Pumpkin punch bowl and mugs

Photo: Pottery Barn

This 1.25-gallon vessel made from handblown glass will take you from Halloween through Thanksgiving. Set it atop the tree stand ($49) or just place it directly on your table, filled with warm or cold apple cider or a classic punch.

Pumpkin Punch Bowl and Mugs, Pottery Barn, $26–$49, PotteryBarn.com
Bones salt and pepper shakers

Photo: A+R Store

Artist Chris Stiles created these shakers from unglazed refined white clay; their glassy luster makes them feel uncannily similar to the real things.

Dry Bones Salt and Pepper Shakers, A Plus R Store, $32, APlusRStore.com
Crow bottle opener

Photo: Mjölk

Conjuring associations of death and trickery, these Japanese-made openers are beautiful, sculptural and functional.

Crow Bottle Opener, Mjölk, $28, Store.Mjolk.ca
Skeleton hand servers

Photo: World Market

A pair of bony skeleton limbs can serve a fall salad, slices of a seasonal tart or roasted butternut squash.

Skeleton Hands Servers, World Market, $20, WorldMarket.com
Soup tureen

Photo: Anthropologie

This stoneware, claw-footed server looks like it was plucked from a fairy-tale dining table. It can hold 135 ounces of soup (try this seasonal Curry Carrot-Ginger Soup), which is enough for about 25 first-course servings.

Beast's Feast Tureen, Anthropologie, $148, Anthropologie.com

Photo: Terrain

Vintage desserts like Strawberry Whoopie Pies or Orange-Scented Scottish Shortbread with Dark Chocolate belong on this sweet handmade plate.

Gingham Pumpkin Plate, Terrain, $20, ShopTerrain.com
Owl paper plates

Photo: World Market

These 9-inch paper plates are ideal for lightweight desserts, like Honey Caramel Corn Balls or wafer cookies, or use them to hold candy corn and other not-too-heavy sweets.

Halloween Owl Plates, World Market, $4 for a set of eight, WorldMarket.com
Ghost candelabra

Photo: MoMA Store

Bring a Bride of Frankenstein mood to your table with this piece by British designer Jon Russell. It's made of flat Lucite panels with glass cup inserts that hold four taper candles. The lit candelabra's flickering light gives any room a ghostly feel.

Ghost Candelabra, MoMA Store, $65, MoMAStore.org
Party picks

Photo: Pier 1 Imports

We never run out of ways to use toothpicks when entertaining. These sparkly ones are good for finger sandwiches, appetizers (like these Bacon-Wrapped Halibut Bites), cupcakes, Bloody Mary garnishes and even steaks (use them to tell guests which ones are rare and which are well done).

Tinsel Mini Picks, Pier 1 Imports, $3 for 24, Pier1.com


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