spooky (not scary) party ideas

Whether you’re planning a fall school or church affair, a party for little ones, or just don’t have an affinity for the grotesque aspects of Halloween but want to feel festive (hand raised), I’ve got you covered!

I am not a fan of blood and gore, scary movies, or anything remotely alluding to the occult. (Ouija board looking placemats? Absolutely not.) I think there are plenty of fun ways to celebrate fall, days getting shorter, and a new season without anything too creepy!

This probably goes without saying, but pumpkins are the #1 go-to decoration for fall parties. Whether they’re traditional and orange, neutral soft white, fairytale pastel, or some iteration of painted/bedazzled/textured faux pumpkins, there’s something for everyone! I particularly love the rattan pumpkins I’ve seen retailers come out with in recent years (I can’t say no to coastal anything!), and the “girl mom” in me is partial to pink pumpkins too.

Other natural elements that go hand-in-hand with this time of year are bats (what’s not to love about a creature that eats mosquitos?!), cats, spiders (I may not be a huge fan of these and they may toe the line on creepy-crawly… but I can appreciate their part in our ecosystem too), moons and stars, apples and “fall harvest” elements like corn stalks, hay bales, and dried or bleached foliage.

I’m not personally drawn to super dark or moody colors most times of year but there is a time and place for black and October is it! I find myself drawn to oxblood manicures, black iron home decor, and deeper, richer colors this time of year. I picked up a pack of black painted dried palm fronds at HomeGoods this morning and am loving the contrast between them and my year-round natural bleached stems! I think all colors of pampas grass is also gorgeous and great for adding some moody texture to balloon installations this time of year!