Hollow out pumpkins of various shapes, sizes, and colors. Drill small holes in them to create spiral or bull's-eye designs. Add votive candles and arrange in a cluster near the door. Hide a boom box on the front porch to play scary Halloween sound effects or horror movie music as the guests arrive. Cut out bat, ghost, or pumpkin shapes from black construction paper.
Tape cutouts to the inside of light-colored lampshades for an eerie shadow effect.
String fishing wire over the buffet table and hang orange paper lanterns. Scatter Halloween confetti over the tablecloth. Clear out your fireplace and fill with orange and black pillar candles in various shapes and sizes. Menu Serve black bean soup in small hollowed-out pumpkins. Use a pastry bag to top each bowl with a ghost-shaped dollop of sour cream just before serving.