If your thoughts are starting to turn to fall and Halloween decor ideas you're in luck, as some of our favorite stores have already launched some gorgeously stylish collections that offer that perfect blend of eerie and elevated. And that's exactly what I look for when it comes to Halloween table decor in particular.
From fall table decor with subtle nods to the holiday, to spooky set-ups which go all in on spiders, bats, and skeletons, these Halloween table decor ideas will have you covered for all your holiday hosting needs.
Here's how to decorate your table from ghoulish to glamorous this holiday season.
1. Lay moody linens
When putting together a tablescape, start from the bottom. Using a patterned tablecloth – whether subtle, like this Halloween Toile Linen Tablecloth from Anthropologie (pictured above), or statement – will instantly create a sense of occasion.
The print doesn’t necessarily need to be Halloween-themed to feel spooky. Black and white is an effective choice, whether striped, chequered or gingham, and can work all year round. Alternatively, a runner with Halloween motifs or featuring black lace can add a really dramatic effect without the need to invest in a new tablecloth. Equally dark floral prints offer a seasonal, yet subtle take on Halloween table linens.
2. Go for macabre glassware
Halloween is the perfect excuse to switch up your glassware from summery colored glass to statement pieces in deep hues, which cast dramatic shadows in candlelight.
Think ornate goblets, blood-red coupes, hand-blown tumblers with gothic silhouettes (like the Ursa Glassware by West Elm, pictured above), or cocktail glasses etched with spooky motifs like skulls, snakes or bats. Really lean into the theme by serving red wine or bloody mary cocktails for a vampire-esque twist.
However, opting for a more subtle take, such as rust-hued or ombre glass, will ensure longevity of use throughout fall and beyond.
3. Give serveware a gothic twist
You can't go far wrong with Gothic interior design inspiration for Halloween and that applies to tableware, too. Think monochrome patterns, eerie motifs, and vintage-style shapes and detailing that give Halloween tableware the feeling that you've just discovered it in a cobwebby attic.
I love Anthropologie's take on gothic tableware this year with its Halloween bistro tile collection (pictured above), which lends a sophisticated European nod to spooky.
Plain black Halloween tableware can look really dramatic, too. Try layering with neutral colored plates in natural textures for a more rustic look, adding in plenty of dried flowers and mini pumpkins to keep the look rooted in nature.
4. Choose spooky center pieces
When it comes to centerpieces there are a couple of practical things to consider: how much space will it take up on your table, and will it obstruct conversation.
If you have the space a large, tall central centerpiece can look really dramatic. Think gnarly looking haunted trees with metallic or glass decorations hanging from the branches, a statement candelabra (like this Oaxacan clay floral taper holder from Terrain, pictured above), or a tall vase of decadent dark flowers such as Odessa calla lillies or deep burgundy dahlias.
For long or smaller tables, a few carefully curated mini vignettes can work well, incorporating votive candles, glass pumpkins and other spooky curiosities.
Take it one step further with an atmospheric floral display, where even the greenery follows the Gothic palette, combining dark red berries and muted green leaves. The vessel itself can be a real statement piece too, whether a skull-shaped vase or bold bowl filled with mini pumpkins, seasonal fruit or moss and taper candles.
5. Create atmosphere with candles
It's the atmospheric glow of candlelight that really brings a Halloween tablescape to life. Be sure to get out your best candles for your Halloween table decor to create a creepy but also cozy atmosphere.
Candles of varying heights and styles, from traditional taper candles (like these flameless snake candles from Pottery Barn) or vintage-style candelabras, to simple pillar candles and themed candles can all be used together to create a dramatic display. Tealights also look effective placed along the length of a long table.
Keep things really atmospheric by dimming the electric lights and dotting extra hurricane lanterns around the dining room, too, for some additional ambient light. Flameless candles also work well if you're concerned about combining open flames with synthetic fabric drapes or decorations that could easily catch light.
6. Drop in conversation starters
The brilliant thing about themed dinner parties is being able to really have fun, with both the decor and the guests. Surprise them with carefully placed pieces that will get them talking and asking where you found them
Whether with skeletons (like this apothecary-style articulated skeleton hand from Terrain, pictured above) and skulls or a seasonal and functional pieces, such as salt and pepper shakers, or metallic spider's webs, you can create an eclectic look that will show you've put a lot of thought into your display.
7. Add drama with flowers and foliage
Natural flowers and seaonal foliage are such an easy way to add texture and drama to a Halloween tablescape.
Go for a floral centerpiece in a high vase that won't interfere with conversation across the table (like this candelabra plant stand from Terrain, pictured above), or dot small bud vases along the length filled with mixed dried flowers. Grasses look particularly effective against black accessories, while mosses and vine-like plants such as ivy draped along the table or planted in small pots bring a naturalistic touch.
Look for dark florals or keep it more vibrant with rust-colored blooms, golden ferns and fall leaves and grasses, for a more understated approach. There are some wonderful faux garlands and stems available, too, which can be easily combined with the real thing to bolster your bouquets.
8. Incorporate creepy creatures
Looking to give your guests a little mid-feast fright? Add a touch of unexpected peril to your Halloween table decor by letting creepy crawlies run riot over your tablescape – fake ones, of course.
Unnerving, but ultimately elegant spiders made of glass or wire can hang from twiggy centerpiece displays, while metallic snakes (like these Coiled Snake Taper Holders from Terrain, pictured above - look out for the snake bottle opener and brass snake bottle holder, too) peek through gaps in the table decor and perching bats and crows can add drama among your higher-level floral arrangements.
Blending the stylish with the spooky is about keeping all the traditional elements of a beautifully decorated table, but adding something a little uncanny.
9. Give guests treats, not tricks
Trick or treat? Halloween is an excuse to be playful, especially if you are hosting for kids as well as adults. Make sure your table includes an abundance of sweet treats such as nuts and chips or after-dinner chocolates for adults or candies and popcorn for kids.
I love the spindly legs on the Pottery Barn Spider Candy Bowl to add a sense of trickery to the treats. You could also add your own DIY treats such as candy cones made from black paper with glitter stickers or stars on, as well as fun place settings which include a simply wrapped treat with twine and tissue paper.
10. Try a subtle Halloween tablescape
If you want to add a Halloween feel to your table decor without going too full-on, there are plenty of subtler ways to decorate in a themed way. Look to neutal color palettes, natural materials and seasonal (rather than spooky) motifs.
Halloween isn't complete without the presence of a few pumpkins, and while full-sized produce might not be appropriate as table decor, miniature or ceramic alternatives can add a wonderfully seasonal touch to your tablescape. This Pumpkin stoneware collection from Pottery Barn is ideal for bringing some fall fun to the table in an understated way.
'During the week of Halloween, I like to dress the dining table with an abundance of fall colors such as terracotta colored napkins, with lanterns, and gourds down the center of the table. It has a nod to Halloween but remains elegant and not at all gimmicky,' says Suzy Humphreys, founder of Layered Lounge.
How do I decorate a table for Halloween?
To decorate a table for Halloween, start with a tablecloth or runner in monochrome or neutral tones. Lace and velvet details give a vintage appeal that works perfectly. Next choose some gothic tableware, and add eclectic and decorative, yet functional pieces, from dramatic candelabras to themed salt and pepper pots. Finish with lots of candles and a floral flourish to ground your tablescape in nature and the colors and textures of the season.
What can I use as a centerpiece for a Halloween dining table?
For circular tables, a centerpiece is a great way to bring focus to a dining room tablescape – and on Halloween, you can really go all out. As ever, seasonal florals are an excellent choice – fall favorites include dahlias, marigolds and rudbeckias, all of which can be found in orange tones to complement a pumpkin-laden display.
Filling vases with dried flowers and spindly branches is not only on trend, but also fits in perfectly with a spooky scheme. And, if you’re putting together a long table, consider ditching the single centerpiece for a low-level display. Drape cobwebs from one end to the other and dot pumpkins, candles, and numerous small vases filled with dried flowers down the center.
Once you've got your table sorted, you'll want to make sure you have plenty of Halloween decor ideas for the rest of the house and look to our guide on outdoor Halloween decor ideas for the yard and porch to make yours the best on the block.
