HOW to set the scene for Hallowe'en at home without being terrifyingly tacky? Gabrielle Fagan conjures up some devilishly good ideas.

OCTOBER 31 can be the stuff of nightmares when it comes to decor, but thankfully it is possible to make your home trick-or-treat ready without overdosing on bad taste.

A little bit of creepiness can go a long way - a skull here, a bat there, or even a black tree hung with spider baubles.

The most successful look, which will delight long beyond the fright night, is a wicked mixture of deadly night shades, drama and witty details that don't scream Halloween.

"Think beyond orange, witches and lanterns - symbols of the night itself - and you could use the festival as inspiration for embracing dark interiors," suggested Jenny Hurren, founder of Out There Interiors.

"They're at the forefront of style these days, as people increasingly recognise that a moody palette offers a romantic feel that's elegant and oozes luxury.

"Start by choosing dusky paint shades and dark-toned wallpapers to create a statement backdrop. Deep black, burgundy and purple are go-to colours, as they add depth and drama to any living space."

Incorporating rich, sumptuous velvet for upholstery and soft furnishings, and featuring accessories in jewel tones to add eye-catching pops of colour, will bring the scheme to life, Jenny added.

Sainsbury's Home Halloween collection of accessories is an easy, inexpensive way to take a trip to the twilight zone.

Favourites include a Black Candelabra, £15; Black Raven, £4; Colour Changing Pumpkin Light, £4.50; and Colour Changing Ghost, £2.50, plus a Boo Light, £15.

DECOR TIP: If a scheme's too sinister for your taste, bring light and warmth with fashionable metallic gold and brass touches, or for more magical decorative detail, pair shimmering silver touches with deep, dark florals.

For anyone throwing a Halloween party next Wednesday, make the feast creepily creative by setting the table with skulls, skeletons and spiders - all vital ingredients for a spooky supper.

Candlesticks or traditional lit pumpkins will cast a ghostly glow on the scene when the streets are blanketed in darkness outside, and these dastardly drinks will also bring some extra hocus pocus to your haunted house party.

l M&S Blood Orange Negroni (£10, 35cl, Marks & Spencer)

This twist on a classic negroni (a cocktail made from gin, vermouth and Campari) has blood oranges in the mix. Just add ice and a Halloween cocktail stirrer.

l Steampunk Voodoo Spiced Rum (£25, 70cl, Steampunk.com)

A blend of dark rums infused with vanilla, ginger and a kick of black pepper, with spiced toffee and hints of cinnamon. Pair with ginger beer, cola or a flavoured tonic such as Lixir Blood Orange & Cinnamon Tonic (£1.30, 20cl, Gin Kiosk).

l El Jimador Tequila Blanco Limited Edition Day of the Dead (£20, 70cl, Asda and Waitrose)

A tequila to get spirited away with, El Jimador has been clad in spine-chilling skeletons to bring some extra skulduggery to the party.

For Mexico's answer to a G&T, mix with sparkling grapefruit (such as San Pellegrino), fresh lime and ice in a tall glass and garnish with a grapefruit wedge.

l Bacardi Carta Blanca Rum (currently reduced to £16 from £19.50, 1L, Tesco)

With a black bat on the label, this white rum lends itself to a ghoulishly good cocktail recipe.

Begin by pouring 50ml Bacardi, 15ml St-Germain Elderflower liqueur and 20ml lime juice into a large wine glass. Add fresh blackberries and press them gently, then fill up with crushed ice and stir. Top with 70ml ginger beer and garnish with white chocolate shavings, a fresh blackberry and a mint sprig.

l Casamigos Blanco Tequila (£54.25, 70cl, The Whisky Exchange)

This perilously pricey brand was co-founded by actor George Clooney and Rande Gerber, husband of supermodel Cindy Crawford. Sales have been going through the roof and now the artisanal Casamigos Mezcal (£60.95, 70cl, The Whisky Exchange) is proving a favourite on the cocktail circuit too.

l Crystal Head Vodka Limited Edition John Alexander Gift Pack - 'Dancing on the Water Lillies of Life' (£99.95, 70cl, 31Dover.com)

This macabre, skull-shaped bottle will look decidedly eerie if you place it on the bar alongside some creepy cobwebs.

l 19 Crimes Red Wine 2017, South East Australia (currently reduced to £7 from £8.98, Asda)

Celebrating the rebellious spirit of British rogues who were guilty of at least one of 19 crimes and sentenced to transportation to Australia, this red wine is sweetly spicy.

l The Devil's Peak Pinotage 2017, Western Cape, South Africa (£9.99, Virgin Wines)

A plump, succulent wine with black cherry, plum and damson aromas.