Dark Decor

I’m probably the biggest Halloween skeptic there is. Sure, it’s fun to get dressed up and it’s an excellent excuse to party, but decorating with the typical pumpkin and spider-web decorations year after year can get predictable. After finding these fabulously spooky accessories from Pottery Barn, I was inspired to shake things up and throw a dramatic, gothic Halloween party. The best part? Virtually no prep time. To set the Addams Family-esque mood, grab some black or deep red velvet from your local fabric store and drape it over the snack and bar tables. Place your everyday candle holders, or better yet a candelabra, with black tapers on top. Set up a drink-creation station with Halloween-candy garnishes (black licorice, puréed fruit, grapes and berries) and beverages (the alcoholic type). Complete it with these ghostly double-old-fashioned glasses. If you’re like me and eyeball martinis aren’t really your thing, leave the gory creativity to your guests.
- Emilie Dingfeld, Editorial Intern

Black taper candles, $15 (set of 8); skull double-old-fashioned glasses, $35 (set of 4); skull votive holders, $28 (set of 4); candelabra, $99, all from Pottery Barn,potterybarn.ca.