Trick or Treat! Last-Minute Halloween Ideas
So you have your décor all set, your props are ordered, and your costume is hanging in the closet.
Oh, what? They’re not?
Never fear. Here are a few last-minute tips that can help you pull off your Halloween event in style.
Creepy (and sexy!) Costumes
The hot costumes this year, according to the experts, take their cues from the latest movies and celebrities.
No surprise that Lady Gaga-inspired attire will be seen everywhere—perhaps not the infamous meat dress, but many shops are carrying some of her more traditional (if that word can be used) sequined and sexy costumes. Don’t forget the wig.
And with the spectacular success of the Twilight Saga and True Blood series, even older folks are turning into vampires—not the ugly, bloody ones of the past but the mysterious, brooding, sensual creatures on the screen today.
Other movie-related costumes are coming from films like Alice in Wonderland, Avatar and comic-themed shows, although one expert claims that Darth Vader will still be popular this year.
Steampunk is a trend that’s becoming more mainstream during the Halloween season. It’s a create-your-own look that incorporates elements of Victorian fashion, combined with a science fiction-flair. Throw a steampunk party and expect to see early-industrial accessories along with futuristic, surrealist attire.
Terrifying Tabletops? – Not!
Not many of us want our guests sitting down to tables covered with puddles of blood and severed hands, but it’s still possible to evoke the mood of the holiday without the gore, and in elegant style. Here are a few creative ideas:
This black and white flock damask print is great for Halloween when paired with classic pumkin lamour napkins. The style of the flock adds a chic yet rustic feel, great for a spooky Halloween party or fall weddng.
The black floral chain lace is a great alternative to the classic spider web, bringing a romantic aura to the table especially when placed over blood red velvet. Think vampire or day-of-the-dead theme. This table, with a red velvet underlay, black lace and red crushed shimmer napkins, was designed by David Tutera for a My Fair Wedding segment.
Black glitter velvet is sprinkled with silver swirls, resembling a spider web. Pairing this with black lamour napkins keeps it dark and spooky.
Photos courtesy of Cloth Connections.
Playful Props
Ah, what’s Halloween without an assortment of bloody body parts, gruesome goblins and other fun, frightful accessories? It’s not too late to fill in a piece or two to inspire awe and laughter.
From an animated witch’s spellbook that lights up and talks, to extreme severed zombie heads (in male, female and even kid versions), try out www.thehorrordome.com. You’ll also find an exorcist girl talking head puppet and flesh eaters galore. The professional props are perfect for haunted house settings.
And everyone needs an 8-foot hanging vampire (not the sexy type, be warned) and an old-fashioned framed portrait or two of ancient relatives who come to life as your guests approach. And a baby werewolf puppet is almost cute! Find more at www.halloween31.com.