How to Pull-Off an Elegant Halloween Party

You want to join the Halloween fun but you think you've outgrown the ghost standees, cobweb-covered walls, and big jack-o-lanterns. Here’s how you can execute a distinct, grown-up Halloween party.

More ways than one with pumpkin

While it is true that pumpkins are the quintessential Halloween symbol, there's no need to overdo the jack-o'-lantern game. There are other possibilities for pumpkins as décor, too.

 

Photo via Town and Country

Take this crudité spread served in a hollowed pumpkin by event planner Cornelia Guest, featured in Town and Country. The result is a festive and healthy spread that still has a hint of Halloween in it.

Get cozy with candles

Eerie, cozy, romantic, warm – candles have endless possibilities in any occasion so don’t rule them out of your Halloween party. From full candelabra to small votives, you’ll surely find a way to style the candles suitable to your preferred Halloween vibe.

Photo from Grateful.co via USA Today

These gray candles on candlesticks set against black twigs are too inviting that even adult Halloween scrooges may not be able to resist.

A single accent to rule them all

What separates a kiddie party from an adult party? Focus. Aim for harmony instead of overwhelming your senses with multiple larger-than-life decorations.

Photo via Sandy a La Mode

Sandy of Sandy a La Mode kept her Halloween spread simple, save for the spiderweb overlay that added subtle spook factor and texture to the area. Sometimes, only one big accent is enough to evoke a Halloween vibe. 

Grown-up sweets, please

Halloween is candy season for the kids. Adults can join in the fun too, but with a more polished presentation of treats.

 

Photo via Sweet as Cookie

This sleek-looking, "poisonous" apples can easily be made with black gel food coloring. Click the link to read the recipe.

More emphasis on color scheme

Pumpkins, skeletons, ghosts, and witches – most Halloween parties revolve around these elements or themes. For understated elegance, shift the focus to the color scheme. The standard Halloween elements will follow.

Photo via Just Destiny

Black and gold fit the Halloween season, but this color scheme also goes well with New Year celebrations and Gatsby themed parties! The tiny skull straws go a long way here. You can use existing décor or re-use them in future parties.

No-fail flowers

Flowers always amplify the elegance factor in any party, no matter the occasion or theme. For Halloween, opt for the darker and richer colors of autumn. Read our previous article on in-season autumn flowers to help you decide which blooms to pick.

Photo via Musings on Momentum

The already sophisticated skull vase gets an upgrade with tulips in deep plum hues. Talk about a romantic, Halloween vibe! This décor can even extend towards Dia de Los Muertos.

Classy but edgy accessories

 

Photo via Ella Celebration

If you want to pull off an adult Halloween affair, remember that not everything about your Halloween party should be creepy and spooky. Inject regular but edgy accessories to your setting, such as this shiny metal napkin ring. This goes well with the black and gold color scheme mentioned above. As mentioned, these items can be re-used for other occasions.