Halloween has become one of the most popular holiday party events of the year, could the attraction be that, like Mardi Gras, you dress up in elaborate costumes and pretend to be some captivating figure of the past for one night? Why not try something unique this year, throw a Medieval Halloween costume party your guests will not soon forget. Give a new romantic twist to Halloween that will surprise and please your friends and neighbors. Imagine, if you can, the surprise on the neighborhood trick-or-treaters’ faces when you open the door to offer up your basket of treats!

The Medieval era is often thought to be a romantic period where ladies wore long, flowing gowns of sumptuous materials and men were Knights in shining armor. This could make a great theme party idea for all of you Halloween hosts out there. The lady of the castle kept an ample medicinal garden to serve the villagers and her household. While this may not be the whole picture of life in Medieval times, it does comprise the positive images of the time.

Here’s how to plan and stage your magnificent Medieval Halloween costume party. You’ll need proper invitations, table settings that give the flavor of the authentic Medieval table, fun props, a few Medieval recipes (adapted to today’s ingredients) and ales and wines befitting the occasion. Your guests do the rest in their glorious costumes. perhaps not surprisingly, men often enjoy a chance to be the knight of your dreams, as this theme provides a venue in which to be both manly and romantic.

For invitations, you can take one of two tacks. You can use the parchment and calligraphy option, or put a little special scary Halloween effect in place. Use the parchment to print your request for the pleasure of your guest’s company in the old cut-out letter ransom format. A well done invitation becomes a party favor too! Take the time to locate a few local and online costume rental shops to give your guests some leads on attire. Medieval table settings were simple, but specific to the etiquette of the times.

Long wooden plates and plain ceramic plates and bowls were commonly used. One fun and authentic alternative is to form plates of long bread loaves, halved lengthwise. Goblets for wine and ceramic ale cups were the norm. Knives and spoons only, please. The fork was not yet in use! Medieval props are abundant online, designed to suit every budget. Several large candles, placed around and above diners, is a must for a Medieval Halloween costume party success. Look at library recipe books or online Medieval cuisine and choose a few authentic dishes. One highly recommended entree is roast beef with cinnamon gravy –delicious! Contemporary food can certainly round out your Medieval menu. Wrap it up with your choice of ales and wines. The Medieval Halloween costume party theme is guaranteed to be a hit. Oh, don’t forget to spread a few cobwebs around the dining area, for authenticity’s sake!

Making the Medieval Costume

Of course if you have the skills you can make your own medieval costume. All you need is a pattern and the materials. You can either purchase the pattern or design your own. You can buy the materials from fabric shops or specialty fabric vendors if you want materials that are truly authentic.

Renting Your Medieval Costume

This is perhaps the easiest option. Costume shops should have a decent selection of medieval costumes. If you leave near a big city it will be even easier to find a costume to rent. Call ahead to make sure the shop has a good selection.