• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Recipes
  • Spring
  • About

Craving Some Creativity logo

menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Home Tour
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Free Email Series
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Home Decorating » Fall & Halloween Decorating

    Published: Oct 8, 2021 · Modified: Feb 23, 2023 by Rachel

    How To Setup a Spooky Halloween Buffet

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
    299 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet

    This Halloween Buffet is full of Halloween mantle décor, tricky treats, and tons of ideas. I’m showing how I got ready for our party while taking you step by step through building the ultimate Halloween buffet table including ideas for décor, drinks, food, and dessert.

    Spooky Halloween mantle with dessert buffet in front. Decorations include ravens, gravestones, a clock, and candles.
    Contents show
    1 Pick a Theme
    2 Halloween Buffet Décor Ideas
    3 Looking for more Halloween decorations? Step right up!
    4 Halloween Themed Foods
    5 Halloween Treat Table Desserts
    6 Halloween Party Cocktails

    “Once Upon a midnight dreary…” No need to be ominous if you are setting up a Halloween buffet for a party or gathering. The options are endless!

    So, gather your tricks and treats—and invite all your favorite spooks —for a feast of party foods with a unique Halloween spin! Not only did I create a fun Halloween party scene, but I’m also taking you step by step through building the ultimate Halloween buffet table including ideas for décor, drinks, appetizers and dessert.

    Pick a Theme

    Let’s talk a little about this soiree. Don’t you just love the mystery and sinister spookiness of Halloween? It’s not strictly necessary to have a theme, but this will be a good jumping off point. These Halloween party ideas can be perfectly tailored for both adults and kids.

    Edgar Allen Poe: For my buffet, I used lots of white candles and a few diy decorated candles (tutorial), as well as raven statues, old books, mercury spheres, and garland.

    Zombie Apocalypse: Food shaped like brains is pretty much required, but other great ideas include skulls, body parts, a graveyard, and biohazard signs.

    Mad Scientist: It’s alive! Test tube drinks or filled with candy, graduated beakers like these, an old chalk board, heads in jars for “specimens”, and maybe a toy microscope.

    Potions & Brews: One of my personal favorites. Old steampunk décor along with jars full of apothecary labels, witch decorations, and black cats. This one lends itself well with a Harry Potter themed party.

    Black & White: A classic and sophisticated creepy vibe. Make it even more bold with a bit of red such as blood-spattered Oreos, or syringe drinks.

    Hocus Pocus: Colorful hues of orange, purple, neon green, and lots of black make this party theme come to life. Add some witch hats and a few broom sticks, and you may get a visit from the Sanderson Sisters.

    Decorating Tip: Buffet tables are always best when you vary the heights of the items on the table. Add a tiered serving tray with cupcakes, signs, or put Styrofoam blocks under a tablecloth to vary the height.

    Halloween Buffet Décor Ideas

    Shop items around your house to create the perfect ambiance. Here are some ideas of free things that you can use:

    • Mercury Glass
    • Old Books
    • Lots of candles in different shapes and sizes
    • Yard items such as dead leaves, twigs, and foliage
    • Scarves or a Black table cloth
    • Apothecary Bottles – baby food jars, vases, and random bottles
    • Picture frames for signs
    • Pumpkins
    • Classic Figures you already have. Witches’ hats, ravens, body parts, bats, and skulls.

    Or check out this post for more inspiration – Halloween Mantel Decorating Ideas

    Halloween buffet table with layered decorations and a trick or treat banner. Table has candy corn buckets and apples on it.

    Looking for more Halloween decorations? Step right up!

    • 30+ Easy Halloween Decorations
    • DIY Pumpkin Topiary
    • 5 Minute Decorated candles

    Tip: For an immersive effect, layer accessories. In our mantle, I used lots of candles and then layered garland in front of it, and then put a dresser in front of that for a full, layered look.

    Halloween Themed Foods

    When it comes to party foods, there are two rules. 1. It needs to be things that people actually eat (ask guests about diet restrictions to be sure), and 2. It’s gotta’ be fun!

    I don’t think that every dish on a Halloween buffet needs to be themed but sprinkling in a few will delight all your goblin friends. Below is some of my favorite ideas for the scary-best Halloween horderves!

    Collage of Halloween appetizers for a party including spider taco dip, a Halloween charcuterie, and colorful popcorn mix.

    Here are a few of my favorite appetizers to add to your buffet:

    • Skull Burritos
    • Puking Pumpkins Taco Bar
    • Pizzas with Jack o’ lantern faces, olive spiders, or fresh mozzarella ghosts.
    • Spider Web Seven Layer Taco Dip
    • Colorful Halloween Party Mix
    • Halloween Snack Board
    • Cheeseball Cauldron
    • Sweet and Sour Bat Wings
    • Spooky Charcuterie Board

    Halloween Treat Table Desserts

    It’s not a party without some festive sugary treats! These spooky treats will be the highlight of your fete:

    Collage of halloween party desserts including chocolate dipped apples, witch cupcakes, candy bars, and a dessert snack board.
    • Black Velvet Chocolate Frosted Cupcakes
    • Witch’s Brew Halloween Candy Board
    • Chocolate Candy Covered Apples
    • Oreo Bat Cupcakes
    • Halloween Dessert Table Skeleton
    • Witch’s Hat Cupcakes
    • Halloween Candy Magic Bars
    • Mummy Candy Bombs

    Halloween Party Cocktails

    These creepy concoctions are the perfect complement to the witching hour, with a host of easy and impressive ‘boo’-zy recipes.

    Collage of Halloween cocktails including apple cider, purple people eater martini, and pomegranate punch.

    This list of devilishly delicious brews will make your party one to remember:

    • Red Death Cocktail – Cherry Rum and Cola for the “spookiest” of Halloween cocktails that is layered.
    • Zombie Brains Cocktail – A deep ruby color and much fruitier and more delicious than the name implies.
    • Purple People Eater Cocktail – Glowing Purple Martini that looks sophisticated and dangerous.
    • Poisoned Orchard Cocktail – Bursting with apple flavor, with a spice that screams with Halloween spirit.
    • Black Sangria – Blackberry flavored sangria, like a dark heart.
    • Witch’s Brew Shimmering Cocktail – Lime green, light, and glittery.
    • Sleepy Hollow Cocktail – Pomegranate and cinnamon for a delightful fall combination.
    • Caramel Apple Sangria – Sweet and bursting with apple flavor, this one is all the best flavors of fall.

    Top Tip: Dry ice makes everything spookier! It is actually so cold (-110F!) that it’s dangerous to touch it with your bare skin. Always use tongs when handling dry ice and if you use it in drinks, serve with a straw. The ‘smoky’ effect will last for 5-10 minutes.

    Non-alcoholic Halloween Party Drinks

    • Witch’s Brew Punch – A sparkling lime punch.
    • Hocus Pocus Potion Float – A bedazzling explosion of colorful ice cream in a float.
    • Polyjuice Potion – Lime sherbet punch perfectly suited for Harry Potter.
    • Bloodshot Halloween Drink – A sparkling juice with a shot of fun!
    • The Violent Vampire – Frightfully fun Kool-Aid punch.
    Halloween decorations on a white mantle and treat table for entertaining guests in front and full of treats like candy, popcorn, and dipped apples.

    Happy Halloween Everyone!

    Weekend DIY project. A pegboard organizer in the craft room above the desk workspace.

    Grab our free series "Weekend Home Projects that will Transform Your Life"

    Sign up below to receive updates including free printables, organization tips, home improvement projects, recipes and more!

    More Halloween Fun

    Collage of porches decorated for Halloween..
    Best Halloween Front Porches
    Halloween Decor Stamping on Candles using tissue paper transfer technique
    Stamped Candles
    Stacked Pumpkin Heads - Pumpkin Topiary for Halloween Front Door Decorations
    DIY Stacked Pumpkins Decor
    Outdoor Halloween decorations including pumpkins, zombies, graveyard, and a witch house or apothecary shoppe.
    Halloween Home Tour

    PS I love seeing your creations! Be sure to take a photo and tag #cravingcreative on Instagram! You can also stay in touch with me through following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and subscribing to the newsletter!

    « Steak Kabobs
    How To Make Outdoor Wood Signs »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Taylor - Lights Camera Catwalk says

      October 26, 2016 at 9:58 pm

      5 stars
      Love how you went all out for this! Such a great post!

      Xx Taylor

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        November 02, 2016 at 10:38 pm

        Thanks! It was such a fun party and giving out the treat buckets was a fun finish activity.

        Reply
    2. April R - Uncookie Cutter says

      October 10, 2016 at 6:37 am

      5 stars
      What a wonderful idea, so incredibly cute! I’m entering and pinning!

      Reply
    3. katifarrer says

      October 09, 2016 at 11:31 pm

      5 stars
      This looks like such a fun party! I would just want to eat all the candy instead of sharing it though. Pinned!

      Reply
    4. Emily, Our house now a home says

      October 09, 2016 at 10:27 pm

      5 stars
      I am loving everything about this! It is so beautiful for such a spooky feel.

      Reply
    5. Flourish and Knot says

      October 07, 2016 at 8:53 pm

      5 stars
      What a fun idea! I love the idea of leaving little goodies on the neighbours’ steps.

      Reply
    6. My Life From Home says

      October 07, 2016 at 9:59 am

      5 stars
      This is so cute! Love the buckets and your decorations are amazing!

      Reply
    7. Roxanne says

      October 05, 2016 at 8:54 pm

      5 stars
      This is totally perfect! So creative and so beautiful!!

      Reply
    8. Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things says

      October 05, 2016 at 7:28 pm

      5 stars
      Love how you spray painted the buckets! So cute. And those chocolate candy covered apples look AMAZING!

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        October 06, 2016 at 7:34 am

        Thank you! It was really fun to make them.

        Reply
    9. Ariel says

      October 05, 2016 at 6:16 am

      5 stars
      I love a good mantel, especially a spooky one with candy! I love all the candles!

      Reply
    10. twelveonmain says

      October 04, 2016 at 10:29 pm

      5 stars
      How fun are these! Love the idea of using candy bars on the caramel apples,,,and those candy corn buckets are so cute!

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        October 05, 2016 at 12:36 am

        I especially love the snickers. Can’t beat caramel, peanuts, and chocolate covered apples.

        Reply
    11. Amanda says

      October 04, 2016 at 11:32 am

      5 stars
      This is SO cute! Absolutely love it!

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        October 05, 2016 at 12:35 am

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    12. eclecticmommy says

      October 04, 2016 at 11:06 am

      5 stars
      LOVE those buckets. Such a fun and easy way to BOO up an old bucket. #client

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Headshot of Rachel Beach, the author of Craving Some Creativity.

    Hi, I'm Rachel!

    Creativity makes me energized and fearless. My husband and I have been renovating homes for over a decade and love to share our passion for all things home. Follow along for remodeling tutorials, recipes, and entertaining ideas sure to inspire!

    More about me →


    Popular Projects

    • Midnight blue vanity with brass handles in a grey and white bathroom.
      How to Paint a Bathroom Cabinet the Easy Way
    • Man holding up baseboards for a corner.
      How To Caulk Baseboards like a Pro
    • Behr Midnight blue painted cabinets in a classic old world kitchen with modern white accents and backsplash. Wicker chairs, copper light fixtures, and wood floors add warmth.
      The Best Blue and Navy Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors
    • Organized linen closet with white towels and grey bins on wire shelves.
      How To Beautifully Organize Your Linen Closet
    • White painted kitchen cabinets with stainless drawer pulls.
      How To Paint Cabinets with a Sprayer
    • Completed oak painted stair railing with black handrail and white balusters.
      How to Paint Stair Railings that Last

    Featured On

    Collection of Expert Features including Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, Apartment Therapy, Angie's List, This Old House Magazine, The Huffington Post, Delish, Wayfair, and Real Simple Magazine.

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Restaurant style Mexican white Cheese Dip with pico de gallo topping in wooden bowl on dish cloth with chips.
      Mexican White Cheese Dip {Queso Blanco}
    • Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Sausage makes an easy italian meal for the whole family!
      The BEST Sausage Stuffed Shells
    • Strawberry Poppyseed salad on a platter with blueberries, mandarin oranges, pecans, red onions, and grilled chicken.
      Strawberry Poppyseed Salad (Panera Copycat)
    • Closeup of blueberry muffins on a table.
      Ultimate Lemon Blueberry Muffins
    • Shrimp etouffee in a bowl on a table.
      Shrimp Etouffee {My Louisiana Family Recipe}
    • Two glasses of blackberry sangria with straws on a wood background.
      Blackberry Sangria – Amazing Summer Cocktail Recipe

    Sweet Spring Recipes

    • Stack of lemon bars on parchment paper with top lemon shortbread having a bite removed.
      Lemon Bars
    • Slice of homemade carrot cake on a plate with walnuts sprinkled on top
      Carrot Cake with Pineapple
    • Top down view of Southern Punch Bowl Cake in a trifle bowl.
      Southern Punch Bowl Cake (Potluck Dessert)
    • Key lime pie on blue plate with a slice cut out to show texture.
      Key Lime Pie
    • Strawberries on top of cheesecake layer and rice krispies crust.
      Cheesecake Rice Krispies Bars
    • Banana Chocolate chip muffins in a muffin tin with one muffin broken open to show texture.
      Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy

    Favorites

    • Blog
    • Shop
    • Our Home

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2022 Craving Some Creativity