If you're like me, Halloween is one of those holidays that just tends to sneak up on you. Thanksgiving? Weeks of advance planning, grocery shopping, and meal-prep. Christmas? I'm already starting my gifts-to-give list. But Halloween is just one of those occasions that seems to creep up and make me exclaim - "It's already the end of October?!"

Real Simple to the rescue! Read on for last-minute DIY costume ideas, ways to celebrate without spending a dime, ideas for how to host a Pumpkin-Carving Party, and some must-see classic Halloween movies for a night in with the fam.

As for me? Though I used to love it when Halloween fell on a Saturday (more reason to party down), it may just be a casual brunch with close friends and a popcorn-and-scary-movie-night at home this year. Brunch will be sure to include some delicious and festive Dracula-inspired Blood Orange Bellinis of course! And after several bags of popcorn and a few make-me-cover-my-eyes movies, I'll probably whip up some of these Quick Caramel Apples - they only take 10 minutes to make. Now that's my kind of dessert! 

Want to get a bit more involved? Check out this fun "Fright Night" party by Amy Sedaris. Need some tunes to go with? I love this Zombie Dance Party playlist - all that it's missing is my fave: the Monster Mash!

How do you plan to celebrate Halloween? Got a great (and super-easy) costume idea? Share with us here!