As soon as the weather starts cooling, thoughts start to turn towards the end-of-year holidays. First up is one that everyone can enjoy, down from grandma to the littlest trick or treater. I’m talking about Halloween, of course! It’s also a perfect opportunity to organize a fun get-together for family, friends, and neighbors. Now is the time to start planning your Halloween party! But what if you feel like a Halloween gathering isn’t your style? Can you really avoid the tacky and transform your home into something that’s creepy but still chic? Yes, you can! In fact, putting a refined spin on classic Halloween motifs is easier than you think.

Here are five creative and stylish Halloween party ideas for you to try.

Choose an unexpected color palette. The first step to keeping things super classy is avoiding the tired Halloween party color combo of black and orange. Instead, opt for a range of dark and moody shades or go for something simple and monochromatic. You could even throw a Halloween white party and really flip expectations! If you want to bring in orange tones in a more subtle way, then copper is a great option. It’ll add the same warm glow as orange but with a more elevated feel.

Create mood lighting with candles. Lighting is one of the best ways to create an atmosphere. Bright lights will dispel the mysterious feeling you’re trying to create, whereas candles have the perfect eerie glow for a Halloween party. The more, the better! Set up vignettes of pillar candles on different surfaces. On tables, use ornate candelabras with dripping black taper candles. Or, for a more budget-friendly alternative, recycle empty wine bottles into candle holders by spray painting them black.

Get creative with your theme. If you love the idea of a dress-up party but want to keep it kooky rather than scary, choose an alternative theme. For example, throw a masquerade party, treat your nearest and dearest to a murder mystery night or host a horror movie marathon (even better if it’s on an outdoor screen). Another idea is to take inspiration from one of your favorite creepy movies. Or, if you want to go all out, you can’t beat a creepy carnival theme! Think vintage circus costumes and decor and entertainers like fire eaters and fortune tellers to wow the guests.

Include flowers – even if they’re dead ones. Flowers always elevate party décor, no matter the season or occasion. Autumnal garlands will look beautiful and appropriate at any fall gathering. For a moody, dramatic look, use classic flowers like calla lilies and anemones in deep shades. You could also add produce in darker colors like black mission figs, plums and champagne grapes to your tables. To add a little of the macabre, buy a couple dozen red roses and hang them upside down for two weeks to dry, then add them to your arrangements. Another way to add a creepy touch is to use an unusual container for your blooms, whether it’s a hollowed-out pumpkin, a skull vase, or an antique beaker.

Creepy cocktails. Cocktails are always a fun way to incorporate your party theme. Whether you set up a mad scientist-style bar station for the adults or serve signature cocktails (morgue-a-rita, anyone?), your guests will love it! You could also decorate a Halloween chic bar cart for guests to serve themselves. Add details like pumpkins and a lantern to make it a feature.

However you decide to celebrate, here’s hoping your Halloween is boo-tiful!

xoxo,
Mindy