Halloween doesn't have to mean a round of fancy-dress parties to be fun. A cosy Halloween night in lets you enjoy everything that makes the season special, candles, pumpkins and a few chills, without leaving the sofa. Here are 12 simple ideas to plan it, and the outfit to go with it.
The essentials
- Go for warm decor: squashes, soft lighting, touches of orange and black.
- Keep the menu easy and seasonal: pumpkin soup, hot drinks, biscuits to decorate.
- Mix films, games and stories so the evening never drags.
- A small Halloween nod is enough for your outfit, as long as your feet stay warm.
Why celebrate Halloween at home?
By late October the days are short, the air is crisp and staying in is very tempting. Halloween at home keeps the playful side of the night while staying warm: children have fun without trudging through the cold, grown-ups gather around good food, and nobody spends the evening in an itchy costume.
12 ideas for a cosy Halloween evening
1. Autumn decor rather than a haunted house
There's no need to turn the living room into a haunted mansion. A few squashes of different sizes, some autumn branches, LED candles in jars and a warm fairy light garland set the mood. Add a cotton cobweb in one corner as a nod to the night.
2. Pumpkin carving
It's the activity everyone joins in. Cover the table with newspaper, give everyone a small pumpkin and a simple design (gap-toothed grin, cat, moon). Little ones scoop out the inside with a spoon, adults handle the knife. Keep the flesh for soup.
3. A film marathon
Line up three films in rising order of scariness: a gothic animated film for the children, a fantasy comedy for everyone, then a proper horror classic once the little ones are in bed.
4. Homemade pumpkin soup
Soften an onion, add pumpkin, a potato and stock, simmer, then blend with a splash of cream. Served in black bowls or a small hollowed-out squash, it always goes down well.
5. An orange and black buffet
Clementines with faces drawn on in marker, devilled eggs topped with a black olive spider, chocolate cookies, black grapes: a grazing buffet means you're not stuck in the kitchen all night.
6. Seasonal hot drinks
Cinnamon hot chocolate, spiced warm apple juice, orange herbal tea: make a big pan and let everyone help themselves in their favourite mug.
7. Biscuits to decorate
Ghost or bat-shaped shortbread, white icing and chocolate chips for eyes: a calm activity that keeps children busy while dinner cooks.
8. Spooky storytelling
Turn off the lights, keep a torch handy and take turns telling a story, starting with the least frightening. For younger children, a tale about a clumsy witch works wonders.
9. A homemade mystery game
A ‘who stole the sweets?’ mystery with clues hidden around the house, or a deduction board game: ideal for older children and adults.
10. A blanket and cushion den
Gather every throw, cushion and pouffe in the house in front of the screen. It's the heart of the night in. For more ideas, read our guide to a cosy night in at home.
11. Sweets within easy reach
If trick-or-treaters might knock, put a big basket of sweets by the door. You'll save time and be back under the blanket in seconds.
12. A comfy costume
Cat ears, a flick of eyeliner for whiskers, an orange jumper as a pumpkin: one accessory and a little make-up are enough to join in without giving up comfort.
The perfect outfit: Halloween spirit, total comfort
A good outfit for a night in should feel nice for hours, on the sofa and in the kitchen alike. Think in three layers.
Top and bottoms
Loose trousers or thick leggings, an oversized knit in a seasonal shade (black, burnt orange, plum) and a pair of thick socks. For an instant costume, simply add cat ears or a witch's hat.
On your feet
This is where it all happens: cold feet spoil any evening. The Merano slippers with faux fur cuff are made for indoors: a soft lining, a wide cosy cuff and a black colourway that's perfect for a cat look. If you'll be popping to the door or the garden, the Bormio faux fur lined clogs, in saffron or black, have a cork-effect lug sole you can wear outside. And to walk the children round the neighbourhood, the sherpa-lined Cortina booties, in black or camel, keep your feet warm; for the feline touch, the leopard Sienna clog is a hit at home.
All our styles are made from vegan suede, a peach-skin soft microfibre with no animal materials. A quick sizing tip: they are true to size, but if you're between sizes, go up one. Our full guide: how to choose the right size of slippers and clogs.
Frequently asked questions
What can you do for Halloween if you stay at home?
Carve pumpkins, make pumpkin soup, watch seasonal films and play a mystery game. The key is to alternate calm activities with a few spooky moments.
How do you decorate for Halloween without overdoing it?
Focus on squashes, the soft glow of LED candles and a few touches of orange and black. A warm autumn feel beats a cluttered set.
What should you wear for a Halloween night in?
Soft clothes in seasonal colours, one costume accessory and warm slippers. Comfort comes first; a small nod to the theme is enough.
Read more
Slippers, clogs and booties for a warm 31 October: discover our Halloween edit.
