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How to Set a Spooky Soirée Tablescape

Featured image: Samantha Labrecque Semle

The scene is set, the candles are lit, and an eerie elegance fills the air—welcome to our haunted dinner party!

This October, we transformed the dining table into a spine-chilling soirée using pieces from Hester & Cook. From gothic candlelight to moody black accents and ghostly tableware, this tablescape is where style meets the supernatural… pull up a chair, if you dare.

Get the Look:

A set of gold silverware, including a dinner fork, salad fork, knife, tablespoon, and teaspoon, arranged artistically on a white background.
Image: Hester & Cook

Gold Silverware

Gold silverware adds a touch of warmth to a tablescape, instantly making it feel more elevated and festive. It pairs well with a variety of color schemes and acts as both a functional piece and a decorative accent.

Available at Hester & Cook, in-store and online.

Colorful striped table runner with orange and black lines, perfect for a festive dining setup.
Image: Hester & Cook

Orange & Black Awning Stripe Runner

A colorful table runner brings vibrancy and personality to a tablescape, acting as a focal point that ties the whole look together. In this case, the table runner brings pop of October’s signature color to the table. Beyond decoration, a table runner also helps define the dining space.

Available at Hester & Cook, in-store and online.

Set of pearl white dinnerware featuring a bowl, plate, and cup with decorative beaded edges on a light surface.
Image: Hester & Cook

Pearl White Dinnerware

White dishware is a sturdy base for a tablescape. It’s a neutral, grounding element that easily allows for layering with other bold accents. Plus, it can be easily reused for just about any holiday.

Available at Hester & Cook, in-store and online.

A black and white checkered table runner featuring alternating solid and patterned squares, designed to enhance a haunted dinner party theme.
Image: Hester & Cook

Black Painted Check Guest Napkins

Napkins are a fun way to add style and color to a table scape. We chose to go with a black gingham style, but Hester & Cook offers a variety of designs to choose from. Plus, paper napkins make clean up a breeze.

Available at Hester & Cook, in-store and online.

An orange stemless wine cup made of high-quality polymer, featuring a glossy finish and a modern design, ideal for a festive tablescape.
Image: Hester & Cook

Orange Stemless Wine symGlass

symGLASS looks and feels like glass but is crafted from a high-quality polymer. Perfect for a cup of cider, these cups are party approved… they won’t chip or break!

Available at Hester & Cook, in-store and online.

A black honeycomb witch hat decoration, featuring a conical shape with a round, layered base, perfect for Halloween-themed décor.
Image: Hester & Cook

Honeycomb Witch Hat

Honeycomb paper decor is a fun way to add dimension to the tablescape. Scatter them throughout your tabletop or add some height to the space and hang them above the dining table.

Available at Hester & Cook, in-store and online.

Black silhouette of a bat with outstretched wings, suitable for Halloween decor and themes.
Image: Hester & Cook

Die-cut Bat Placemat

These bat placemats can be used for so much more than just setting your table. Hang them on your wall for spooky decoration or write on them with chalk pencils to keep the kiddos busy.

Available at Hester & Cook, in-store and online.

A sleek black cordless lamp with a modern design, featuring a slender stem and a tapered lampshade, placed on a light marble surface.
Image: Hester & Cook

Black Cordless Lamp

This black cordless lamp is ideal for a dining table. It can serve as a replacement or supplement to candlelight and brings some height to the space.

Available at Hester & Cook, in-store and online.

Two decorative skeleton candle holders with gold accents, placed on a marble surface.
Image: Hester & Cook

Taper Candles

We used witch hat taper candles, but any Halloween-themed design will do! These are ideal for themed dinners or seasonal displays, and add a touch of spooky charm with sophisticated design.

Available at Hester & Cook, in-store and online.

Three decorative honeycomb pumpkins in varying sizes, featuring an orange color and brown stems, designed for Halloween or fall-themed decor.
Image: Hester & Cook

Honeycomb Pumpkins

What’s a Halloween tablescape without some pumpkins? These honeycomb pumpkins come in a set of three in varying sizes and are a great accompaniment to your table! Bonus: they can be used as decor around your home all season long.

Available at Hester & Cook, in-store and online.

A decorative bowl filled with small, colorful pumpkins in orange and beige shades, placed on a marble surface.
Image: Hester & Cook

Coco Fiber Pumpkins

Elevate your Halloween tablescape with these coco fiber pumpkins, available in two colors: a vibrant orange or a neutral cream. With dimensions of three inches in width and two inches in height, these pumpkins are the perfect size to place on each plate or scattered throughout the tabletop.

Available at Hester & Cook, in-store and online.

Serving & Style Tips:

Play with Paper

Don’t underestimate the power of paper goods! The orange striped table runner from Hester & Cook makes cleanup a breeze and creates instant visual impact. You can also layer in paper placemats or paper napkins for cohesive or contrasting color and movement.

Mix and Match Patterns

Start with a classic white table cloth for your base, then layer in fun: for a Halloween theme, add in plates, napkins, and loads of candy to tie it all together.

Dress Up the Details

Small touches, like pumpkins, your favorite candy, apple cider, and layered textures add depth and personality to the tablescape.

Looking for more hosting inspiration? Click here.

How to Set a Spooky Soirée Tablescape - Modern South

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