Why settle for ordinary when you can serve something that makes people light up with delight and maybe a little shiver?

Halloween has always felt like an invitation to play. The costumes, the flickering candles, the laughter that echoes through the night, it’s all about embracing a sense of wonder. For me, that sense of play extends straight to the table. Food becomes more than food; it becomes part of the story.

This year, I wanted to create a charcuterie board that leaned into the spirit of Halloween, one that feels familiar and indulgent yet sprinkled with just enough spookiness to spark conversation. Grapes, cheeses, and cured meats form the comforting base, but the true magic lies in the details, the unexpected little creatures that appear as you reach for a snack.

The Details That Make the Board Come Alive

Here’s where I let myself have fun:

• Oreo Spiders 🕷 : cookies, candy eyes, and cookie sticks for legs. They come together in minutes and have a way of catching everyone’s attention before the first bite.
• Prosciutto-Wrapped Eyeballs 👀 : a deliciously eerie touch that’s both playful and satisfying. They seem to watch from the board, and guests can’t help but laugh when they see them.

What I love most about boards like this is how interactive they feel. Guests lean in closer, laugh, point, and even hesitate for just a second before they dive in. That tiny pause, that mix of delight and surprise is where the magic happens.

Simple Tricks to Elevate Your Halloween Spread

If you’re hosting this season, a few thoughtful touches can transform your table into a gathering space filled with atmosphere:
✨ Mix in themed sweets among the savory bites to bring contrast and fun.
✨ Play with height by layering candles, pumpkins, and dried foliage to give the table depth.
✨ Lean into the “gross” factor because Halloween is the one time of year where a little eeriness feels exactly right.

Check my video on youtube to see how I create the Halloween Charcuterie Board That Delights and Surprises :

For me, tables like this aren’t only about aesthetics. They’re about creating moments that people remember, those shared smiles, that spark of surprise, and the way the room feels warmer because of it.

I’d love to know, when you host for Halloween, do you lean into the spooky details or keep things simple and cozy?

If this post inspires your next gathering, come find more seasonal tablescapes and creative hosting ideas on Instagram at @ascapeliving. And if you’re already dreaming of your own spooky spread, drop a “boo” in the comments, I’d love to see what you’re creating. 🎃

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