“Purple Passion” ideas for a gothic Halloween event

T’is the Season of goblins and ghouls.

I just visited the local Spirit Halloween shop, and was appalled by the centerpieces that sat front and center in the store. All I was looking for was a sheriff’s badge, but after passing corpses, full-size Pennywise mannequins from “IT” and an entire display dedicated to zombie babies (these are the things that nightmares are made of) I couldn’t wait to get my badge and get out of there.

Now understand that I am all about theme parties, but not everything has to be scary and gory. However, I get that there is no better time to scare the bejeesus out of your friends and neighbors, and an entire industry dedicated to create horrid attractions for the scare-loving guest. Someday I might write a newsletter about such stuff, but for now, I am still a traditional Halloween celebrant, and like my brand of fun: simply spooky and maybe just a little bit “dark.”

There is tons to choose from when you pick Halloween as a theme. Since many of my readers have young families, and I have always prided my company on being “family friendly” entertainment, I picked a more gothic theme, not a scary one.

Given that, I chose a color to tie these fun ideas together. But specifically not Orange and Black, since I feel that those colors are really kind of overdone (says the face painter with neon orange      nails with spider webs drawn on them). Hope these ideas help you to create some PURFECTLY PURPLE PARTY PASSION for your friends and family.

Read on, and share by forwarding to anyone who might need some last minute party ideas.

For the Venue: purple decor allows for a spooky, macabre feel, without the scares for the little ones. Use a tension rod with purple drapes, or black velvet with purple fringe to create an entrance to the party. Skeleton hand tiebacks, or real chains interwoven with purple cording will create fun tiebacks.

Gothic faux silver candlesticks and purple candles wrapped with black lace will help to set the Victorian mood. Don’t forget the specialty linens, mixing your black and purple with silver accents and incorporating different textures.

To Drink: The Midnight Martini looks spooky, yet is tasty and is easy to make. All you will need is vodka, blue curacao, grenadine, cranberry juice, sweet and sour drink mix, simple syrup and purple sugar/sprinkles. Wet the rim of the glass to make the sprinkles stick, mix your drink, pour, add ice and
you’re good to go! Source: @honeypiekids.com

To Eat: I had a hard time finding a savory appetizer that was purple, the I thought this idea of a Puking Pumpkin Guacamole, was very creative and if purple/blue corn chips accompany, it totally fits the theme.

On the sweet side, I was thinking of the Marshmallow Web Cupcake topper from Handmadecharlotte.com. Using purple foil baking cups and some spider confetti sprinkled around your buffet table, it implies scary, but not super creepy. (arachnophobes…just stick with the colored confetti)

Or you could make the Chocolate Blackberry Cheesecake Trifles from Reciperebel.com, which uses leftover brownies as the “cake.” I’m drooling, aren’t you?

Here are some of the great decorations done by one of my party hosts in her own home. Very creative, especially the treatment of the child’s portrait.