It all started back when I saw MKR’s wickedly chic Halloween shoot a few years ago…I started to believe that the Haunting Holiday can be just as beautiful and stylish as the rest. As MKR proves in her shoot, IT IS possible to avoid tacky, orange-and-black-themed everything, and instead blend silvers and greys with black, as you mix in candles, moss branches, spiders, crows and chains. Forget tchotchke and generic, and think tasteful and eerie. With great decor, a killer menu and the right costume (at least rock the stylish skull motif), you’ll be well on your way to hosting the best Halloween party on the block. 

Since it really can be SO good when it’s done right, we rounded up seven must-try ideas for your Halloween party in the slideshow above. From a hair-raising charcuterie plate to hauntingly beautiful and natural pumpkins DIYs, we’re sure you’ll find some stylish inspiration in our roundup.  Oh, and before you go, ask yourself what kind of modern haunted house you’re going for. Cheers, Kat

When I was invited to style a dinner celebrating 100 of the most influential women in the South made by some of the most powerful women chefs for Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, I couldn’t jump on board soon enough. Cator Woolford Gardens at the Frazer Center proved to be the perfect location to wine and dine these impressive ladies, and we were thrilled to kick off our festival weekend with such a special event.

Despite the storms rolling into Atlanta, and a moment when we wondered if we were going to get everything pulled off, a beautiful evening unfolded amidst twinkle lights, lush floral centerpieces by Lindsay Coletta, favors of Himalayan pink salt, and Jenn’s gorgeous watercolor menus and hand-lettered place cards for all.

The rest of the weekend’s storms couldn’t keep us away from the tasting tents, where we roamed from chef to chef and tried everything we could get our hands on.  It was the perfect way to end a weekend full of our favorite things: friends, food, wine and dinner parties. Truly, MKR