Ghoul Friends Just Wanna Have Fun!

A Ghoul Friend's Guide to Pink October Tablescaping!

Happy October, everyone! This month is all about embracing the spooky season, but it's also a time to shine a light on something much more important: Breast Cancer Awareness (often known as Pink October).

I wanted to find a way to merge my love for Halloween decorating with my support for this critical cause. The result? A perfectly pink, black, and white Ghoul Friend's tablescape that’s equal parts chic and chilling!

The Palette: Spooky Meets Sweet

My theme centers on a striking, supportive palette of pink, black, and white. It’s the perfect blend of playful Halloween motifs and the iconic pink ribbon. I invited some clogger gals plus a few girlfriends for a Halloween luncheon.

The foundation is built on texture and pattern: A stunning pink rosette tablecloth provides a soft, feminine base. Layered over that is a fun black and white harlequin table runner, which introduces a classic Halloween pattern.

To drive the "Pink October" support home, I've got pink balloons with ribbons floating down from the ceiling, creating a festive, awareness-driven atmosphere!

Layering the Look: Plates, Patterns, and Ghosts

The place settings are where the magic really happens! I've played with layers and contrasting patterns to keep the eye moving:

Placemats: We start with the exquisite Arte Italica- Crown Linen black and white ruffled placemats—the ruffles add an elegant touch of texture.
Dinnerware: Next up are my beloved Mackenzie Childs Courtly Check dinner plates! This iconic black and white pattern is always a showstopper.
Salad Plates: They are topped with a cheerful pink and white checked salad plate from Michaels to bring in that pop of awareness pink.
Final Touch: A cute little white ghost bowl from Big Lots finishes the stack, reminding everyone that it is, in fact, still Halloween!
Flatware: The setting is complete with the sleek Mackenzie Childs Black Tie flatware.

The Boo-zy Details: Glassware & Linens

No Halloween table is complete without some spectacular glassware! I’ve mixed stately and sweet: Stately black goblets anchor the setting. Alongside them are the absolutely darling pink ghost stems, a perfect, fun nod to the Pink October theme.

The linens follow suit. I've used pink and white ghost napkins gathered neatly with adorable ghost napkin rings.

The Centerpiece: A Ghoulish Gathering

The centerpiece brings all my "ghoul friends" together! The star is an adorable Mackenzie Childs Trick or Treat Boo car—filled with my little ghoul friends, of course! It's surrounded by smaller, thematic accents like two little pink ghosts and several charming pink pumpkins.

To add a touch of fresh elegance, I've used my Mackenzie Childs Really Rosy vase filled with beautiful pink roses.

And finally, to truly elevate the spookiness, I’ve decorated the chandelier above the table with floating ghosts that hang down over the setting!

I made two soups for the luncheon. Creamy Tuscan Ravioli and Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi.

I had a couple of sous chefs in the kitchen helping.

The Bewitching Buffet: A Dessert Table Fit for Ghoul Friends

While the dining room tablescape was all about pink, black, and white and Pink October support, I carried the whimsical Halloween theme with purple, orange and black and white over to our breakfast room for a truly special dessert buffet!

The centerpiece of this room is a fantastic tiered stand my husband actually built—a perfect backdrop for all the sweet treats. I covered it in a vibrant purple cloth to give it a little witchy energy that contrasts beautifully with the main dining room's theme.

Dessert Decor and Delights

I leaned into my favorite spooky pieces to dress the space showcased my adorable Mackenzie-Childs witch shoes bowls and a classic MKC witch hat. These sat alongside a lovely, multi-level tiered stand from Grandin Road, perfect for displaying multiple desserts.

I baked magic cookie bars with ghost peeps, pretzel, chocolate, caramel crack. Various candy was displayed in the witch shoe bowls.

And what's a party without treats from your favorite friends? My wonderful girlfriend Karen stopped by (despite battling a horrendous migraine—get better soon, Karen!) to drop off a magnificent pumpkin-shaped carrot cake. It was almost too beautiful to cut! And my dear Jain, my garden-girl friend, brought a decadent chocolate celebration cake that was absolutely luscious.

It's the little details and the love from friends that truly make these holiday gatherings memorable. Now, time for a slice of cake... or maybe both

Jane, Catherine and Bernice brought appetizers. June brought the delicious autumn salad I shared at the Love Your Creativity link party. Vicki brought Olive Garden breadsticks, so perfect for the two soups I made.

Show Your Support!

This tablescape is more than just fun decor; it's a visual reminder to stay proactive about Breast Cancer Awareness. Whether it’s through decorating, donating, or simply scheduling that annual check-up, let’s use this month to show our support.

About Linda @ Life and Linda

Hello, welcome to LifeandLinda. I am from Northern California. I enjoy blogging, Designing Blogs, Decorating, cooking, entertaining, gardening and clogging. I hope you enjoy your visit.

9 comments:

MaryOctober 28, 2025
It’s all spooktacular Linda, from your cute MKC Trick or Treat Car, pink ghost stemware, ghost bowls and black and white checked details! 👻 The dessert offerings and table with all your wonderful MKC serving pieces take your ghoul friends' party over the top! Your sous chefs did a fa-boo-lous job serving up the soup too. 💀💀 Happy Pinktober and Tuesday 🩷
JunkchiccottageOctober 28, 2025
Linda this is just to much fun. Girlfriends are the best. I know they all had a great time and your table is beautiful. Your Sous Chefs are my favorite with the homemade soup. Super fun and cute. Hugs. Kris
La Table De NanaOctober 28, 2025
You really host fantasmagorically.Any ghoulfriend would feel more than special.Kudos..Everything loos delicious too..Fun times..Enjoy!
Nancy October 28, 2025
I'd love to attend one of your parties/dinners/luncheons! You put on such a celebration! From homemade soups, treats, and appetizers to the most decorated tables I have ever seen. Your energy is incredible!
I love how you combined breast cancer awareness and Halloween! Your Ghoulfriends had to be impressed and entertained, and I know they loved every minute!
Happy Halloween!
JeanieOctober 28, 2025
This is so clever and so much fun! The pink and black IS spooky in a weird kind of girly (ghoulie?) way and you still got in the traditional colors with that fabulous dessert buffet! Lucky women, your guests (and some pretty talented ones too -- that cake rocks!)
Debra She Who SeeksOctober 28, 2025
Wow, wow, WOW! What absolutely stunning decorating, food, and tablescapes! And such a great idea to combine Halloween and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Love everyone's costumes too. Oh, and those crazy sous chefs!
Kari Rogers MillerOctober 28, 2025
Beautiful tables Linda and as always over the top in design. I love all the elements but especially the cute ghosts with their hands on their hips.... so cute and their expression is adorable. The desert table is so pretty, I would almost (note I said almost) not want to cut it but my curiosity and love for carrot cake would win me over. Thank you for sharing and your sous chefs were amazing. Kari @ Me and My Captain
This N ThatOctober 28, 2025
Clever and stunning tablescape..Great idea to combine the two!! I'm sure everyone had a fabulous time!!
kitty@ Kitty's Kozy KitchenOctober 28, 2025
Oh Linda, what an absolutely amazing ghoul friends party you had! You had me oohing and ahhing all the way through your post and chuckling at the video of your sous chefs. It’s so nice that your friends shared in bringing things and I always love seeing their pictures. Thank you for sharing such an amazing party with us.

I so appreciate your visits and sharing your thoughts at Life and Linda.