HOW TO HOST A VINTAGE HALLOWEEN PARTY
“Vintage Halloween” is the perfect party theme for those who adore mystery, charm, and spooky-cute characters. From the primitive place settings to the nostalgic decorations, every detail brings a little old-school magic to any celebration.
We’re sharing our favorite ideas and inspiration for creating your own retro Halloween bash. Plus, we had the pleasure of interviewing vintage Halloween extraordinaire Johanna Parker, who shared her insights on the art of vintage Halloween and her iconic decorations. So, without further ado, here are our best tips, tricks, and treats for vintage Halloween.
Start by setting the tone with decorations that evoke the spirit of vintage Halloween. From vintage candle holders to creepy knick-knacks, there are many ways to bring an old-fashioned flair to the now. We suggest incorporating vintage Halloween figurines and collectibles to really capture the essence of the theme.
This Johanna Parker black cat lantern is one of our favorite pieces from her collection. We asked Johanna if she had a favorite amongst her various darling characters, and our preferences are spooky-similar!
“It’s tricky to pick a fave [character] as they are all so special to me,” began Johanna. “Out of the JPD family, I will always be partial to our Grinning Cat character, inspired by our sweet Black Cat Jack. He was my muse for 22 years and continues to live on through our art while haunting our hearts.”
“I am so grateful that he joined us, and at such a critical time,” she continued. “He inspired me to create the classic smiling black cat character that has become a signature to our brand and an icon today.”
We used our beloved black cat lantern as the vessel for a season-forward orange floral bouquet. Floral arrangements bring a hint of sophistication to any occasion. Though not typical for Halloween, they fit in wonderfully when placed in and around on-theme accents.
For the tablescape, opt for a classic black and orange color scheme. Layer in vintage-inspired character plates and napkins featuring playful ghosts, pumpkins, witches, and other spooky-cute details.
Our Vintage Halloween party collection revives the playful spirit of classic Halloween illustrations, making them perfect for dessert at a Halloween party, treats after trick-or-treating, or a nostalgic scary movie night at home.
Don't be afraid to take the theme beyond your tablescape and into your treats. While we ensure every party we plan has a full dessert spread, we consider it crucial for Halloween gatherings. We recommend serving a variety of sweets, like sugar cookies and Halloween cake bites, and passing along any of the extras to trick-or-treaters!
For this celebration, our talented friends at Flour Shop made an assortment of desserts that mirror the colors and designs of Johanna Parker's classic decorations.
We asked Johanna how she continues to come up with new designs and characters each season. “Designing and creating for me has always been innate,” she explained. “At just a few years old, I was drawing characters in scenes, and I feel very blessed to have an active imagination where ideas freely flow.”
“Through simple focus,” she continued, “I can tune into that creative channel, and new ideas begin to manifest. Sometimes I feel like an interpreter of sorts, turning visions and wishes into form, from those who dream and align with me.”
We concluded our interview by asking Johanna Parker how she celebrates Halloween. “By the time October 31st rolls in, I’m ready to relax and put my feet up for my Halloween birthday,” she began.
“Occasionally, we will celebrate by dressing in costume and going out for a yummy bite. Often though, it’s a mellow night at home with spooky vintage tunes, candles aglow, and a homemade chocolate torte or other sweet confection to share.”
She also noted that much of her home is occupied by Halloween products throughout the year. “ As we photograph and market those spooky delights from January through Halloween, the lines do blur between the holidays and the seasons,” she shared. “Every day is touched by Halloween in our home.”
We hope we’ve inspired you to embrace the whimsical wistfulness of vintage Halloween. For more party ideas and decoration inspo, check out the rest of our Halloween collection!
