Vampire gothic dinner party

What it is

An elegant, dark Halloween dinner. Black and deep red throughout, dozens of candles, a gothic menu with a blood-red theme, and guests dressed as vampires, gothic aristocrats or in their finest black.

Plan ahead

• Three weeks before: send black invitations with silver ink and a dress code.
• One week before: buy candles, candelabras, goblets and a velvet runner. Plan a menu that can be mostly made in advance.
• The day before: make dessert and set the table.

Set the scene

A long table with a red velvet runner, black candles in candelabras, black roses, ornate mirrors, and gothic organ or classical music. Dim all other lights.

Menu

• Cocktail: “Blood Moon” - vodka, cranberry, blood orange and a dash of grenadine; or a pomegranate mocktail
• Starter: beetroot soup with soured cream swirl
• Main: rare roast beef or a beetroot and mushroom Wellington
• Sides: dauphinoise potatoes, red cabbage
• Dessert: red velvet cake or black forest gateau

Activities

• Tarot readings: a friend who can read tarot, or a printed guide.
• Best costume voted at dessert.

Tips

• Use LED candles near costumes and capes.
• Garlic is a fun joke on the menu - but ask your vampires first.