The countdown is on for all things fall: crisp air, colorful foliage, pumpkins, comfort food, and of course, Halloween. Treat friends and family to a memorable celebration this year that’s easy for you to throw together on a budget and won’t break the bank. We have inspiration for a classic Halloween tablescape, crowd-pleasing eats, and some tricks and treats to get you ready to host your own spooky soiree.
We’ve given you options to keep things low-key and serve-yourself casual for guests. Alternatively, by adding a heartier dish or two to the ghostly goodies below, this tablescape can instantly become a more formal, sit-down dinner.
Tablescape
Think outside the box and use things you already have on hand to create a simple and festive tablescape for your guests—black and white or natural colored elements can easily transform into Halloween decor with a few additional touches. A popular buffalo check table runner dresses up a wooden dining table or would also look great layered over a simple white tablecloth.
Candles
We hit up some of our local thrift shops to source a mix of vintage brass candlesticks that cost around $1-3 each! Paired with simple and affordable black taper candles, the look is spooky and elegant.
Place Settings
A trio of simple white plates in different sizes layered with napkins offers visual interest to your tablescape. To up the ante, we used two different napkins—a solid deep orange and a fun black and white embroidered option with tassels. Tiny faux pumpkins are donned with hand-lettered tags and attached with an easy-to-make baker’s twine tassel. These faux paper pumpkins are inexpensive, and can be reused year after year.
Flowers
To vary the height in your tablescape, pair the tall candles with some shorter flower arrangements. Keep things simple by using white roses that are available year-round. When grouped in a large bunch, a simple arrangement can really make a statement. Wrap inexpensive black and white baker’s twine around a clear vase (bet you already have a few of these on hand— we did!) to mimic the look of a spider web and mask the flower stems.
Three tricks of the trade when arranging flowers:
1. Remove leaves from the stalks of your flowers that come in contact with water, and your flowers will stay fresh longer.
2. Change the water and trim the ends of the stems daily.
3. Keep your arrangements picture-perfect by corralling the stems with a small rubber band before placing them in the water.
Food
Party guests tend to flock toward the food, so why not leave them howling for more by creating a beautiful yet simple spread to tie in your theme. We know it’s easy to get lost in menu options, but remember, a relaxed host is the most important party ingredient. Here are options to keep food preparation stress-free and enjoyable:
Do as much as you can in advance to prepare. This might mean choosing dishes that can be made ahead and stored until party time or washing and chopping ingredients the night before.
Go the all-appetizer route. Portions are smaller and the price tag tends to be more affordable. It also creates more of a relaxed vibe that equates to less stress.
Outsource premade items and style them to add a nice touch—a charcuterie platter like the one shown is a great example.
Charcuterie Platter
A thoughtfully curated snack spread can bring your food table to life and at the same time won’t keep you tied up in the kitchen all day. Include a variety of flavors and textures, add pops of color to go with the holiday or your event theme, and incorporate different elements like ramekins, greenery or bamboo knot picks to create visual interest. We suggest having a couple different options of cheese, fruit, nuts, olives, vegetables, starches and something sweet. Fall is a great time to visit the Holly Springs Farmer’s Market and grab these items fresh and in season.
You can easily recreate the look of this featured Halloween inspired platter by purchasing the following items:
Ghost pepper cheese
Sharp cheddar
Peppered salami
Black grapes
Blackberries
Black olives
Rosemary sprigs
Italian breadsticks
Habanero bbq almonds
Rosemary almonds
Dark chocolate sea salt covered graham crackers
Candied orange slices
Pumpkin Spice Popcorn
This popcorn is salty and sweet with a subtle taste of pumpkin spice throughout. It would be perfect on the coffee table, by the drink station, or even as a party favor—wrapped in small, clear cellophane bags and tied with a cute Halloween-themed ribbon or the remaining baker’s twine.
Ingredients
1 bag pre-popped sea salt popcorn
12 oz. almond bark or 1 pkg. white chocolate morsels
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
½ cup M&Ms (color coordinate with theme)
2 tbsp. white sprinkles
Optional add-ins: Reese’s Pieces, pretzels, Chex
Directions
Place parchment paper on a baking sheet, set aside.
Melt almond bark/chocolate according to package directions. Once melted, stir in pumpkin pie spice.
In a large mixing bowl, pour melted bark onto popcorn, and use a spatula to coat evenly (add in M&Ms, pretzels, etc. at this point if using).
Quickly spread popcorn mixture out onto parchment paper and top with sprinkles.
Let dry for 30 minutes and then break into smaller pieces.
Store in an airtight container for up to three days.
Don’t let a limited budget or time keep you from hosting a great get together. People genuinely appreciate the gesture of an invitation and the opportunity to socialize. Remember, you are probably the only one who really notices the cobwebs in the corner.
Written, styled and photographed by local residents; Kate Fry with Southern Fryed Bliss, and Cameron Jones with Cameron Jones Interiors.
