Lacey Chabert reigns as Hallmark’s Christmas star, but she’s also excited to enchant her guests with a spectacular Halloween gathering.
“Pumpkins are our favorite!” Chabert told Us Weekly about her preferred fall party theme during a recent visit to her Hallmark Channel show, Celebrations With Lacey Chabert, earlier this year.
Sharing her insights with Us, Chabert revealed her top strategies for hosting a cozy autumn-inspired party and for seasonal home decoration, reminding us to “fully embrace your theme.”
She elaborated, “This means choosing a cohesive color palette and decor, alongside the food and treats, and going all in!” Decorating pumpkins with her daughter, Julia, is typically part of their family tradition.
“Last year, I painted our pumpkins with shabby chic colors. They looked stunning against the neutral tones of my home,” Chabert reminisced about her 2024 color choices.
Beyond pumpkins, she expressed her excitement for fall crafts as well: “I love baking during every holiday. It allows for cherished family moments,” she shared.
Check out Chabert’s top recommendations for hosting a delightful fall gathering and savoring the Halloween festivities:
Get Creative with Costumes
Lacey Chabert and daughter Julia. Lacey Chabert/Instagram
“We love a good DIY costume!” said the actress from Mean Girls. “My daughter comes up with imaginative ideas, often combining different characters to create her own themes.”
Play Some Spooky Tunes
The actress noted that “Monster Mash” is always featured on her Halloween playlist.
Essential Trick-or-Treating
‘Haul Out the Halloween.’ Fred Hayes/Hallmark Media
“As a mom to my 8-year-old, I adore trick-or-treating!” Chabert revealed. “Some of my fondest Halloween memories are from going door-to-door for candy. I held on to that tradition well into my teenage years—probably until I was 16!”
Carving or Painting Pumpkins?
Cast of ‘Haul Out the Halloween.’ Fred Hayes/Hallmark Media
“I’m not the best at carving pumpkins, so we usually paint ours instead. We like adding stickers to personalize them as well!” Chabert revealed. “Carved pumpkins tend to rot quickly, and I’m all about keeping it simple and fun.”
Watch ‘Halloweentown’ Repeatedly
Cast of ‘Halloweentown.’ Disney Channel/Everett Collection
For party ambiance, Chabert enjoys having Halloweentown playing in the background.
“Kimberly J. Brown is a dear friend of mine,” she shared, referring to the movie’s leading actress, Marnie. “My daughter adores those films.” (Brown co-stars with Chabert in Hallmark’s Haul Out the Halloween, airing Saturday, October 11, at 8 p.m. ET.)
Chabert also enjoys classics like The Nightmare Before Christmas, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, and Hocus Pocus during the season.
Spooky Appetizers
Lacey Chabert on ‘Celebrations With Lacey Chabert’ season 2. Hallmark Media
For grab-and-go party treats, Chabert recommends Rice Krispie treats shaped like pumpkins or “little mummies,” adorned with icing and creative decorations. “I also enjoy a tasty butternut squash soup and hearty pasta for fall gatherings,” she mentioned.
Halloween Beverages
Kimberly J. Brown and Lacey Chabert in ‘Haul Out the Halloween.’ Fred Hayes/Hallmark Media
“For adults, a pumpkin spice cocktail is festive, while for the kids, I make a classic orange punch with green sherbet. Homemade punch has always been a staple since my childhood!” Chabert shared.
She even mentioned a fun idea of having a DIY Halloween punch station, akin to a hot chocolate bar, for everyone’s enjoyment.
Embrace Flexibility
Brennan Elliott and Lacey Chabert filming ‘The Crossword Mysteries.’ Lacey Chabert/Instagram
“I usually keep a mental checklist, although I often forget to jot it down, making it a bit chaotic!” she admitted about her decorating approach. “It should be about enjoying the moment and producing a delightful atmosphere filled with good music, a cohesive color scheme, and delicious food.”
Be Prepared for Christmas
Chabert loves celebrating Halloween, but as the recognized queen of Christmas—even in her household—she shared how Christmas decorations take precedence. “It’s the most extensive decoration I do, and I go all out for it. I start putting up Christmas decorations the day after Halloween,” she exclaimed.
Chabert humorously mentioned, “Christmas decor is set to go, just waiting for me to put it up!”
Between setting up your Halloween and Christmas decorations, keep an eye out for Chabert’s latest projects happening on Hallmark. Season 2 of Celebrations With Lacey Chabert premieres on Hallmark Channel Monday, October 6, at 8 p.m. ET.
Don’t miss Haul Out the Halloween, debuting on Hallmark Channel Saturday, October 11, at 8 p.m. ET. Chabert also stars in She’s Making a List, which airs on Saturday, December 6, at 8 p.m. ET as part of the “Countdown to Christmas” lineup.
