If you're throwing a Halloween party, you might be focusing on festive cocktails and scary good treats, but don't overlook your table. Because you know what's even better than a regular old Halloween party? A sophisticated, grownup Halloween dinner party. We've got plenty of ideas to get you inspired, and most of these you can DIY on the cheap (and on the fly!). From unconventional color combos and witchy plating to spooky surprises, these elevated but-on theme Halloween table decorations and centerpieces are sure to make it an unforgettable evening.
1
Get Creative With Serveware
Mini cauldrons! It doesn't get any cuter than that. Whether you choose to serve drinks, soup, or dessert in them, mini cauldrons are the perfect Halloween table decoration that also serve a purpose. Pro tip: Bring your tea light votives to the next level by wrapping them in black lace as a contemporary take on witchy black flame candles.
Mini Cauldron Kettle Cups, $12
2
Go for Subtle Fall Decor
Keep things sophisticated with unexpected colors that don't scream Halloween but still feature that fall aesthetic. A rich, blue tablecloth helps neutral plates pop. Add fresh flowers for even more color and stuck to an earthy palette with your plating and napkins to even it out.
Celina Mancurti Warm Tone Linen Napkins, $70
3
Create a Handsy Cheese Plate
Keep things subtly spooky by placing a a skeleton hand on your charcuterie spread. Style it like this from .
Design Toscano Skeleton Hand Bottle Opener, $21
4
Opt for White Pumpkins
Not into orange and black? Forget them! If you want it to feel more elegant, go for white instead of orange pumpkins. And try an unconventional pop of color, like light pink. See more of this pretty tablescape at .
White Faux Pumpkins, $19
5
Choose an on-Theme Decanter
If you're hosting a scary movie night, get inspired by the on-screen horror with your Halloween decor. If you don't want something as obvious as a skull, something smoky and moody will do.
CB2 Crosby Smoke Glass Decanter, $30
6
Go Farmhouse Chic
Welcome to the big kid's table. This is where we'll be when the trick-or-treaters come knocking. Keep your table rustic and pared down, then add in pops of color with purple placemats and orange napkins. And let the food double as decor (figs are always a good call).
Williams Sonoma Pumpkin Harvest Napkins, $6
7
Use Black Feathers
An affordable and easy way to put a Halloween spin on your favorite floral centerpiece? Just add black feathers to the bouquets, as Sugar and Charm did here.
Black Feathers, $9
8
Candy Lanterns
You may not have a giant candelabra on hand, but you probably have some summer lanterns. Refresh them for Halloween by filling them up with candy and placing them on top of faux spiderwebs. See more at .
CB2 Black Taper Candles, $90
9
Throwing a sophisticated grownup Halloween soiree? Decorate the table with a centerpiece like this by . It's much more moody and romantic than your average Halloween decor. And then maybe throw in some festive coasters for good measure.
Thomas Fuchs Skull Coasters & Stand, $165
10
Work Around One Color
Make things easier on yourself by orienting your decor around a singular color. In this Halloween spread from Sugar & Charm, all the candy, napkins, and accessories are cobalt blue.
Faux Flying Crow, $10
11
Use Fruit as Decor
You don't have to go creepy on October 31st—instead, try a more sophisticated Halloween tablescape. A muted red tablecloth grounds this table while the wooden serveware sticks to the rustic, easy-going atmosphere. Keep it simple with a few pomegranates lining the center of the table.
Libbey Acaciawood Cake Stand, $47
12
Spruce Up the Bar Cart
Don't forget to spruce up the bar cart while you're at it! Learn how to make this gorgeous garland (also works for the fireplace or as a centerpiece) from Sugar and Cloth.
Black Glittered Halloween Wreath, $22
13
Paint Your Pumpkins
Opt for pinks, peaches, and burgundies in your centerpiece rather than the classic warm orange-y fall palette. Then paint your pumpkins white! (Faux pumpkins work, too.)
Small Artificial Pumpkin, $6
14
Spotlight Pretty Fall Plating
A burnt orange linen runner and classic fall tableware keeps things casual and down to the earth and unpretentious. Name cards are also a good idea, preferably if they feature some Halloween-inspired design.
Connor Skull Folded Place Card Set, $40
15
Serve Dessert that Doubles as Decor
Let the dessert do the talking. These cakes double as halloween decor while the skeleton serveware is actually chic enough to live beyond the grave of October 31st.
Thomas Fuchs Skull Ice Tongs, $40
16
Swap Out Your Wine Glasses
If you love the idea of serving your Halloween cocktails in a cauldron but want something a little less kitschy, take notes from this table decorated by Cheetah Is the New Black. A matte black wine glass strikes the ideal balance.
Ravenscroft Black Tasting Glasses, $43
17
Keep Things Light
Halloween doesn't have to be all doom and gloom. For something a little less grim, take note of the cheerful spread above. Decorate plating and serveware with wiggly eyes for a fun Halloween pop.
Wiggle Eye Crafts, $6
18
Opt for Black Roses
Grab a couple of black candelabras, some black roses, and throw in a few skulls and spiders and you've got a kind of creepy but also a little glam Halloween centerpiece. See more at .
Hester & Cook Skull Paper Placemats, $29
19
Flowers + Pumpkins = Perfection
When in doubt, dress your table up with a festive bouquet and some mini pumpkins. Done and done. See more at .
West Elm Recycled Metal Vase, $69
20
Bring Out the Whole Skeleton
Decorate your table with skulls, spiderwebs, then fill jars with candy. Is it weird that we think this looks insanely chic? Get the tutorial at .
Poseable Halloween Skeleton, $12
21
Put Out Some Spiders
**We will brave the spiders when there's cheese involved. See more at .
CB2 Black Agate Cheese Knives, $45
Hadley Mendelsohn
Design Editor
Hadley Mendelsohn is CQ's design editor, and when she's not busy obsessing over all things decor-related, you can find her scouring vintage stores, reading, or stumbling about because she probably lost her glasses again.
