We’re reclaiming the witching hour for a different kind of mischief. No scaredy-cats allowed at this hauntingly haute soiree.


To a child, a Halloween nightmare is a monster under the bed. To Kevin Sharkey, it’s a theme party -- or the irrepressible creep of morning-after glitter. “Glitter is enemy number one to a Type A personality,” he says, brushing aside stray flecks as he wedges a cobalt beetle into the eye of a glimmering skull. The result is equal parts dazzling and grotesque -- the kind of macabre glamour that makes one simultaneously shudder and lean closer. He shrugs. "But who can say no?"
Hallowed Scene
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Sugar Crush
“I’m faithful to my candy. Peeps are for Easter. Red Hots are for Valentine’s Day. For Halloween, candy corn is a must.”
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Devil's in the Details
A pest infestation takes kale flowers from everyday to eerie.
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Don't Feed the Butterflies
An elegant dome display lends an air of mystery to standalone props.
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Foiled Rotten
Even those who have long outgrown trick-or-treating will love a nostalgic snack for the road. Posh packaging keeps goodie bags from feeling overly twee.
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Sugar Crush
“I’m faithful to my candy. Peeps are for Easter. Red Hots are for Valentine’s Day. For Halloween, candy corn is a must.”
-
Don't Feed the Butterflies
An elegant dome display lends an air of mystery to standalone props.
-
Devil's in the Details
A pest infestation takes kale flowers from everyday to eerie.
-
Foiled Rotten
Even those who have long outgrown trick-or-treating will love a nostalgic snack for the road. Posh packaging keeps goodie bags from feeling overly twee.
Glitter aversion explained, we move on to enemy number two: the theme party. “A party shouldn’t stress out the guests!” Kevin explains. “I appreciate the enthusiasm, but you can’t force a narrow interpretation on those who are there to have fun.” Nor does he endorse the trick-or-tacky “adult” costume trend. “My go-to costume is a jockey,” he says. “It’s comfortable, and it looks good. What more could you want?”

Ring of Pyre
A gold acorn wreath brings an autumnal edge to the scene. Kevin made this one using craft picks, floral tape, and a wire frame. “There’s a wreath for every season,” he declares. Learn to make a hanging display that shines for day or night.
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The Mold-and-Hold
Gently bend the pick to follow the curve of the frame. Hold it in place with one finger as you toss the floral tape over and away from your body.
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It's a Scream
Layer the picks a few inches apart around the wreath’s full circumference. "I like to multitask and do this while keeping up with the Kardashians," Kevin says.
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Double, Double, Toil and Trouble
Wrap the length of the pick, and then double back. The floral tape sticks to itself -- don’t pull too tight, or it will tear.
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Hang 'Em High
Kevin had a ceiling hook specially installed for decorative purposes. “It makes swapping in big, statement-making elements so easy,” he explains.
-
The Mold-and-Hold
Gently bend the pick to follow the curve of the frame. Hold it in place with one finger as you toss the floral tape over and away from your body.
-
Double, Double, Toil and Trouble
Wrap the length of the pick, and then double back. The floral tape sticks to itself -- don’t pull too tight, or it will tear.
-
It's a Scream
Layer the picks a few inches apart around the wreath’s full circumference. "I like to multitask and do this while keeping up with the Kardashians," Kevin says.
-
Hang 'Em High
Kevin had a ceiling hook specially installed for decorative purposes. “It makes swapping in big, statement-making elements so easy,” he explains.
A refined approach extends the Halloween holiday into all hours. Follow a night of revelry with a stylish seasonal lunch.

In Living Color
The nontraditional party palette is offset by autumnal dishes and linens. “Find complements to squash and kale -- chartreuse, ivory, lavender,” Kevin suggests. Color isn’t the only element that gourds and greenery can elevate. “Pumpkins and gourds have an intricate matte texture that can hold its own in a display,” he says. “Day is the time to showcase that kind of natural detail.”
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