Good morning!
Halloween is looming. Hmmm. Ghosts, goblins, bats, rats, ghoulish costumes, skeletons, tombstones, and the list goes on. People seem to either love it or hate it. I’m not quite sure where I sit on the spectrum. I do love decorating the front stoop for all the little trick or treaters, but I’m not so keen on the dressing up in costumes, Halloween parties, and the like, at least for adults. Though I am totally up for a lovely pinot grigio served in a wine glass with embossed spiders or a skeletal vessel with some cheese and crackers on a spider web plate as a nod to the event, I can probably leave the rest, at least most of the time.
However, I challenged myself to set a Halloween tablescape for the blog this year. It wasn’t meant to be creepy or scary; rather, the intent was to be more, ah, psychologically provocative. Yes, that’s it. Well, and tongue in cheek, and maybe just a wee bit spooky and unsettling too, but hopefully all in good fun. Just the thing to bring on those sweet dreams as you lay your head to rest tonight lol. The theme is superstitiousness; you know, those beliefs that we have and we’re not sure if we really believe in them but we pay attention to them anyway. Like horoscopes, tea leaves, or palm reading, for example.
Or some tarot cards for your guests at the Halloween dinner table. Better hope you don’t get the death card…
How about a Ouija skull – he’s a handsome fella don’t you think? Will he say yes or will he say no to your question?
And books on spell casting and witchcraft. Do they really work? Guess we’ll have to wait and see…
There is a crystal ball so you can see into the future. Are you sure you really want to know?
A wise owl looks on. Will his advice stay the course or lead you astray?
And no Halloween table would be complete without potions for whatever ails you. I highly recommend the cat’s whiskers lol.
Here is the complete table. I’ve brought out my best candelabra in honor of the occasion.
Are you hungry yet?
Please come join us for dinner. The place settings are exquisite, and they are ready and waiting for you. They are bound to tempt even the faintest of appetites…
I’ve prepared a lovely salad to be served on the spider web salad plates. I’m sure you will enjoy it. Really.
The main course will follow on these beautiful dinner plates; I apologize for all the haunted houses, black cats, witches, bats, and spiders but they were the only black and white plates that I had. I decided to forgo the spider web placemats, and, instead, opted for a simple black charger plate. After all, etiquette is important right?
Perhaps your preference is to dine by candlelight. We are happy to accommodate your wishes. Don’t mind the shadows – I’m sure there are no ghosts out there. Besides, nobody believes in them anymore… Right?
And don’t forget to bring your favorite bottle of wine because we have the most stunning wine glasses with which to serve it in. Wouldn’t you agree?
Mr. Skeleton is having problems holding the glass straight. Sip carefully.
The flatware sort of resembles spider webs too, but it isn’t. I promise. Plus, I gave the dining room a thorough cleaning in anticipation of this party, although I confess that my vision isn’t what it used to be.
Oops! See what I mean about the vision? I must have missed a spot or two. That won’t bother you too much will it?
There are runes for table scatter. They are thought to carry magical powers. Do you think that they will protect you or place a curse on you?
Oh, and I added some salt and pepper shakers that were just perfect for the table. I’m so glad that you decided to join us for a Halloween dinner.
And on that note, bone (sic) appetit and Happy Halloween everyone!
Where it all came from:
Table runner – very old scarf from the dollar store
Dinner plates: 222 Fifth Wiccan Lace from Replacements several years ago
Salad plates: Crate and Barrel on clearance several years ago
Stemware and flatware: HomeSense one to two years ago. Skeleton stemware also available at Pottery Barn.
Table decor: Mostly from Michaels or the thrift store.
Ouija skull, napkins: Amazon
Tarot cards and runes: Chapters/Indigo
Bone S & P shakers: Sur la Table
Sharing with Between Naps on the Porch.
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Thank you for your visit and to leave a comment at crystal grandeur. Glad you liked the setting. Hugs Sujatha:)
Thanks so much for stopping by Sujatha. Your table was so lovely and soft – just perfect! Thank you for sharing and take care over there!
Kim, this is absolutely fantastic! I love every bit of what you put together in this tablescape. The tarot cards are one of my favorite elements. Psychic readings fascinate me. That Ouija skull and napkins are way cool also. I’m not totally into Halloween either, but having been in the ballet for many years with an October performance annually, often the theme would be macabre in some way, so I’ve definitely had influence.
Thanks so much Rita. Ironically, it was actually your skeleton ballet dancer table and Amber’s tea with Beethoven table that was the inspiration for this table. Your description of the Danse Macabre ballet performance with almost no lighting sounded positively scary – in a dangerous, not spooky, way! Yikes! Thanks for your comments and for stopping by. I hope you have a great Halloween!
Kim, you nailed a slightly spooky Halloween table. You have incorporated so many fabulous details. It is eerie, yet delightfully fun! Are you throwing a Halloween party?
Thanks so much for your comments Pam! I would love to throw a Halloween party, but we still have restrictions here on indoor social gathering – no more than 10 people and no more than two households. So I guess I’m going to have to wait until next year. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Halloween to you!
Kim, thanks so much for leaving your comments on my Haunted Table! Since you left them under another’s comments I wasn’t sure whether you’d see my reply, so I decided to repeat it here. “I wanted a spooky, mysterious table and I’m pleased with how it turned out. Halloween is such a fun time to let your imagination run wild!” Thanks again for visiting and taking the time to comment.
Thanks Sandra – I loved your table!
I love the slightly creepy chills I’m getting here. But I still want to come for dinner. Please don’t sit me under the huge spider web! Maybe that wine will help…
Loved your theme and all the details!
Thanks so much Sandra – and of course you can come to dinner! We’ll just seat you at the end, away from the spider web, and, as you’ve suggested, wine will definitely help! Thanks for stopping by and Happy Halloween to you!
What a fun table! That Quija skull is great. I also love your candelabra, everything is just done to perfection here.
Hi Pattie, thanks for your lovely comments. I popped over to your post and tried to leave a comment on your lovely table – hope you get it! Happy Halloween!
Oh Kim, it’s Spooktacular! Yikes, very creepy! You have such great spooky stuff, I love that skeleton trying to hold the wine glass, and the salt and pepper bones! The black candelabra is wonderful and that Ouija skeleton head, wow! So many details, eye candy everywhere! You are ready for a fun Halloween dinner party!
Thank you Jenna – you are so sweet and so kind! So glad you got the little creep vibe – it is what I was hoping for without coming out and saying so! And yes, I am so ready for a fun Halloween party! Hope you get to enjoy one too! Take care down there!
I’m so with you Kim – I’m not really very Halloween either – but your table is lovely! I love the balck and white and all the lacy textures, and your candelabra! Hope you’re having a lovely fall! Thanks for sharing the inspiration!
Hi Barbara – you are welcome! I know you are not a Halloween enthusiast so I appreciate you even stopping by and leaving a comment. I still remember what you had to say about your neighbors across the street and all their “decor” and how you had to squint your eyes to make it go away! Too funny. Hope you are having a lovely fall too, and looking forward to your classes!