TrendLife Food

Take the tricks (and children) out of the equation and halloween can be quite the glamorous affair, think the seduction of vampires and the hopeless-but-beautiful victims of Hammer horror films.

A darkly gothic dinner party can cover all of the seven deadly sins as a true tribute to the night of all things evil. Tables can be laden like gothic and medieval banquets with scores of cooked meats, fruit and dark candles. Finishing touches will really lift the dinner away from cliches so try adding a black, purple or red, velvet runner to the table and use dark ruby red apples to decorate.

For a gluttenous and extravagant centrepiece look to Hotel Chocolat's Headonism life-sized skull which is finished with precious, 24-carat edible gold. This ultimate horror-chic showpiece is limited edition and therefore only available in selected stores, you'd be a monster not to snap it up.

£50

www.hotelchocolat.co.uk