Creative Halloween Party Ideas

By KIM KOOK

“I’m so glad I live in a world where October exists,” says the heroine in LM Montgomery’s book “Anne of Green Gables.”

We fall lovers all feel the same, right? The season usually peaks in October peak leavessweater-worthy days, and the intoxicating aromas of spices, apples, pumpkin and wood fire.

And moving for many people Halloween in that mix it just makes it tastier.

Throwing your own Halloween party is a great outlet to get creative with the season, and it doesn’t have to be all monsters and chaos (although that is fun). There are themes that add a festive mood and style to the table and room, while still evoking the mystery of Halloween.

You don’t have to go all out for a house full of decorations. I’m making a simple mantel in my living room, consisting of just a few decor pieces in fall colors, a string of festive lights, and a banner with a seasonal message. The atmosphere is just Halloween enough for me, and when it’s over, I can easily edit the elements for Thanksgiving.

Some party and decor trends:

Whimsigoth and pinkowe’en

Claire Brito, House Beautiful’s social media editor, says she sees people leaning toward a flirty, more feminine interpretation of the dark. gothic aesthetic.

It’s a nod to the TV witches of ’90s pop culture – Buffy, Sabrina, et al. – and to the lifestyle vibe of cottage core with its boho, natural, nostalgic atmosphere. Put together, you have ‘whimsigoth’. The look leans toward moody purples and dusty pinks, as well as vintage florals and plaids.

This photo from Olive & Cocoa shows a pink skeleton in a hallway. ‘Whimsigoth’ and ‘pinkowe’en’ are two of the hottest decorating trends for Halloween this year. (Olive & Cocoa via AP)

Another seasonal decor look with a silly nickname: Say boo! to decor’s “pinkowe’en.”

Brito says it reflects the trends of biophilia and the Year of Pink, with blush pumpkins, lacy tableware and mismatched glassware. Adding houseplants in Mason jars and creating stacks of books creates an “old greenhouse” and “romantic library” atmosphere – both ideal for a Halloween gathering.

Macabre mysteries

House Beautiful’s deputy editor Olivia Hosken loves a good old-fashioned murder mystery and recommends games where everyone works together.

Masters of Mystery game kits set the crime in different eras and settings, including the Wild West, Broadway, a palace, a pirate ship and the 1920s. There are also mysteries themed around ‘Bridgerton’, ‘Rocky Horror’, James Bond or space.

The game maker provides tips on how to stage your murder mystery, including decor, menus, music and costumes.

For example, for the Roaring Twenties, use a black and gold color scheme, with cocktail glasses filled with gold beads, strings of pearls and black feathers as decorative elements. The menu may include popular deviled eggs, shrimp cocktail and icebox cake.

Victorian atmosphere

Author Lesley Bannatyne, who often writes about Halloween, says it was the Victorians who started making Halloween a celebration. Jack-o’-lanterns on porches, blazing community bonfires and doors full of corn husks and apples welcomed guests to the party.

Queen Victoria’s obsession with the supernatural fueled a fascination with mystics and fortune tellers.

This image by Joni Cohen shows a white Capiz skull and handmade pumpkins with pearl shells. East Coast designer Joanna Buchanan suggests creating “a dark and stormy candlelit table.” (John Bessler/Joni Cohen via AP)

Try creating a 19th century look for your Halloween party. Think of tarot cards, palmistry, astrology and astronomy art; glass jars filled with curiosities such as toy animals, paper butterflies, silk flowers; black or gold painted twigs; spider webs made of thick yarn or cheesecloth.

Take out the family candle holders and place black taper candles on them.

“Light them an hour before the party starts so they’re extra drippy,” says Hosken.

Add dark purple or deep red flowers and Spanish moss. Once the party is over, most of these items can be reused.

Roasting time

Some bottles that are ideal for the Halloween party table:

19 Crimes is an Australian brand named after the number of crimes it took for British convicts to be shipped to Australia in the 18th century. The wines are named after colorful real rebels, with vintage photos on the labels. Scan the QR code on the back of the bottle to view an augmented reality snippet of the character’s story.

This photo from The Prisoner Wine Company shows a bottle from their ‘Unshackled’ line of red and rose, with metal labels reminiscent of a vintage combination lock. (Prisoner Wine Co via AP)

And California’s The Prisoner Wine Company has released an ‘Unshackled’ line of red and pink, with metal labels reminiscent of a vintage combination lock.

New York-based writer Kim Cook regularly covers design and decor topics for The Associated Press. Follow her on Instagram at @kimcookhome.