Fresh Tips for Curating A Chic Hallow’s Eve Party

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As our day planners thicken on the left and grow sparse to the right, it’s hard to believe the year is, indeed, winding down. With the end of the year comes the season of celebrations and parties. First up: Hallow’s Eve.

To us, the autumn holiday season is barely complete without a blowout shindig on October 31. However, Hallow’s Eve parties tend to run a bit cliché. The various shades of bright orange, Monster Mash soundtracks and snacks made in the shapes of human body parts all end up feeling stale.

This year, we propose you try a new take on your Hallow’s Eve party. Dark and elegant color schemes, carefully crafted pumpkin arrangements and a few other small details are simple ways to give your Hallow’s Eve party a breath of crisp air.

Getting small pumpkins and stacking them or putting them on display with candle holders is a gorgeous way to switch it up. Image: LollyJane

Get creative with your pumpkins

Much like Charlie Brown classics, the nostalgia of carving your carefully selected gourds with the family will never die. For your Hallow’s Eve party, however, it might be time to rethink how you handle these festive squash. Pumpkins’ simplicity leaves much room to the imagination. The outside can be painted to match the theme of your bash, covered in glitter or calligraphed.

Pile on the pumpkins and squash. Be sure to include all shapes, sizes and colors. Image: Southern Botanical

The more imperfections on your pumpkins the more interesting they become. Image: Rikki Snyder

Whatever the vibe of your party, think of your pumpkins as a blank canvas and go for it. Once done, use them to decorate your porch or the inside of your home by stacking them or placing them throughout.

Black lace detail on votive candle holders add detailed flavor to simple glass. Image: The Sweetest Occasion

Lace and tulle

When planning a chic Hallow’s Eve bash the emphasis lies in the skill of balancing the day’s notoriously spooky theme with sophistication. For finding this happy medium we enjoy using loads of black tulle and lace detail.

Add a sophisticated touch to your Halloween decorations with Lace. Image: Martha Stewart

These materials are not only inexpensive and ultra-accessible at your neighborhood craft store, but are also easy to work with. Wrapping balloons in tulle or layering black lace under your table runners are examples of some sweet touches. Setting forth minimal effort with these sheer materials transforms each room and makes you feel like the party-planning-maven you didn’t know you could be.

The season’s deepest hues are perfect for centerpieces. Image: KreativelyKrafted on Etsy

Dark florals

Deep red roses and even dyed blooms are encouraged. What we love about dark florals is the contrast of the softness of the petals with the deep tints. Keeping your flower arrangements dark adds that fairy tale ambiance to your party.

Something else to keep in mind while shopping and planning your shadowy-petaled arrangements: your color scheme. While we are partial to the black and gold look, there are also several other schemes to work with. Get creative with burgundy, whites, greys and metal tones.

Adding golden skulls to a centerpiece are a subtly spooky way to celebrate the holiday. Image: Inspired by This

Skulls encouraged

Skulls happen to be a weird hybrid in terms of decoration and fashion. They are morbid if you think about them for too long, but they’re also on trend. Decorating for your Hallow’s Eve party is easier if you can get on board with them.

Skulls, candles and a desolate black and white image make for spooky Halloween decor. Image: Focal Point Styling

Use anything from skull place cards on the table to small trinkets to decorate your tables and entry way, and give each space a small touch that reinforces the spookiness of the holiday. Try using glass skull sculptures as part of your centerpieces or even give small skull paperweights as party favors.

Dark-tinted wax contrasted with golden candlestick holders is an elegant way to set the mood lighting. Image: Afloral

Long candlesticks

Candlelight adds both elegance and spookiness. Combine tapers with tall candlesticks and you have the perfect way to light your evening. We suggest using various heights of candlestick holders for a look that draws the eye and keeps things interesting. Still want something a little different? Try candles or candlestick holders in a variety of colors.

Tall and tapered candles, especially in dark candlestick holders are a great addition to your Halloween decor. Image: Amy Lau Design

The highlight of the holiday season is getting to spend it with those friends and family we love and haven’t seen in too long. This season, make your Hallow’s Eve one to remember by putting your elegant twist on the classics and pulling out all of the (surprisingly simple) stops.

Here are some of our favorite Hallow’s Eve decor ideas to take your party to the next level: