Halloween parties seem to fall into one of two categories: either they are for kids and are overly family-friendly, or they are intense, no-holds-barred events with sinister costumes. Due to COVID-19, we are unable to participate in either activity, but we have discovered a fresh option that we adore: a chic Halloween dinner party.
The days of dry ice and false spider webs are long gone, and this Halloween alternative is much more refined and sophisticated. If you still want guests to dress up, you can have a spooky theme or a theme for the food.
1. Pick a topic
You can choose from options like tarot cards or goth themes, or you can go with a vampire theme (imagine plenty of crimson hues and blood-inspired touches—bloody chocolate fountain, anyone?). Even a theme from a movie, such as Annabelle or another parody, is acceptable. Frankenstein is another well-liked option.
2. Specifics, specifics, specifics
Decide on a time and date. Make careful you check in with individuals in advance, unless Halloween falls on the weekend. Find a day that is convenient for everyone because you might not be able to have the party on Halloween. Start the event early if there will be activities taking place in addition to meals. Choose if you want to send out formal invitations or just invite folks informally.
3. Consider those entrees, but keep it simple.
Be inventive with your meals. Everybody is familiar with the traditional Halloween recipes from Pinterest, such as “dirt” cupcakes or hot dog mummies, but if you want to upgrade your dining experience, stick with. a variety of tiny meals or appetizers. People can nibble on a variety of cheese, meats, fruit, crackers, and whatever else you can think of by creating a substantial charcuterie spread. A charcuterie platter with a Halloween theme sounds wonderful, to be awesome.
4. Instead, have brunch.
There are no restrictions on hosting a brunch party instead of the evening party we’re proposing. After all, October and autumn in general were almost meant for brunch – we’re already daydreaming about pumpkin spice pancakes, apple strudel, hot spiced cider, and champagne cocktails.
5. Practice and good plating
You can adorn meals with little details that make the diners smile or wince, like as ornamental skulls on platters with ribs. Additionally, you can add a crimson drip to a cake’s frosting, add cobwebs, and add miniature imitation spiders. Never attempt a recipe you haven’t attempted before without first doing a test run since you don’t want the party day to end up looking like a “Nailed It! Pre-made food is also acceptable; after all, we all have lives to live! Another option is to suggest a potluck.
6. Play a few games as well
Try a maximum of two or three of them, not all of them. Many people enjoy escape rooms and murder mystery games. Additionally, you can hire a tarot card reader (or ask a receptive friend) or stage a scary Crawley-themed Fear Factor challenge show. If a costume contest is what you’re after, there isn’t anything more traditional.
7. The key is spooky cocktails.
Don’t be scared to experiment with eerie drinks; if you can, try to find cocktail tips that resemble skulls or anything similar. In this Blackberry Thyme Prosecco Fizz, a rich blackberry syrup is combined with a skewer of blackberries and thyme. Last but not least, the blood orange margarita is simple to make and has the ideal visual if you want a genuinely bloody look. Even drinks can be served in test tubes or vials.
8. Decorate and place sets with style.
Avoid fall clichés like the ubiquitous orange pumpkins. Use white or another neutral color to give your ordinary pumpkins a spooky makeover while incorporating expressions into the orange negative space. Choosing a white, minimalistic theme for your place settings and other decor can have a really chic effect. Consider calligraphy on cards that is entirely handwritten, white cobwebs, barren branches, skeletons, and candles.
9. shorten the menu
We firmly believe in the small plate rule and keeping a range of items on hand so that meat eaters, vegetarians, and vegans may all graze on something. Get creative by spicing up classic dishes or presenting appetizers rather than overcrowding your menu or serving more complicated dishes. You won’t feel overwhelmed if you’ve invited a small group over because you can prepare each meal correctly.