Have a classy Halloween

Halloween is one of those holidays that tends to be reserved for children. Between lurid costumes, trick or treat, and more sugary snacks and E-numbers than most parents would think strictly wise, it’s not hard to see why.

But there’s no reason why grown-ups can’t get in on the fun as well. So, if you have a function coming up around 31 October and are still searching for a theme, why not consider a classy, grown-up Halloween party?

Here at Simply Linens, we’ve provided tablecloth hire for more than a few Halloween dos in our time, so here are some of our favourite ideas.

Keep it gothic

If your idea of a Halloween party is less apple bobbing and more Morticia Addams, steer clear of lurid decorations and glow-in-the-dark tat. Instead, think the interiors from Bela Lugosi and Christopher Lee’s respective Dracula adaptations, just with less cobwebs.

For instance, make your table centrepieces heavy black or silver candelabras, sitting atop exquisite black table linen. Simply Linens offer coloured table linen hire, including our Georgian tablecloth in black for an elegant touch of gothic. Add in touches of deep red to lighten the mood while keeping the theme.

Have a fancy-dress theme

To avoid a deluge of dodgy fancy dress costumes (nothing like a “sexy zombie nurse” to spoil the ambiance), include a theme for fancy dress on your invitations. This way you allow people some creativity while making sure they stick to your dress code. Good bets are things like classic movie monsters from the golden age of Hollywood, Tim Burton characters, or even the Addams Family as these will keep people on-theme.

Don’t be afraid to say certain costumes are banned as well if you don’t want anyone showing up as an undead SpongeBob SquarePants.

Keep the menu gimmick-free

While it would certainly be tempting to serve up cocktails filled with fake eyeballs or desserts shaped like brains, it just doesn’t scream classy Halloween do. Instead, keep your menu seasonal with nods to Halloween – but don’t go gimmicky.

For example, try pumpkin soup as a starter and baked apples in toffee sauce as a dessert – both nods to classic Halloween treats. Avoid super-sweet, cocktails with an array of garish colours and, instead opt for sophisticated yet spooky such as Poisoned Apple Pie, Dark & Stormy or Midnight’s Shadow.

Have scarily good entertainment

Let’s face it, if you don’t let your DJ play The Monster Mash or The Time Warp your guests will likely revolt, but before you take a turn on the dancefloor, consider other entertainment for earlier in the evening.

If you have access to a projector and screen, for instance, you could play the silent vampire movie Nosferatu during dinner, with its score providing a dazzling soundtrack. You might even consider a ghost storyteller to keep your guests enthralled.

However, you decide to manage your Halloween party, Simply Linens can help you with your coloured linen hire as we operate in London, Essex and across the UK. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.