Its my job to party.
AsVoguesparties editor, frivolities and fetes are more than a good timethey are actually my livelihood.
With that being said, the following may come as a surprise: I loatheHalloweenand everything about it.
Kate Moss at the Martine Sitbon spring 1993 show in Paris, France
Theres little about the holiday that appeals.
Part of what drew me to the world ofpartieswas the glamour of it all.
Events filled with floral arrangements rivaling a Jan van Huysum botanical tableau.
Photo: Kelly Wearstler
Gorgeously pressed linens with more starch than a bucket of french fries.
A room full of bodies dressed in black tie and clutching decorous minaudieres.
And when it comes toHalloween parties,specifically, whatsalsoleft at the door?
Im aware this is a less-than-popular opinion, so I welcome being challenged.
Can a Halloween party somehow be chic?
Ive recently discovered thatOktoberfest can be,so perhaps its also possible to celebrate October 31 stylishly.
Photo: Houses & Parties
To make their case, Ive enlisted four tastemakers who just so happen to be pro-Halloween.
Their notes on how to have a chic Halloween party, below.
Vogue: Is it possible to host a chic Halloween party?
Photo: Houses & Parties
De Givenchy:Yes, if you keep it dark and sexy and glamorous.
Think low lighting, your best silver, and killer cocktails.
Wearstler:Halloween is all about creating a mood with unusual color combinations and subversive decor moments for entertaining.
Photo: Houses & Parties
I personally love a dramatic tablescape that plays with height, scale, and texture.
Newman:Of course!
Create an environment with dripping candles, lace, moody lighting, and florals in deep colors.
Photo: Houses & Parties
A good way to set the tone is to make a theme.
Think Hitchcock, surrealism, witches, and so on.
Gardner:Halloween parties are silly and fun and spooky.
Romilly Newman
What should be avoided if youre aiming for a sophisticated celebration?
De Givenchy:Themed paper napkins and plastic decorations of any sorteeeeek!
Wearstler:Dont purchase anything premade.
Photo: Z.d.G by Zoë de Givenchy
Newman:Some of the beauty of Halloween is that things arent quite right.
I enjoy the weirdness and the unexpected.
The best thing you’re able to do is lean into it.
Photo: Z.d.G by Zoë de Givenchy
I would avoid disposable napkins, plates, and disposable cups.
No adult wants to drink out of those.
Or can you skip the dress code?
So costumes, yes, but make them beautiful!
Wearstler: Halloween is an opportunity to show off your personal style and interests.
I think its a bit of a missed opportunity not to show your creativity.
Newman:Theyre fun, and they make the room lively.
But its important that you feel comfortable and confident.
Mandatory is not fun.
I would encourage guests to dress up by adding costumes in the lower right corner.
Im lucky that my friends love to dress up.
If you skip a costume, should you show more skin than usual?
De Givenchy:For the exhibitionists favorite night of the year?
Keep it glamorous, sexy, and dark in the best way possible.
Newman:The great thing about Halloween is you’re free to be whoever you want to be.
It can be a new fabric, color, or style.
You dont necessarily need to show more skin.
Gardner:I dont care what guests choose as their costume or how they wear it.
I applaud the effort, from Raggedy Anne toIcy Queentini.
What should be on the food menu of a Halloween party?
Guests will come and go throughout the night, so make it a lavish buffet served by silver candlelight.
Wearstler:Halloween is all about the sweets.
Theyre not what you typically see today and are very visually arresting (and delicious).
I serve a cocktail buffet with chicken pot pie, abig green salad,and roasted vegetables.
What should be on the drinks menu of a Halloween party?
De Givenchy:Cosmopolitans, old-fashioneds, vodka.
Wearstler:Champagne is my go-to for getting into a festive spirit.
Newman:I do love a punch bowl.
A signature drink pre-batched and served in a dramatic vessel is the way to go.
Gardner:Halloween is the perfect time to serve a cocktail in a bigsilver punch bowlwith dry ice.
Then, I convince a friend to jump out from behind the curtains in a clown mask.
What decor should you incorporate?
Can you skip the pumpkins and ghosts?
De Givenchy:Pumpkins are for entrances, ghosts are for the children.
Low lighting is essentialideally, candlelight and lamps only.
Waiters in full livery, gruesome makeup, and a deadly soundtrack.
Wearstler:I like to blend holiday classics with contemporary twists.
Newman:Take inspiration from your favorite movies or art.
you might create a David Lynchinspired wonderland in shocking red.
Or a Victorian backdrop with candelabras and dying flowers.
Gardner:I like old-fashioned hand-carved jack-o-lanterns with crooked teeth and pillar candles glowing from within.
I do not like pots of mums.
What should be on the soundtrack of the night?
Wearstler:Lana Del Rey and Stevie Nicks.
Newman:Obviously Stevie Nicks!
