DIY Decorating: How to Host a Chic Halloween Party

seen on Pier 1 Imports
Let the countdown to Halloween continue! Although the actual holiday is in two weeks, there still remain a few who dare to host a festive party. Aside from “pre-games” (quick social gatherings before hitting the town), formal sit-downs remain popular. With two weekends left before Hallow’s Eve, invite friends, family and even co-workers over for a festive evening. Here are five quick tips on how to host a chic Halloween party.
1.)    Create a Theme and Encourage Costumes – Before you send out Evites or formal invitations, decide on a party theme. Masquerade balls and “ghoulish glamour” are popular party themes that make for a memorable event. This will not only allow your guests to get excited for the event, but also give them costume ideas.
2.)    Amp Up Your Metallic Dinnerware/Serveware – We love metallic accents and think they compliment the Halloween style. Gold-edged goblets, silver chargers and bronze serving trays help make a table glamorous. Mix and match metallics (try to stick to one color) with black dinnerware for a striking effect.
3.)    Coordinate All Place Cards and Napkin Rings – Nothing makes a dining table look crazier than a ton of stuff. Yes we know it’s Halloween, but that does not mean we need to put everything on display. If you love bats, use them throughout your décor for consistency. One of the best places to display some creepy crawlers is your place cards and napkin rings. Not only do they look realistic, but you can also store them away if they freak out your guests.
4.)    Customize Your Menu and Wine Labels – Word play (or a play on words) will score you huge points with your guests. Print up a few menu cards with eerie food titles to continue the Halloween fun. A Decomposed Salad sounds more interesting than a regular Caesar salad. Once you have determined your menu, think about “spooking” up your spirits. Create Halloween-inspired wine labels to turn your red wine into vampire blood. Note: by concealing the wine label, you can even save a few bucks by purchasing a cheaper wine.
5.)    Let Your Food Be Your Centerpiece – So Jack o’ Lanterns and other Halloween items are cool, but let’s go with a little chic (vs. novelty) at the table. Gather up all glass vases and serveware to showcase community (buffet) food. Caldron Curry for example looks like a witch’s brew due to its intense green color. Oysters and cauliflower are great alternatives for mucus and membrane. Add a few candles in between and you now have a stylish table.
Do you still love floral centerpieces? Take old rose bouquets (or floral blooms) and keep them post wilt. From there, spray paint them black or a metallic hue for a “rustic” approach to Halloween.