Regardless if you’re throwing a party or just want to inject your space with a little Halloween cheer, there are a few simple and very polished ways to get a spirited look without going overboard on the orange-and-black kitsch. To show you how, we sought the expert advice of Daria Penta, entertaining professional, party decor designer and owner of creative studio Hey Hooray, who had plenty of tricks up her sleeve when it came to creating a treat-filled spread for Halloween. Extra perk: Penta included the “Spooky” decal (shown in the photo below) that you can download and print yourself! Let’s get creative.

Project: Chic Halloween Candy Display

Instructions:

1. Add a sweet touch to your Halloween entertaining with a candy display in matte black, white and copper. Simple glass vessels keep things unfussy and modern, and a playful Halloween poster provides a fun graphic touch. Keep the containers on the small side (the ones here average around 3-inches wide) so you can offer plenty of variety without breaking the bank.

Set the stage: use a roll of matte black wrapping paper for a sleek table runner. Then start layering in your pieces, starting with the largest one.

2. Here, chic matte black pumpkins (DIY with pumpkins from the grocery store and spray paint) overflow from a textured copper bowl. Letting one pumpkin “escape” from the bowl is a great no-fuss way to pull the centerpiece look into the rest of the display.

3. Next, add vertical elements. Pillar candle holders double as candy pedestals to add some height to the display, and the framed poster leans casually against the backdrop wall.

4. For an asymmetrical display like this one, place your vessels in odd-numbered groupings, varying height and size for visual interest. Straight-sided clear glass vessels are easy to find, affordable, and mix and match perfectly.

6. Set out your “special” candy first – whether that’s color, size, or type. Here, placing one type of coppery candy on each side of the centerpiece and varying the candy height means that the most eye-catching color is distributed equally through the display.

Finish up by adding the remaining candy, distributing colors across the display.

PENTA’S HELPFUL TIPS:

• Spray paint novice? Multiple thin coats are the way to go, and avoid drips by keeping your hand moving while you’re spraying. Krylon brand has an easy-to-use fan-shaped nozzle built right in. For best results, let the painted pumpkins cure for 24 hours before stacking.

• Supplement your specialty store candy finds with goodies from the grocery aisle. More and more of the big-name brands are offering bite-size versions of old favorites that are perfect for candy buffets.

• Even the most devoted sweet tooth can get sugared out, so include some salty or spicy nuts on your treat table for a change of pace. If your nuts have shells like these pistachios, make sure to place out a small bowl for discarded shells.

WHERE TO GET EVERYTHING:

Wrapping paper: Paper Source

Copper bowl: West Elm

Clear glass vessels: Crate and Barrel, West Elm

Pillar candleholders: Target

Candy: Confectionery, Sweet Mickey’s, Trader Joe’s, QFC

Spooky Poster: Design by Hey Hooray, download the 11×17 here, 8×10 here

Poster Frame: Target