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How To Curate A Halloween Dinner Party

Written by: Wren Rockett

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Time to read 6 min

Everything you need for your next Halloween dinner party...

A gothic table setting with a black and white striped table cloth and a dramatic black candelabra holding deep green candles, surrounded by gothic table ware, velvet pumpkins and green plants.

At Rockett St George there is one thing that we love to do more than anything else and that's PARTY! So, of course, any excuse to get our friends around for dinner and a dance and we're on it. With Halloween just a few weeks away, we're channelling our dark, gothic roots with our Halloween Dinner Party edit.


There are so many different themes you can call on when it comes to hosting a Halloween dinner party. Why not take inspiration from this year's most anticipated Halloween Movie, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and go with a monochrome or striped look? Alternatively, work a glam Halloween vibe with white tablecloths, pumpkins and spooky accessories for a grown-up spooky season look? You know what we say - your home, your rules, so do what you love and you can't go far wrong...


No matter what look you go for, our Halloween Dinner Party edit is just what you need to create an evening full of frights and delights.


Halloween Dinner Party Essentials


Marvellous Mood Lighting

Lighting is one of the most crucial elements in setting the tone for any event, especially at a Halloween dinner party. The right mood lighting can transform a space, highlight the best elements of your theme, and make your guests feel immersed in the experience. Here's a handful of spooky yet stylish ways you can create the perfect mood lighting for your Halloween dinner party.


Candles

Candles are a timeless choice for creating the perfect spooky setting, especially for a Halloween dinner party. Their warm, flickering glow can evoke a sense of mystery and nostalgia, perfectly complementing your theme. Incorporate candles into your décor and enhance the spooky ambience by complementing them with antique-style candle holders, arrange them in clusters for dramatic impact, or place them individually at each spot for your guests to create an intimate glow.


Neon pink and orange long skinny candles in pink and orange candle holders placed on a black shelf next to pumpkin shaped candles, with a ghost garland hung from the shelf

Lamps

Lamps are incredibly versatile when it comes to creating a vibe that is both inviting and eerie for your Halloween dinner party. They provide soft, focused lighting that can highlight special areas and add depth to your decorations. The glow from a well-placed lamp can make all the difference, making shadows dance and bring a touch of magic to your Halloween dinner party.


Certain types of lamps, especially those with vintage or gothic designs, can add an elegant touch to your Halloween décor. Think ornate lanterns or antique-style table lamps. These pieces not only provide light but also contribute to the overall aesthetic, enhancing the spooky yet sophisticated vibe of your Halloween dinner party.


A black and white striped lamp placed next to a bright green candle holder and a black and white striped candle holder, holding deep green candles. They are stood infront of a large green detailed serving tray.

Fairy Lights

Fairy lights are the perfect addition to your Halloween dinner party decor, casting a soft, enchanting glow that transforms any space. Softly twinkling lights create a whimsical and ethereal atmosphere almost effortlessly, making your Halloween dinner party feel like a scene from a fairy tale gone spooky.


Different types of fairy lights can help you set varying moods throughout your Halloween dinner party. Try using warm fairy lights in dining and conversational areas to make guests feel relaxed and welcome, or take the playful route and use vibrant and colourful lighting to ensure high spirits and encourage mingling and dancing! Another choice could be sticking to tradition with style by using themed lighting, such as light chains adorned with delights of the Halloween season, like pumpkins, bats or anything beautifully gothic. 

A large black lit candle on a black shelf surrounded by gold star fairy lights.

Terrifying Table Settings

When it comes to hosting a Halloween dinner party, the table setting is undoubtedly the star of the show. While many elements contribute to the overall vibe, your table setting becomes the focal point where guests mingle, dine, and celebrate. Crafting your dream table setting for your Halloween dinner party is vital, so we've picked out some dinner table must-haves just for you!


Statement Pieces

When hosting a Halloween dinner party, the dining table is more than just a place to eat—it's a canvas for your creativity and the star of your event. Incorporating statement pieces into your table setting isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an atmosphere that lifts the festive spirit and engages your guests. A dramatic centrepiece or unique décor item can instantly communicate the theme of your Halloween dinner party. Whether it’s a dramatic candelabra, a whimsical pumpkin display, or a mysteriously elegant skull, statement pieces give your table a strong thematic identity. 



A gothic black skull ornament wearing a detailed headset.

Candle Holders

Now that you've found your new favourite statement piece, when it comes to crafting the perfect ambience for a Halloween dinner party, candle holders are more than just functional items—they are beautiful components for your table setting décor. They bring an unmatched charm and atmosphere to your event, making them a must-have for creating wonderfully spooky memories. Unlike harsh, artificial lighting, candlelight adds a cosy, inviting warmth. It’s amazing for creating a comfortable yet thrilling environment where guests can relax and enjoy the fabulous fright of your Halloween dinner party. Use a grand candleholder for a dramatic centrepiece, creating a beautiful focal point. Alternatively, by combining various candle holders of different heights and styles, you can create a layered and dynamic visual effect. This approach is wonderful for adding depth and personality to your table setting, making it more engaging and a visual delight. 


A wooden tray of different sized coloured glass tea light candle holders.

Finishing Touches

Once you’ve decided on the main elements of your Halloween dinner party table setting, it’s time to add those final touches! These finishing details bring your décor together and create a cohesive, festive vibe that is sure to enchant your guests. Little additions are known to make all the difference, so why not try adorning your Halloween dinner party with some spooky balloons? Balloons are a playful way to add festive flair to any setting. These can simply be used to accentuate place settings or crafted into a bouquet for a subtle yet awfully scary vibe. Or, head down the cosy autumnal route and dot some adorable pumpkins around your table. These details bring your décor to life, making your party not just a meal, but a fantastic celebration that your guests will remember long after the night is over! 

A garland of paper ghosts.

Fearlessly Fabulous Accessories

A collage of a variation of halloween decorations, like a garland of paper ghosts, a skull ornament, balloons, skull shot glasses and a halloween themed table setting.

Halloween is a time for creativity, spookiness, and lots of fun. When planning a Halloween dinner party, the devil is truly in the details. Accessories play a vital role in setting the mood and creating the overall experience for your guests.


Setting The Stage

The table is the focal point of your Halloween dinner party, and a themed tablecloth sets the stage for the entire evening. It sets the tone as soon as your guests walk into the room, signalling that a spooky event is about to take place! Practicality meets style with this themed tablecloth that enhances the aesthetic appeal of your Halloween dinner party, while also protecting your table from spills, stains, and scratches. 

A table spread with a black and white striped table cloth. On the table is a black velvet pumpkin, a ghost shaped candle, a black disco ball wine cooler, a glass of wine and a black candle in a black candle holder. Above the table are some black and orange paper decorations hanging down.

Enhancing The Dining

Themed accessories make the dining experience all the more enjoyable. When guests sip from cups shaped like skulls or eat from themed plates, it adds a playful and festive element to the meal. The smallest touches can make all the difference when getting into the spooky season and will really show off your commitment to the theme, making your beautiful Halloween dinner party more memorable. Plus, themed napkins, utensils, and even straws can make even the simplest of dishes feel special and curated for the occasion.


A set of four shot glasses with skull faces on them.

Expressing Creativity

Planning a Halloween dinner party is the perfect opportunity to unleash your creativity. Accessories allow you to experiment with different themes and ideas, making your party unique and personalised. From paper decorations to (not so) gory garlands! Go on, showcase your artistic side and impress your guests with your innovative spirit!

A set of seven paper decorations consisting of colours such as orange, black and white hung on a white wall.

Fantastic Food

A tablescape featuring autumnal foods such as cheese, crackers, cured meats and pomegranate seeds. With a side dish of delicious black mushroom pasta.

Left: Amazing Autumnal Charcuterie Board @halfbakedharvest | Right: Beautiful Black Mushroom Pasta @womanandhome


Finally, your dazzling dark Halloween dinner party needs fantastic food! We say, getting creative at your with your food need not be complicated. But, as the host of such a fabulous night, the last thing you want is to be swept up in the kitchen. So, for this reason, we love easy food, pretty presentation and sharing plates. Pair that with some divine drinks and you have yourself a tremendous themed evening!

There's nothing not to love about an Autumnal Charcuterie Board. Plus, for Halloween, you can embellish your creation with some spooky accessories and perhaps some pumpkins too. As such, we're simply loving this Black Pasta Recipe for the main course. Perfect for this season and ultra-easy to prepare, the black mushroom pasta main course will be a show-stopping dish for all to adore. These two fabulous recipes combined will guarantee a brilliant Halloween dinner party.


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