Halloween decor doesn’t always need a skeleton, a ghost or enough fake cobwebs to make your living room look like it’s been abandoned for 30 years (the mess my kids make does that for free). Seriously, though, sometimes, all you need is a black bird and a little literary drama. And if that immediately makes you think of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven … same.
There’s something wonderfully spooky about a raven. There are the glossy black feathers, the mysterious reputation or simply the fact that seeing one perched somewhere feels a little more ominous than spotting your average backyard bird. It brings just the right amount of gothic atmosphere to a Halloween display without veering into cheesy.
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Made in India 20-inch Two-tier Cake Stand, $15 (reg. $29.99) at Marshalls
That’s why I love the idea of letting one take center stage on the dessert table. A raven perched above your Halloween treats, like this Made in India 20-Inch Two-Tier Cake Stand at Marshalls? Now those cupcakes have a backstory. Put it among candles, moody florals and a few dramatic desserts and you’ve got a setup that feels more old-world gothic than Halloween aisle. In my opinion, that’s a much more interesting way to celebrate spooky season.
Related: Aldi’s Floating Witch Hats Will Make Your Space Look Like Something Out of ‘Harry Potter’
The cake stand is 20 inches tall and 12 inches round, so not terribly big but large enough to be useful. It has a black picket fence-like border that adds to the spookiness, with that little feathered friend sitting right at the very top.
At Halloween, I’d think beyond cake with this one. The two tiers give you plenty of room to build a seriously fun spread, whether that means piling it with cupcakes, cookies and chocolate-covered treats or turning it into a little candy station. If you’re hosting, you could even use it for savory bites like olives, crackers, cheese cubes and nuts. The height makes whatever you put on it feel more like a display than just another plate of food.
Frankly, you don’t have to put food on it at all. Use the tiers to create a Halloween centerpiece with flameless candles, mini pumpkins, dark florals or little potion bottles. Since it has that raven perched on top, you could really lean into the gothic vibe with black candles, moody desserts and a few old books nearby.
Related: Dylan’s Candy Bar Just Dropped a Bunch of Spooky Sweets to Kick Your Halloween Up a Notch
