For Halloween this year, I’ve created a gothic glam table full of posh and otherworldly details.
Styled as an elegant dinner party for six, the dramatic black and white tablescape is set with fine china, crystal and silver.
But, it’s the table length centerpiece that creates the spine-tingling atmosphere. Meet a diva skeleton who literally crashed the Halloween party, landing in my punchbowl!
To tie in with the skeleton soiree theme, I’ve also adapted an easy napkin fold to resemble a skeleton-mummy.
I always look forward to participating in the annual Halloween Tablescape Hop! Hosted by Chloe of Celebrate & Decorate, 14 blogger stylists have conjured up seasonal settings. If you’ve just come from Rita’s wonderous Hallows Evening, pull up a chair and have a seat at my gothic glam table!
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Ghoulish & Gauche Guests
Last year for Halloween, I set a more casual Spooktacular Skeleton at the Feast Table. 
It featured a Jaw Dropping Halloween Chandelier.
Mr. Bones was literally dangling from the light fixture over my kitchen table!
Now his girlfriend, Stella, decided to crash the more formal, gothic glam table set in the dining room!
Neither of them appears to have very good table manners, lol!
Not only is Stella lounging in the center of the table, but she brought along a bunch of her ill-mannered friends and pets.
The creepy creatures include this caged raven skeleton and red-eyed rat.
And they all absconded with diamond earrings and pearls from my jewelry box!
Talk about the nerve of some “people” lol!
Skeleton at the Feast, the Sequel
After initially setting the gothic glam table, I found the skeleton “bathing” in the punch bowl — as if it was a magic potion spa treatment! How rude!
Then, an inky dinky spider apparently startled Miss Stella Moffit into dropping the ladle and spilling smoking brew from her cup. Serves her right!
Although, Stella did dressup for the Halloween party, bedecking herself in diamonds and pearls. You know that they say — you can dress some people up, but can’t take them anywhere!
A wedding gift from my parents, the silver punch bowl set is one of my favorite things. Although, cleaning the tarnish is something I dread. It’s as if those black eyeball roses are looking for spots I missed, lol.
Swanky Skeleton Styling Challenge
By the time this post is published, outpatient surgery on my foot will be in the rearview mirror. Unfortunately, I have a rather long recovery period in a cast ahead of me.
Dear husband is taking on a lot of extra household duties and choirs; including grocery shopping, preparing meals and doing the laundry. So, I decided to keep things simple by not decorating the house for fall and Halloween (sniff!).
Instead, I limited the number of decoration boxes from the attic to just three. And, I challenged myself to create a look that didn’t require bringing Halloween-specific tableware in and out of storage.
So, I actually styled and photographed the gothic glam table weeks ago. By October, everything was packed up and put away until next year.
Deadly Dazzle
For the gothic glam table, I decided on a black and white color palette, with liberal amounts of sparkling crystal, silver and gold.
Adding the pearls and diamond embellishments was actually a last minute idea.
Originally, the strands of faux pearls and large diamonds on the gothic glam table were used to decorate a Breakfast at Tiffany Theme Brunch.
I kinda forgot I had them until inspiration struck.
Stella is draped in strings of pearls. The rhinestone necklace and earrings were given to me by my mother. Back in the ’50’s, wearing rhinestones was all the style. She wore then to accessorize the beautiful party dresses my grandmother had made her. The vintage jewelry is another of my very favorite things.
I began wearing the rhinestones to accessorize costumes in college. As a sorority member, I attended numerous dress-up Halloween and theme parties every year.
The rhinestones and this tiara completed my Holly Golightly look for the Terrific Tiffany Theme Party.
Do you have any vintage rhinestone jewelry?
Spooky Skeleton Soiree
Creating the gothic glam table scene is really all about the table length centerpiece. Layered on top of the white tablecloth is a lacy spider runner.
On either end of the spooky centerpiece, are a pair of recently crafted Eerie, Elegant Black Pumpkins.
For some razzle dazzle, I did embellish each black pumpkin with more vintage rhinestone jewelry.
Adjacent to each pumpkin is a skull (Dollar Tree) — mixing highbrow lux and cheap plastic to style the gothic glam table.
Tall skeleton tapers in crystal candlesticks flank the punchbowl.
Eerie Elegance
For the individual place settings, I began with either a silver or gold charger. Layered on top is bone china, decorated with an ornate gold and black border (Lenox Eclipse). Included in the plate stack is a matching rim soup bowl.
Elevating the skeleton mummy napkin is a spider cupcake stand. It’s the latest napkin fold added to my repertoire.
To create the skeleton mummy look, I used napkins matching the tablecloth. The fold itself is called a “ragdoll.”
I used lightweight skulls from the Haunted Halloween Hallows Tablescape and Jaw Dropping Halloween Chandelier for heads.
Do you see it? Skeleton or mummy?
At first I considered using the bone napkin fold from last year’s Spooktacular Skeleton at the Feast Halloween Table. But I wanted to challenge myself to try something new.
Not much of challenge really, the napkin fold is really easy to do. For more ideas, check out Napkin Folds for All Seasons, Holidays & Occasions.
Flanking the elegant setting is sterling silver (International Enchantress) that has been in the family for over 75 years . I love the beautiful patina of the vintage flatware.
Originally belonging to my great grandmère is this etched crystal (Cambridge Rose Point). The illusion of wispy smoke comes from pulled spider web — also used in the punchbowl and silver water pitcher.
On the bread and butter plate at each setting is a skull-topped appetizer pick.
See more of Stella’s antics in, Silly Skeleton Poses on Elegant Halloween Table. Choose from seven other centerpiece options for your favorite.
And, for a more bone rattling fun, there’s also DIY Halloween Skeleton Decor: It’s a Scream.
So what do you think of my spooky, skeleton soiree?
Related Post Picks
See 14 Halloween Tables
Next in the blog hop is Ann of Corner of Plaid and Paisley. You definitely don’t want to miss her unique and clever tablescape based on the classic Clue board game.
Celebrate & Decorate • Home is Where the Boat Is • Panoply • Debbee’s Buzz
Corner of Plaid and Paisley • Our Crafty Mom • The Little Yellow Corner Store
Belle Blue Interiors • Life and Linda • The Painted Apron
White Arrows Home • Sweet Sensations • Red Cottage Chronicles
Road to Recovery
Thanks to all who sent good wishes on my foot surgery and recovery. By now, the worst is behind me. Other than a two-hour delay for the surgery, all went as expected.
I think the nerve block pump, and anti-nausea medication and patch, made a huge difference in pain management. By day five, I weaned myself off narcotics. Fortunately, I’ve also been able to sleep reasonably well. Although the heavy cast and being non-weight bearing is very awkward, frustrating and uncomfortable at times, it sure helps having such a kind, thoughtful and supportive husband.
Stop by for a spell and keep me company! I’d sure love to hear from you.
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I regularly participate in: Metamorphous Monday, Share Your Style, Tablescape Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Crafty Creators, Saturday Sparks, Happiness is Homemade, and Love Your Creativity.
Debbee, I love your humerus table set with your bone china! Stella makes quite the splash sitting in your silver punch bowl, draped in pearls and rhinestones. 😉 So glad to hear your foot surgery went well and you’re on the road to recovery. Thanks for tickling my funny bone this morning. Happy hopping and Halloween to you. ♥
Caught the “bone china” did you Mary? Also got a giggle about Stella “making a splash” lol! I should have you write the text, you’re so clever with words. Appreciate the good wishes. I’m now able to use a knee scooter rather than those %@#X& crutches most of the time. So much easier and more comfortable to get around the house.
Oh, Debbe, this is fantastic! I cracked up as soon as I opened the post – the mummy/skeleton fold is perfect, and perched on the spider stand really makes it stand out. Stella in the center is definitely garnering all the attention she is craving to fatten her ego, since she obviously can’t do otherwise. The pulled web as smoky brew is brilliant, and using all your finest china, crystal and silver makes for a smart and beautifully eerie table setting! Love the provenance of all your best.
So glad your surgery is complete, and no apparent complications from the procedure itself. Now let yourself heal and rehab, and let hubby take the chores. I’m sure he’s glad to do it.
I’m happy you could plan to be part of this hop. It’s always fun to see your creative powers at work!
Stella really is self-centered and full of herself Rita. In fact, I caught several pictures of her in other poses that I’m going to share in a Halloween post. Can’t imagine what she’s up too in the attic the rest of the year, lol!
Appreciate your good wishes Rita, thank you! Hubby has been great. He often adds flowers and herbs in a small vase to my lunch tray. And, he never complains about all the trips up and down and back in forth. One week down, 7-8 to go 🙂
OMG. Debbie u have outdone yourself ?. U have an innate way of putting together magical scenes. Disney is in need of U. Thank U for giving us all a much needed “Uplifting break we all need. Keep on doing what U are doing!!
Well, I think you’re a little biased, lol! Even though, I’m glad you enjoyed my silly skeleton soiree.
Stella certainly is bedazzled!!! Quite the lady! Your stemware is gorgeously spooky. I love all the details like the little snake across the sugar bowl. Your napkin fold is a delight!! I hope you are on the road to a smooth recovery. Take Care. Always a pleasure to hop with you.
Thanks so much Ann. Glad you noticed some of the little details I tucked in here and there. I was so psyched when I found that ragdoll fold and realized it’d be perfect for the occasion. Appreciate you good wishes too!
Stella is really rocking with her diamonds and pearls! I love all the silver you used too in this oh so spooky glamorous soiree! Over the top creative and clever Debbee, so many fun and ghoulish ideas!! The plate stack topped with the spider holding skeleton head and napkin fold is fabulous! Thank you for going to all this trouble only having to put it away before your surgery, so you could still participate and share your tablescaping talent with us today! As for not being able to decorate this year, at least you can have some Halloween fun by visiting us virtually! I hope your recovery is smooth and rapid, and kudos to your husband for all his help and support!
Thanks Jenna! It’s rare I set a table that won’t be used. But creating this post was a happy distraction from thinking about surgery and recovery. Will just have to save this concept for next year to entertain friends. Of course, the surprise element will be gone for the ladies. You are so right about being able to visit virtually — it’s one of the main reasons I wanted to participate. I think this is my favorite tablescape hop all year.
Hubby is doing such a great job, I told him I’m thinking of retiring from doing the cooking. He looked aghast, lol! After all we’re only one week into this, with two months to go.
Debbee you know I’m not a Halloween girl but you did a great table and styling Stella with some jewels.
Cindy, it’s awfully nice of you to pay me a visit — especially since you don’t care for Halloween.
Debbee, what a fun and eerie table. The skeletons are taking over. Stella looks fabulous with her bling. Love that you are using your own jewels. The crystal is so elegant. What a pleasure to have your great grandmère etched crystal Cambridge Rose Point. The napkin fold looks fabulous! I have never seen that one. So creepy with the snake slithering across the crystal bowl. I hope you are on the mend. it all takes time. Kudos to you for creating this fun table.
Hi ya Linda! Glad you enjoyed the Halloween table. I love and treasure her crystal — probably more than my wedding Waterford. Week one is behind me and I am surprisingly pain free for the most part. Mainly uncomfortable at times with the heavy cast, propping up my foot, icing, etc. I’ve never broken a bone or wore a cast before.
I am positively loving the skeleton centerpiece, a dash of elegance and spookiness in the most creative and fun way. Totally Gothic glam, and ever so inviting as well. So glad to hear that you are on the mend!
Oh Jemma, delighted you enjoyed the table! I hoped the skeleton would add an element of silliness, humor. Thanks too for your good wishes.
Wishing you a speedy recovery Debbee ♥ Well, Ms. Stella sure knows how to make an entrance! The narrative accompanying this table is so clever and I really enjoyed it. I can’t wait to try the skeleton body napkin fold and so many other ideas you shared here. Great work!
Glad you enjoyed the post Sandra! I had a lot of fun styling the table and creating the photos and text. Happy distraction! I could so see the skeleton napkin fold working on your glamorous Halloween table too. Thanks too for the good wishes, they are much appreciated.
Debbee, I was simply rattling with laughter seeing the lavishly decorated Ms. Stella sitting in your beautiful silver punch bowl ready to take on conversations with your dinner guests. Your use of all of your jewels and skeletons with all of the elegant gold, white and silver makes me feel like I have walked into an exquisite haunted mansion. I am wishing you a quick recovery to your surgery. So glad you were able to put together this eerie and humorous table for all of us to delight in. Happy Halloween, Debbee!
Marsha, I so enjoyed reading your comment — thank you! “Haunted mansion” was just what I was going for! Glad I went ahead and styled the table and post early. Makes me feel like I won’t totally miss Halloween this year. Plus, love visiting and interacting with you and the other participants. It’s like doing virtual visits!
Your skellies look Fab with your crystal and silver, sort of lifts it to Miss Marple’s level…and you just need the cobwebs, lol. Fun post, thanks, Sandi
You so see it Sandra — my original thought was to recreate the wedding table from Great Expectations. I adapted it when I couldn’t get out to borrow silver candelabras or a cheap bride costume. Maybe another year? I’ll bee sharing more of Stella’s antics for Halloween.
Glamorous, eerie and over the top! All that a Halloween table should be! And done so beautifully
That’s exactly the look I was going for Sandra — thanks so much for visiting!
Debbee, Such an amazing table! I love your story to go along with the way you have styled your table. This is definitely a glamorous and glitzy table for Halloween! The china you chose, is perfect for your glam look but nods toward the season! The folding of the napkin with the skeleton heads is over the top amazing! Bravo!!
Thanks so much Chloe! When my husband first saw Stella in the punchbowl, he remarked that the way my mind works might be scarier than the table itself lol! I had a blast creating it. Thanks for hosting my favorite hop of the year.
Debbee, it’s awesome. I love the china and crystal. You are always giving us great ideas.
Hard to keep a good “creative” woman down. Best wishes on a speedy recovery.
Glad you enjoyed my virtual Halloween party Myrna! Although, I’m feeling creatively challenged, as I look at the next couple months and can’t go out shopping to craft and thrift stores for inspiration and supplies. Fortunately, I already have a number of projects and tables photographed through Thanksgiving.
Great post! Your tablescape was just fantastic! Loved hearing family history of your beautiful silver. So glad your surgery went well. Will keep those prayers going!
Thanks for spending so much time virtually visiting with me today Kathy! Appreciate the company while I’m couch bound. Yes, I am very lucky to have things from both sides of our families. It sure helped that way back when I got married everyone knew I liked and valued old things, so they passed them on to me.
This is the BEST table you have ever created (all holidays included). Stella in the punch bowl is hysterically creepy and elegant. I already have 2 punch bowls and am kicking myself now that I didn’t purchase the massive silver one I saw in a thrift shop. It would have been perfect with a smaller skeleton (that I now need because I have 2 life size ones that would be too large to sit in the bowl.)
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Robin, thanks for the generous compliments and for taking the time to visit with me virtually! Best one, hmmm? It’s certainly in my top 3-5. Last year’s, Spooktacular Skeleton at the Feast Halloween Table is one with the decorated chandelier. Plus, my tabletop photography has really improved this past year. If the photos were better, I’d “argue” that Beatrix Potter Easter Hunt in Mr. McGregor’s Garden would compete as #1. There’s also the buffet for Tea Party Menu: Finger Sandwiches & Savories. But, this one is probably the easiest one for others to replicate with their own china, crystal, etc. You made me giggle when you said you now need to shop for a smaller skellie, lol!
Debbee, Always love the depth of detail in your tablescapes!! It is so much fun to dig out all of our family treasures and create and use them, albeit this time, only for the blog hop. Even though your tablescape will only enjoyed virtually this year, it has given many a much needed enjoyable distraction from all that is going on in our world. And from the comments, many have enjoyed it!
So glad that your surgery is over and went well! Wishing you a speedy recovery !! Good wishes to Hubby too as he cares for you.
Rhonda, I so appreciated your remark about people still being able to enjoy my table virtually. I hadn’t really thought of that. It did feel kind of weird going to such lengths with no real live guests seated at the table. Participating in the post and having virtual visitors sure did make it feel worthwhile and is a fun diversion while I’m couch bound. Thanks too for the good wishes.
Debbee, this is absolutely stunning! The way you thought of every single detail and this Gothic theme is amazing. You knocked it out of the park for sure. Thank you so much for the inspiration! Happy Halloween!
Very generous of you to say Michelle — thanks! I really enjoyed creating the scene.
Debbee, Absolutely LOVE this Halloween Tablescape and your use of vintage jewelry!!!!
I had a nerve block and anti nausea medication in an IV infusion when i had my knee replacement and it did help with the pain, especially the nerve block….I hope you start feeling better soon but it will take some time…Wishing you well!! Hugs, Deb
Thanks Debbee! It was great fun mixing things up this year. Never imagined using my mom’s rhinestones for bedecking a skeleton, lol. Sorry you had to go through a knee replacement! Actually, I’m feeling pretty good painwise. But, I sure hate being bed or couch bound and having to keep the leg elevated. Hubby did take me for a car ride this past weekend to get to enjoy seeing fall colors.
I always get so excited to see what your table will look like! I especially get excited to see how you do your napkins! So much fun!!
Thanks Kristin. I think this is one of my all time favorites. But, I’m likely going to run out of unique napkin folds at the rate I’m going, lol!
Just beautiful. Every detail is beautiful!
You’re visiting from Poland? However did you find my blog/post? Really appreciate you taking the time to visit and comment Klara!
Debbee, I just love your gothic glam theme! The skeleton centerpiece is so fun! The addition of the bling is fabulous! I especially love the colour scheme! It is so eerily awesome. I found myself going back to photos over and over to take everything in. Just love it!
Maureen, I’m delighted you enjoyed all the little, eerie detail gems of my over-the-top Halloween table! Thanks for taking the time to visit and comment — really enjoyed hearing from you.
Debbee, you have outdone yourself! You said you didn’t think you could top spooktacular, but this is every bit as good! Love Stella with your jewels in the punch bowl – that is just hilarious. You are so clever.
Glad your surgery is behind you and best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. Happy Halloween!!
Thanks so much Kim! But, I may have finally maxed out on ways to set a table with a skeleton! For Halloween, I plan to share several other versions of a diva Stella centerpiece.
Appreciate you best wishes! Went to the doc for first time since surgery yesterday. Although my foot looks like part of Frankenstein (lol), the incisions and xrays show I’m doing well. Now I just need patience for the long healing period over the next 2-3 months.
This is seriously the best Debbee! I was loving everything here. I tried to pin several images, but I got an error message. Now sure if that was on my end. Thank you for sharing with Charming Homes and Gardens.
Gee thanks Kim! Really appreciate you letting me know about the pinning issue. On Friday I implemented Lazy Load of images and it appears to be the problem. I didn’t realize it until you alerted me!
Debbee, This is so fun. Look for your feature on Wednesday’s Charming Homes & Garden Link Party. Rachel
Thanks so much Rachel. It’s the first time you’ve chosen me to feature, and I’m really excited to see it!
I don’t think I’d eat at your amazing gothic glam table because I’d be too busy admiring every single item in the tablescape…over a glass of wine of course.
Marie, I’d love to have you at my table! Wouldn’t it be great if we could meet in person someday? Oh, don’t worry wine would definitely be served, in addition to the punch brew lol!
Hi Debbee! I am featuring you tomorrow at Charming Homes and Gardens.
Your gothic glam table is fabulous! Glad to hear you’re over the worst:) Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm! xo Kathleen
I really enjoyed putting it together Kathleen, even if we weren’t entertaining this year.
Love your spooky table. Laura
Hi Laura! Of all the tables and centerpieces I’ve created and it’s definitely one of my all-time favorites. Not sure I can ever style another Halloween setting that can beat it!
Love this spooky table! The napkin fold is so clever!!! I always enjoy your creative ideas, Debbee. Every table is filled with outstanding details. Bravo!
Thanks so much Sarah! This is one of my three all-time favorite tablescapes — ever! The ironic part is I set it in late Sept for a Halloween dinner that never came to be. That’s because of the pandemic, and my foot surgery in early October. So next year, I really hope to use it for actual entertaining. It’s rare that I’ve styled a table that wasn’t for an actual gathering.
Wow – this is fabulous – I love all the attention to detail – i am going back for another peek!
Thanks Patti, it’s my all time favorite tablescape — regardless of season, holiday or occasion! I had a blast styling it. Appreciate you visiting!
I go all out when it comes to Halloween and I am in love with how this table came out. The napkin fold alone is out of this world. Amazing job.
Me too Meagan — I love crafting, decorating inside and out (even bathrooms and bedrooms), entertaining, and conjuring up new Halloween table settings.
This table is FABULOUS! I love everything about it, the neutral tones in particular. I am also over the moon with that skeleton napkin fold. I have got to remember that for next year. Happy Hallowe’en, Debbee!
So happy you enjoyed it Pattie! Of the dozens of tables I’ve styled it’s one of my all time favs! Hope you’ll try the fold. Last year I used a bat fold, and this year a witch’s hat. Hope you get lots of treats tomorrow!