How to Host a Halloween Party Like a Grown-Up

A front yard full of faux graves, entryway completely covered in cobwebs, and porch piled high with carved pumpkins might be a trick-or-treater’s ideal haunt, but if you plan on celebrating Halloween with a grown-ups-only crew, chances are, you’ll want to keep the kitsch at a minimum. Luckily, we’ve found plenty of Halloween party ideas for adults that strike a balance between spooky and chic.

First, let’s consider what makes Halloween so great anyway: It’s an excuse to eat a ton of candy, watch a good scary movie (or, let’s be honest, Hocus Pocus), and pull on a pair of cat ears. We’d also be remiss if we didn’t admit that “Monster Mash” is, in fact, a bop.

All that to say, it’s the perfect time to host a get-together, even if you don’t have little ones. Just try these tricks—they’re guaranteed to be a real treat.

Deck the Halls

For a witchy touch, skip the bubbling cauldrons and opt instead for this moon phase string of lights by The House That Lars Built. Your astrology-obsessed friends are sure to be impressed.

Need a centerpiece? DIY a few of these super-affordable candles and call it a night. They’re just creepy enough (without verging on cheesy).

Clear away the spiderwebs and take a note from Sarah Sherman Samuel: An all-black tablescape, complete with dark red florals and gold utensils, never fails.

If you can’t help but want a little kitsch, go for just a pinch. We love A Beautiful Mess’s spider garland as an easy way to dress up a mantel.

Rethink Your Pumpkin Strategy

Couldn’t resist going all out at the farmers’ market and buying way more gourds than you know what to do with? No problem—just hang them up with Fall for DIY’s macramé holsters.

Not only are Lovely Indeed’s herringbone pumpkins an elegant alternative to your typical jack-o’-lantern, they’re also extremely satisfying to make (all those little lines!).

If you do want to try your hand at carving, consider A Beautiful Mess’s graphic glass-bead pumpkins. Be sure to snag some LED candles to keep them glowing well into the night.

Play With Your Food

Sure, red wine might be the easiest libation to pour out, but we promise your guests will appreciate the extra effort it takes to make these delectable blackberry margaritas.

We’re not saying you have to pair this cake topper by The House That Lars Built with red velvet cake. We’re just saying that it might be a missed opportunity if you don’t.

This purple G&T by Sugar and Charm only requires four ingredients, which seems pretty magical to us. Consider this your easiest party trick ever.

Squirrel away some Halloween candy to make an even sweeter treat: chocolate bark that might just inspire you to run out on November 1 and buy some on-sale bags to make more. Now that’s how you embrace Halloween spirit(s).

See more Halloween ideas: Halloween Cocktails Prettier Than Your Average Punch Ditch Your Halloween Plans and Do This Instead Your Halloween Party Could Use a Haunted Bar Cart