Halloween Entertaining: The Devil is in the Details

This past weekend, we hosted our 5th annual Halloween party—and it was a hit. Over the years, I’ve learned how to throw a party that feels effortless (even when it’s not). The secret? A strong plan and impeccable details.

Pick a Theme First

A theme is your guiding star. It gives your guests direction and sets expectations. Always require costumes—it makes everything more fun.
This year’s: TV Characters. I designed a TV Guide–style invitation, drawing a cover full of character ideas, attaching it to vintage TV Guide magazines, and including a contents page with the event details.

Let the Theme Guide Your Menu

With a theme in place, menu planning becomes easier. I researched shows where food is iconic (like House of Cards + BBQ, or Big Bang Theory’s takeout nights). I balanced sweet + savory with a menu that tied back to TV moments my guests would recognize.

Plan the Flow: Food, Drinks, & Conversation

Through trial and error, I’ve landed on a layout that works:

• Food on the kitchen island — guests can walk around it

• Drinks in the living room — keeps the traffic flowing
  This setup avoids crowding and encourages mingling.

Don’t Skip the Photo Booth

You don’t need a big production. This year, I set up a simple backdrop stand and let guests use their phones. It’s an instant memory maker—and photo sharing machine.

Details Make the Difference

Even after five years, we’re still tweaking. From how invitations feel in hand to how people move through your space—every little choice counts.
My biggest lesson? Start early, don’t stress, and have fun.