5. Keep treats allergy-free

"Before adding peanut butter to your favorite brownie recipe, remember to be courteous to coworkers with food allergies," Gottman says. "You want everyone to be able to safely enjoy the snacks. When in doubt, ask."

Throwing an office Halloween party can be a great way to improve office morale, but a badly executed party can may result in some Nov. 1 executions. Here are 5 things to avoid and 5 tips for throwing a great party.

1. Dressing up as a call girl/guy or a political punching bag

"For the office Halloween celebration, be sure to pick something out that is G-rated. Steer clear of anything too short, too low, too tight or too revealing," says Inc. contributor Diane Gottsman, who adds that it's also a wise idea to steer clear of political costumes -- your punching bag may be someone else's favorite pol.

2. Painting your face with the skin color of another race – unless they're green or purple.

"Altering your skin color to portray another race is blatantly offensive. Don't do it," blogs Parker Staffing Services. "Socially acceptable skin color changes include characters like Ursula from The Little Mermaid, Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street, Gonzo from The Muppets, and characters like Disgust and Sadness from Pixar's latest film Inside Out."

3. Going overboard on decorations and puting off clients

"Real business still needs to be accomplished on Halloween," Lucas says. "If your office is completely covered with spooky decorations and everyone is in costumes, will your clients be OK with that? It's crucial to know your industry."

4. Forcing everyone to join along in the festivities, even if they are not comfortable

"When inviting everyone to participate in the fall festivities, make sure you are offering, but not insisting that they participate," Gottman says. "It is important to respect everyone's customs and religious views."

5. Guilting workers -- especially parents -- if they want to leave early

"Staff with young children might be eager to leave work and get home for trick or treating," Sisley says. "Alternatively, you could let people bring their children on a tour of the office to see the decorations and costumes. Just make sure it's not too scary for the little ones!"

Now that you know what not to do, here are some tips for a smooth and successful office Halloween party.

1. Share the responsibility

"You don't want one person to feel burdened by the pressure -- so why not distribute responsibility among a group of volunteers?" says Caitlin Sisley. marketing content writer at WorkflowMax. "Having members from different departments, ages and backgrounds is a good idea."

2. Set guidelines -- such as no alcohol during working hours

"You don't need to provide a detailed list of rules, just a few simple directions generally do the trick," says Suzanne Lucas, a blogger for United Concordia Dental's Benefits Bridge. "A Halloween office party can be a great activity as long as you keep it voluntary, light and fun. Just don't forget the candy."

3. If costumes are allowed, superiors should dress up, too

"This is especially important for bosses and upper management -- it helps to show that you care about your staff and the company culture," Sisley says. "Failure to get involved can make you seem aloof."

4. Wear clothes underneath costumes

"If you're going to come in an off-the-shoulder bed sheet/toga as Julius Caesar, make sure you're wearing a shirt (and shorts) underneath your garment," blogs Parker Staffing Services. "If your Queen of Hearts dress is a little too short to be considered work-appropriate, consider wearing leggings underneath it for the work day."

5. Keep treats allergy-free

"Before adding peanut butter to your favorite brownie recipe, remember to be courteous to coworkers with food allergies," Gottman says. "You want everyone to be able to safely enjoy the snacks. When in doubt, ask."