Bewitching Banquets: Curated assortments that build the party from the table up
Halloween is now the top-selling moment of fall — and for many hostesses, their most anticipated occasion.
Wholesalers and retailers alike point to Halloween as the fastest-growing holiday in retail, now second only to Christmas in overall popularity.
Customers are investing in their tables, bars, lighting and décor to throw a frightening (and fun) fête. They’re planning how the night looks, feels and how every detail contributes to it.
Hostesses are leaning into themes for their spooky-day celebrations as well. According to Pinterest trend reports, searches for gothic-themed parties were up 108% last year. The shift is pushing Halloween beyond standalone pieces and into curated, coordinated assortments, giving retailers an opportunity to merchandise aspirational setups.
“Halloween hosting continues to grow as customers look for fun ways to gather with friends and family,” said Jody Abbott, general manager at Abbott. “Retailers who focus on functional entertaining pieces with seasonal personality tend to see the strongest performance.”
To cater to the hostess with the mostest, build the party in-store the same way that she will: from the table up.
Spooky & Sweet Serveware
The table is the centerpiece of any party — where food is set, where guests gather, where conversation is enjoyed. An easy place to start with in-store tableware? The new “boo bucket” mini by nora fleming, designed to bring playful cheer that resonates with kids and adults alike.
“The ‘boo bucket’ mini is a Halloween favorite because it blends nostalgic jack-o’-lantern charm with a clever entertaining detail,” said Janice Dayon Christensen, president of nora fleming. “The open top holds toothpicks or small treats, and when retailers display it on a platter with appetizers or candy, customers instantly see the fun and functionality.”
Tableware gets used the most throughout the night as it’s passed, picked up and refilled, and in-store merchandising should reflect that, Christensen explained.
“Show the product in action. A simple display with a couple of bases, the ‘boo bucket’ and other Halloween minis, and an assortment of candy instantly helps customers picture it at home and often inspires them to pick up more than one mini.”
Thrilling Tablescapes
The key to a show-stopping table is the art of layering, and texture is critical here. Abbott’s handbeaded tabletop pieces feature seasonal motifs such as pumpkins, spider webs and fall leaves.
“These handcrafted pieces instantly elevate a table setting. The beadwork adds detail and richness that stands out in-store and creates a more special hosting experience at home,” Abbott said. “They also work well layered with both Halloween and Thanksgiving entertaining, making them a versatile addition to seasonal table décor.”
The company’s Pumpkin & Witch Hat Ceramic Collection, which features mugs, mini bowls and mini jugs, is designed to add a layer of celebration without overwhelming the table.
“They combine great design with excellent price points and everyday functionality,” she said. “The mini bowls are perfect for dips, jam, nuts or candy, while the mini jugs work beautifully for cream, maple syrup or dessert sauces. Together they allow customers to add small seasonal touches throughout a table setting.”
The motifs are simple and classic in order to appeal to a wide range of customers. She recommended retailers use the collection to curate an in-store “Halloween Brunch” merchandising theme.
Boo-zy Barware
The bar is often the first stop when guests arrive, and it sets the tone immediately. For the hostess, it’s one more opportunity to create a ghastly, jaw-dropping vignette.
Enter: seasonal glassware and stemware. Whether it’s jewel-toned, elegant goblets for a gothic theme or stemless glasses with playful, spooky motifs, they provide guests one more thoughtful detail that pulls the party together.
“This is one of those pieces that transforms an ordinary glass of wine into a seasonal moment,” Abbott said of the company’s versatile Pumpkin Stemless Wine Glass, which she recommends for dinner parties, Halloween cocktail bars, hostess gifts and even the Thanksgiving table. “It is subtle, with a small pumpkin icon inside the bowl, which makes it approachable even for customers who do not typically decorate heavily for Halloween. It feels elevated rather than novelty.”
Ghoulish Glow
To help customers transform their parties, encourage them to turn off the overhead lights and turn on the flickering candles.
It adds depth and a stylish, ghastly glow to the room, creating the atmosphere that Halloween hosts are trying to achieve. Ragon House, known in part for its expansive flameless candle collection, is seeing that increased demand.
“We have some really fun candle holders for Halloween. Coupled with some of our flameless candles, they have been a huge hit,” said Mary Ragon, president of Ragon House.
These pieces can be scattered not just across a table, but throughout the home, on mantles and lining staircases.
“Aside from our ghost or pumpkin tapers, we have a large selection of pillars and glass and ceramic candles in a fantastic color selection: Black, Sienna, Caramel and Aged White,” Ragon said.
Retailers should incorporate candles (flameless or otherwise) into their Halloween merchandising displays to drive add-on purchases.
The final step to a thrilling in-store October display: Create height, texture and contrast with objects and figurines that complete the look. Ragon House’s expanded papier-mâché pumpkin line fits into that role.
“This year, we expanded our mâché pumpkin line and are now offering several new styles which make for great Halloween tablescapes,” Ragon said.
As moody, gothic aesthetics continue to wow customers, retailers can incorporate even non-seasonal items to achieve that aesthetic.
“We have been seeing a continued strong presence of vintage as well as moody. Lots of old-looking books, candlesticks and wonderful faux moss and other complementary faux floral items,” Ragon said.
Spellbinding Setups
Customers crave immersive shopping experiences, thus the strongest retailers aren’t selling Halloween by category — they’re selling it as an experience.
“Merchandise Halloween hosting by moment, not by product type,” Abbott said. “When customers see a complete entertaining idea, they are more likely to purchase several items to recreate the look.”
That shift reflects how customers are already thinking. Retailers may be creating a display, but their customers are planning a night.
As at-home entertaining continues to thrive, cross-merchandising is key. When everything is displayed together — table, bar, lighting, finishing touches — the decision for customers is easy.
