It seems that there are generally two types of Halloween parties: those for children, which are very family-oriented, or a high-intensity party, without restrictions and mischievous costumes. Now we can’t do either thanks to COVID-19, but we’re in love with a new option: the fancy Halloween dinner.
It’s much fancier and classier than the other Halloween options out there – gone are the days of fake cobwebs and dry ice. You can create a spooky theme if you still want people to dress up, or the food itself can be themed.
1. Choose a theme
You can go for anything from a vampire theme (think lots of crimson hues and blood-inspired touches… bloody chocolate fountain, anyone?) to gothic or tarot cards. You can even make a movie theme, like Annabelle or another homage. Frankenstein is also a popular choice.
2. Details, details, details
Choose a date and time. Unless Halloween is on a weekend, be sure to contact people beforehand. You may not be able to pull it off on actual Halloween, so find a time that works for everyone. If activities are to be held in conjunction with dinner, start the event earlier. Decide if you want to invite people casually or create invites to send.
3. Think about those entrees, but think small.
Get creative with food. Everyone knows the classic Halloween tricks from Pinterest, like “dirt” cupcakes or hot dog mummies, but if you want to up your dining experience, stick with them. Variety of appetizers or small plates. You can also prepare a wide variety of sausages, so people can eat a variety of cheeses, meats, fruits, crackers, and whatever else you can conjure up. A Halloween-themed charcuterie board sounds incredible, to be incredible.
4. Host a brunch instead
Although we suggest dinner, there are no rules against having brunch. After all, October and fall in general were practically made for brunch: pumpkin spice pancakes, apple strudel, spicy cider, and champagne cocktails… we’re already dreaming of those.
5. Plate well and practice
You can add decorative skulls to dishes like ribs and other little touches on your plates that make guests smile or wince. You can also frost a cake with black frosting and make a bloody drip down the side, or frost over spider webs and add little fake spiders. Always test recipes you haven’t tried before, because you don’t want the day of the party to end up looking like an episode of “Nailed It!” There’s no shame in convenience food either – we all have lives to take care of! You can also suggest a potluck style.
6. Add some games to the mix
Don’t try all of these, maybe a maximum of two or three. Many love murder mystery challenges, just like escape rooms. You can also hire a tarot card reader (or ask a willing friend) or recreate an episode of Fear Factor with creepy (but safe) challenges from Crawley. And of course, there’s nothing more classic than a costume contest, if that’s the path you’re going to take.
7. Spooky cocktails are key
Don’t be afraid to play around with spooky cocktails, and try to buy cocktail picks shaped like a skull or something similar, if possible. This Blackberry Thyme Prosecco Fizz combines rich blackberry syrup with a blackberry and thyme skewer. Lastly, if you want a really gory look, the blood orange daisy is easy and has the perfect aesthetic. You can even serve drinks in vials or test tubes.
8. Get fancy with the cutlery and decor.
Stay away from fall clichés like orange pumpkins all over the place. Spook up your everyday pumpkins with white paint or another minimalist color, creating expressions out of orange negative space. Opting for a white minimalist style in both tableware and decoration can have a very sophisticated effect. Think of all the handwritten calligraphy on cards, white cobwebs, bare branches, skulls and candles.
9. Keep the menu short
We truly believe in the small plates rule and keeping a variety of foods available, so vegetarians, vegans, and meat lovers have something to eat. Instead of super fancy dishes or cramming your menu, get imaginative by spicing up classics or serving appetizers. If you’ve invited a small group, you can prepare each dish to perfection without feeling overwhelmed.
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