As a small child, loving holidays the way I do, I should have known my fate in life was to become a designer of events and interiors. Looking back at all the Halloween pictures of myself as a child, I can honestly say it was my very favorite holiday. My grandmother, a professional seamstress, always put me first when it came to making costumes, and the results were amazing. When I was 2 years old, she decided I’d have to be a black cat. At our house, this didn’t mean your typical costume, I was a cat in an outfit made of a mink coat, handsewn by my grandmother. To this day, this remains one of my favorite memories of Halloweens past. My notion of Halloween present, however, is all about Halloween glamour. Adults throwing a Halloween party can make it rich, elegant and gorgeous in a whole new way.
First of all, Halloween doesn’t have to be scary—or full of candy. I like all things to be fun and carefree, whether I’m working on an event, home or design, and a Halloween party can be all that and glamorous besides.
Tips for making Halloween fun and glamorous:
Mirrors—I really like using mirrors as platforms for a table or for serving food—even placing your glasses on a mirror makes a statement.
Candles—Pull out some of your leftover candles, tapers and votives from holidays past to use. I like to use gold, silver and white candles in mix-and-match holders for a festive look.
Barware—Glasses can be an assortment of collected, inherited and vintage stemware. Try to mix all kinds—rocks, champagne flutes and wine glasses. These can be used for any drinks, even a non-alcoholic punch, as well as for their traditional uses.
Vases—Pull out all kinds and group them together to make a statement. Mix glass and metallic for an added impact. I like to use larger ones to put treats in, or perhaps fill them with soft, glowing candles.
Flowers—Even if you’ve got just a single cool arrangement on the coffee table or the center of your food table, flowers make everything feel special—fresh cut flowers are great, and something exotic like a wild orchid will make it very glamorous.
Pillows and Throws—The cool, crisp air makes me want to change out the season’s decor by adding some seasonal fabric and knit throws I put away during the summer. I also have to pull out an alpaca or mink accent pillow or two to set the mood.
Candy and Sweets—It wouldn’t be Halloween if we didn’t indulge. I like to have champagne as a treat for the holiday, but some people enjoy chocolate truffles, too. Don’t forget some licorice or candy for the little trick-or-treaters.
Party Favors—Let your guests remember more than just the party by having a little take-home favor to commemorate the evening. I like to bundle up some candy in a cocktail napkin, preferably gold, with some black net tied over it, tied with a festive ribbon and a note saying “Have a Glamorous Halloween—Trick or Treat, Fall 2008.”
Fall is a fantastic time to enjoy good friends, family and to make every event glamorous. Trick or treat to all of you!
Jason Parker-Counce, www.JasonParkerCounceDesigns.com
Resources
Elle’s Marché des Fleurs
1201 Villa Place, Suite 100
(615) 340-4240
www.ellesmarchedesfleurs.com
For floral design, black vases, etched bowl
Designer’s Gallery
3205-B Powell Ave.
www.TNdesigners.com
For table mirror, candlesticks, mercury gourds, napkin rings, place mats, tole tray, orange crackle box
Obelisk
4096 Hillsboro Rd.
(615) 386-0502
www.bradfordsinteriors.com
For etched skull rocks glasses, black candles, linen napkins
Swoozies
4015 Hillsboro Pike
(615) 298-3411
www.swoozies.com
For “Bad to the Bone” cups, paper cocktail napkins, black and orange M&Ms and candy.
Fine Offerings Antiques
2116 8th Ave. S.
(615) 460-7992
For antique dinnerware, candlesticks, hand-painted barware, etched candy dish, Folk Art candy boxes, velvet pillow
Nouveau Classics
3201 Belmont Blvd.
(615) 383-3164
www.nouveauclassics.com
For gold vases, black throw and alpaca pillow