How to Throw an Outdoor “Mask-querade” Halloween Party

The Planning Phase

For this year’s Halloween Style Challenge, I wanted to do something different. I wanted to be able to spend some time with a select few friends, since we haven’t been able to because of COVID-19. My husband and I came up with the idea of a “mask-querade” party so we can enjoy each other’s company safely!

I was so excited to find out The Home Depot’s entire Halloween collection was available online for me to browse at my convenience, and not have to worry about going into the store. Not only did I manage to snag amazing Halloween items, I also browsed their entire website for gorgeous flatware, and plates to go with the moody theme I wanted to achieve for the dinner party. My friends and family were surprised that The Home Depot had everything I needed to decorate the space, from the Halloween Decor to the flatware!

DIY

I did a few DIYs for this backyard get-together! The first thing I created was the DIY sign using copper piping and plexiglass!

Materials Needed:

• 18 in. x 24 in. plexiglass
• ¾ in. copper piping
• (4) 90 degree copper elbows
• (2) ¾ in. copper T fittings
• (2) ¾ in. copper end caps
• Rust-Oleum Spray Paint (I used Oil Rubbed Bronze)
• Acrylic Paint 
• Paint Brush 
• Pipe Cutter
• Steel Wool 
• ¾ in. S hooks 
• Drill and Drill Bit 

Instructions:

I painted the design I wanted on the front of the plexiglass with acrylic paint and a paintbrush. Once complete, I spray painted the back of the plexiglass with several layers of spray paint to make it nice and opaque.

Once I had the design the way I liked, I cut the copper down to the sizes (listed below) using a pipe cutter, then assembled all of the pieces. No glue required! You can easily take this apart, or glue to keep it together. It’s totally up to you! I ended up using a ribbon to attach the plexiglass because I didn’t realize my hooks were too small! Make sure you get the hooks where the opening is ¾ in.

(2) 22 in. 

(2) 26 in. 

(4) 6 in. 

Donald and I also tried making a quick and easy canopy over the dinner table, which worked well inside, but with the slope of the yard, it just would not hold up! It ended up falling, and instead of scrapping that part of the project, I hung these curtain lights to incorporate a little of what I wanted. I think it still turned out great!

In order to make these name place cards, I repurposed these backsplash tiles by lightly spray painting them with Rust-Oleum’s Oil Rubbed Bronze spray paint. I added the names in copper and bam! Affordable name cards.

Enter If You Dare

We set up the mausoleum archway as the entryway for guests to enter through. My husband and I were able to put this together rather easily! The mausoleum came with instructions or you have the option of downloading the Bilt app for interactive step-by-step instructions, which is so helpful.

Honestly, this mausoleum set the tone for the overall dinner party! It’s definitely the first thing guests will see when they’re coming over.

We played around with headstones and put the zombie girl  in front with some fog using the low lying fog machine, and it looked really cool!

Setting the Table

The next thing I did was set up the dinner area. I went to the flower district in NYC and purchased flowers that gave off moody Halloween vibes. Then, I made the arrangements and moved onto setting the table.

I created some polls on instagram, allowing my instagram family to choose the linens, along with the copper accents, these gorgeous dinner plates, and even the colors of the floral arrangement! Most of what you see here is from The Home Depot. The cheesecloth was dyed black to match the aesthetic, the dinner plates, goblets, and flatware are all from The Home Depot! No, I’m not kidding.

Arranging the Photo Booth Area

I created the copper frame for the photo booth in a similar way as the drink sign a couple years back, and I knew I wanted to use it as a backdrop for this event. Since I already had the white fabric and curtain lights attached, I just added black sheer fabric I had laying around along with the skull and chains (similar) I got from The Home Depot a few Halloween’s back. Also, I added the zombie girl, her zombie sister, tombstones, skulls, a skeleton, and the head of a zombie horse I also received from The Home Depot a few years back.

This is specifically where I wanted all of the Halloween decor to shine! I set up a little graveyard area and used the Halloween decor as props to use. Everyone was thoroughly entertained by the creepy sisters, especially.

The Final Reveal

The final look of the space was magical, especially at night. The soft light from the curtain lights coupled with the dark colors, and Halloween decor made the space just gorgeous.

I hope you’re inspired to decorate your space – whether indoors or outdoors for Halloween! Check out my YouTube channel if you’re interested in seeing videos of  how the products look and sound on camera!

The post How to Throw an Outdoor “Mask-querade” Halloween Party appeared first on The Home Depot Blog.