Shana Buchanan, Founder and CEO of iDecorateshop.com, shares her expert knowledge on how to theme the perfect Halloween Party.
I can’t think of a better reason to throw a party than Halloween – it’s the perfect excuse to host a fantastically moody and dark soiree. More and more Aussie kids are pleading with parent’s to get out on the streets to for a night of trick-or-treat. We say, why let the kids have all the fun? It’s the perfect time for adults and kids alike, to join in on the silly antics. Remember, friends and family who play together, stay together. Why not embrace your inner Goth and show those teenagers you’re not so old after all.
For those of us adults that are without child, we love the idea of a black tie dress-up party but be warned, your guests will need a lot of notice and tell them to expect creepy rather than civilized.
When it comes to styling the perfect Halloween soiree we say, think “GLAM-O-WEEN” and don’t limit yourself to cleaning out pumpkin seeds and putting holes in old white sheets.
If one Googles ‘Halloween Party Ideas’ to search for image inspiration, you may find yourself overwhelmed by a sea of orange and black and lots of daggy details. Whilst you might be tempted to grab those bright orange bits off the shelves of your local $2 shop, we dare you to think otherwise. Invest in quality pieces that you can pull out next year like black candle sticks that you will use over and over again.
Other items that you might already have at home or have been coveting on décor blogs, are glass domes and terrariums. Cloche domes were first made in Italy in the early 1600’s to protect plants from cold winds and frost, but it was the French who developed the bell dome. Terrariums and domes are the now the hottest accessory for the mantle, sideboard or coffee table used to display, watches, jewellrey, books, fruit, family photos, candles etc. The best part is that you can update a room just by changing what’s inside. I love putting white orchids stacked on old books in mine.
To make your table decadent, dark and enticing, keep it sophisticated yet cool. Focus on the little details that lend to a quietly eerie theme.
Bring the magic of Halloween or we say “GLAM-O-WEEN” to life by sticking with high quality table settings. For the adults, get out your crystal and fine china and leave the paper cups and goodie bags for the little ones. You can never go wrong with black, white, silver and gold and for colour, a touch of plum, green or burgundy will really pop. We are obsessed with our new black paper butterflies for a bit of cheek we added black rubber mice with bright little beady red eyes.
For those of you that have the time and desire to get crafty, we’re obsessed with this “Enter If You Dare” wreath to set the tone when your guests arrive.
I have a new found obsession as a result of styling this shoot, Matt Black spraypaint – once I started I couldn’t stop. Old paperback books are the first point of call. Not only do they look great inside domes, they are also the perfect way to layer objects on your table at different heights. Next spray paint victim – fake leaves – we typically use artificial greenery for upside-down centerpieces cantilevered above dining tables but this time I decided that they would make the perfect ‘filler’ in between candle sticks. Word of warning though, be sure your candle wax doesn’t cause them to catch on fire. Always keep a close eye on an open flame…always.
Outside, you can use reclaimed tin cans to make homemade lanterns light up your driveway, porch or a winding path. Throw a little bit of Harry Potter-style inspiration with flying books
(matt black ofcourse) hanging from the terrace or even better the old fashioned hills-hoist. Make sure you hang them well above kids height and not too tie with string or light fishing line.
Written, styled and photographed by Shana Buchanan.