Halloween:

1. Spooky Pumpkin Punch Bowl

For this spooky punch bowl, you’ll need a large pumpkin shell. Inside, place a large metal bowl and a few pieces of dry ice. Then, pour a bit of hot water on top of the dry ice. Place your punch bowl on top of the mixture and enjoy the fog creeping out over the pumpkin shell. This is the perfect way to add that special something to the punch bowl. Throughout the evening, add more hot water to keep the sublimation going.

2. Jack-O-Lantern

Place this in a corner of the room or on your front porch to welcome visitors. Carve your jack-o-lantern as normal, and then place a shallow bowl with dry ice and warm water inside. The smoky gas will pour out of your jack-o-lantern’s mouth in a perfectly haunting effect. Add more dry ice and hot water as needed.

3. The Overflowing Cauldron

Prefer witches to pumpkins? Use the same concept as the jack-o-lantern with an old iron pot. You can place this spooky item on the porch, complete with twigs and orange lights underneath so that it appears that the cauldron is being heated on the fire. Or, make this an indoor feature.

4. The Foggy Entrance

With a few strategically placed vases and containers, you can create a foggy entrance to your party, or even fill your living room with it. Place a few small pieces of dry ice into each container and then add warm water. To encourage the spread of the fog, you can use a small fan. You’ll need to have warm water on hand to top it off every so often. Also be prepared to add more dry ice as needed. This will create the perfect haunting effect to enjoy Halloween.

5. Cocktails

You can even enjoy cocktails prepared with dry ice! These look best when you use brightly colored punch or drinks. Serve in transparent glasses and add a gummy worm or spider to the edge of the glass for extra fun. The foggy gas will sit on the surface of the drink and overflow from the glass, creating a chilling effect. Add a straw for safe sipping and remind your guests not to put the dry ice in their mouth.

Now you’re ready to use dry ice to create a delightfully haunted party your guests won’t forget anytime soon!

Ready to get your dry ice? Crystal Ice carries dry ice for all of your Halloween party needs. Give us a call today at 323.476.1273