Holiday parties can be formal or casual, planned or spontaneous; however, they should always be fun— especially at Halloween. Even kids can appreciate the effort it takes to set a “fun” table. This year, I’m sticking with traditional Halloween colors of orange black. If you follow any of my advice, you know you have to shop all year long for certain items like dishes in unusual colors. Snatch up orange-and-black dishes whenever you see them at Goodwill. Mismatched china is OK.
I happened to find orange plates and black bowls and made napkins from orange dish towels. I cut a towel in half, hemmed the raw edges and got two for the price of one.
The vintage cookie cutters were a real find! I don’t bake, but that didn’t stop me from buying them. I folded the napkin accordion style and tied it to the cutter with a black ribbon. I like how the napkin mimics the witch’s straw broom.
Isn’t this cat adorable? He needed a rolled black napkin to contrast with the orange plate.
Black silverware isn’t necessary, but if you have it, now is the time to bring it out. The place cards are names printed on regular paper with a Halloween-style font called Chiller. Cut each name out and simply weave the paper on the tines of the fork.
Of course a Halloween party calls for candle light. I found this iron sconce for only a couple of dollars at Goodwill. I think I’ll look for a few more so I can light up an entire dining room wall. Remember, never leave a candle unattended or better yet, use the battery operated ones.
Now I just need to find someone to bake sugar cookies for dessert. If you’re interested, you can borrow my cookie cutters.