We're not sure where September went, but it seems spooky season is finally upon us. Whether or not you're one for dressing up, it can be fun to dabble in the Halloween spirit via decor, ensembles, or simply the treats—who are we kidding, it's mainly about the sweets. We've asked our staffers to divulge their essentials for Halloween-themed entertaining this fall and the results range from spider-laden ornamentation to orange-hued martini glasses to antique candelabras. Continue reading to discover how they get in the spooky mood—have your pumpkins ready!
Jess Teves, Head of Brand & Editor-in-Chief
Cola Gummies, 6 Bags
I remember going to the mall as a kid and making a beeline for the candy store to stock up on cola gummies—they were my absolute favorite. Today, however, I'm a bit more mindful of the amount of sugar my family and I consume. Enter these updated cola gummies from SmartSweets that taste BETTER than the original and contain 87% less sugar! Plus, they have no sugar alcohols, artificial sweeteners, or added sugar, so you can rest easy handing them out this Halloween (or, you know, stocking up on them like me).
Sol Outdoor Martini Glasses, Set of 6
I love colored stemware to add some festivity (and color!) to any occasion—particularly holidays like Halloween where I'm not really one to lean too too heavily into the theme—and these angular orange martini glasses from Williams Sonoma are fabulous! Perfect for alfresco drinks, these durable glasses are also on sale right now so be sure to stock up!
Black Truffle Sea Salt
We'll be carving pumpkins at our house this year, and I am so excited to gather the sometimes neglected pumpkin seeds and roast them up in the oven with a little olive oil and this Trufflin Sea Salt. A bowl of these and a glass of Malbec and my Halloween is set!
Caroline Dunn, Affiliate Coordinator
Hard Kombucha Sampler
The JuneShine Sampler was a major conversation topic at my most recent gathering, and I'm thinking it needs to become a permanent staple. With low sugar content and probiotics (plus some super cute packaging), this hard kombucha is a novel alternative to the hard seltzers you've probably gotten used to serving.
Honeycomb Glitter Wall Spiders
I stumbled upon these dangling glittery spiders in my local Paper Source, and felt an instant boost of serotonin upon hanging this tacky and fun accessory from my mantle. While the decor in my new apartment is very much still a work in progress, I've got Halloween covered and strangely feel like I may miss my new spider roommates once the season is over...
Candle Accessory Set
Candles are a staple in my living space, especially in the fall and winter months, so I can't believe I went this long without a proper candle accessory kit for extinguishing and trimming wicks. It's a simple set of tools that has changed the game in how I take care of my flaming investments!
Leya Kaufman, Head of Brand, Publisher & SVP of Sales
9-Piece Mini Candy Trunk
I love any Halloween candy assortment that doubles as decor. This is a great hostess gift and a total crowd pleaser. It looks great arranged next to a wet bar or strategically placed right by the front door so guests can get an instant sugar rush when they arrive.
Spiced Pumpkin Latte Home Diffuser
A diffuser with a mild pumpkin spice might just be the perfect way for me to fake hours of baking when hosting family or friends. Halloween parties are essentially pre-parties for Thanksgiving too—so everyone will enjoy the holiday vibes that a familiar scent like this can offer. As a bonus, this diffuser is also pretty and the burnt orange hue will blend into any spooky party scene.
Pleated Lace Top
There's just something about black lace that always feels "witchy chic." I feel like I could pair this with a long, flowy skirt and a black gel manicure to get into the Halloween spirit. It's not a costume but doesn't feel unfestive. In other words, it's a no-brainer. Just have to find a cauldron to match…
Ama Kwarteng, Beauty Editor
Skin Fetish Highlighter & Balm Duo
I have no idea what I'm going to be for Halloween this year, but what I do know for a fact is that this part highlighter-part balm will be on my face. The shimmery highlighter drapes your skin in a golden veil that isn't too over the top. And on the other side of the tool, there's a translucent balm that you can dab on top of the highlighter to amplify the radiant glow.
Glass Vials
Sure, you could serve drinks at your Halloween party in your everyday, run-of-the-mill wine glasses, but if you really want to commit to the theme, I suggest swapping out the glasses for vials. Bonus points if your drinks come in a deep red shade.
Silver Aluminum Traditional Candle Holder
Work with your light sources to set the mood for your Halloween fete. Turn off your fluorescent overhead lights and opt for candles instead. Place them inside a traditional-looking candelabra to conjure up an eerie ambience.
Camille Freestone, Associate Style Editor
Super Stretchy Spider Web
When I was younger, my mom used to always coat our iron fencing in these faux spider webs, atop which she'd place those plastic spider rings to add to the spookiness factor. (Plastic bats could also be found hanging from chandeliers.) Though my apartment boasts no fences, now I string the same decor on light fixtures and mantles. If you're looking for more seasonal decor ideas, Abigail Cook Stone is full of them.
Mini Pumpkins and Gourds
One of the easiest ways to imbibe your home with fall energy is to place some pumpkins and gourds about the space—the mini size is more conducive to apartments. This works particularly well if you're not one for tacky decor—though this would be the holiday to lean in.
Vintage 40s Cut Crystal Champagne Coupes, Set of 7
For some reason, modern glassware feels out of place on a Halloween tablescape. The antique-y nature of these retro coupes fits with the eerie vibe the holiday champions. Not to mention, they'll go perfectly with Ama's candelabra!
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@alphagail
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