14 Haunting Halloween Party Invitations

Casey Watkins
Oct 05, 2014

That haunted shindig is less then a month away. You know the one; the one that’s lead you to spend the last month making numerous pinboards, DIYing decorations and planning a gruesome menu. Now comes the most important part — inviting the party monsters. No matter if you’re going for creepy, pimped out in pumpkins or homemade, here are 14 Halloweeninvitations to get your party started.

1. Halloween Cards ($15 for the set of 5 cards): Speak to us of pumpkins and spiders. These adorable cards use the classic black + orange color combo to create a mix of mailbox treats for your guests.

2. Owl Invites: Who’s invited to an owl-themed soirée? You, that’s who (who!)! (via Alix Sorrell)

3. Splattered Invitation ($225 per set): The red splatter on this invite will probably make your guests wonder what you’ve been doing. Paper cut or sinister intentions?

4. Witch Please ($5) : Sassy invites for your best witches that you don’t even have to write yourself? Sign us up. If you head to Punkpost’s website and type in your message, they’ll do all the handwriting and mailing for you. So you can focus on other things, like learning how to carve shrunken heads out of apples… you know, for the punchbowl.

5. Old Letter Invitation ($7): Break out your finest handwriting for these antique vampire-inspired invitations. Do your guests dare break the seal?

6. Message in a Bottle Invitations: Forget the living dead. This invitation is for Blackbeard and his band of scurvy dogs. Just be sure to have plenty of drinks on hand, ’cause everyone knows that a pirate knows how to party down. (via Martha Stewart)

7. Thriller Invitation ($14): Michael Jackson rocks this invite. Better to let your guests know that there will indeed be a flashmob happening in your house that night.

8. Harry Potter Inspired Invites: Give your guests their very own invitation to Hogwarts. Because what’s better than a Potter Halloween party? Only a Potter Halloween party with butterbeer-spiked punch. (via One Charming Party)

9. Skeleton Invitations: Skeleton theme party or even graveyard shindig, these clacking bones invitations are the only way to lure your guests to their doom… er, delight. (via Martha Stewart)

10. Halloween Chalkboard Invitations ($1 each): Simple and straightforward, this invitation tells your guests what it’s about: costumes and cocktails.

11. Pumpkin Carving Party: Make an event out of the classic Halloween activity and use these cute jack-o’-lanterns to invite your friends. (via Tried and True)

12. Ouija Inspired Invitation ($13): Ghost hunting or not, this invitation implies candles and ghost stories. Basically the stuff Halloween is made of.

13. Bloody Halloween Invitations: Is it weird to glam our blood? We don’t care. Summon all the mummies and zombies and vampires for your blood themed Halloween party. (via Design Sponge)

14. Severed Finger Invitation: Looking for an invitation that’ll give them the shivers? Send your guests a reminder ribbon… on someone else’s finger! (via Martha Stewart)

Do your party invitations match your theme? Which invitation is your favorite? Tell us below!

How To RSVP “No” Gracefully To Any Wedding Or Event

TBH, it doesn’t matter who you’re RSVPing "no" to — it’s awkward. It can be difficult to say no to an invite when your reason boils down to “I just don’t want to,” but not wanting to do something optional (and/or low-stakes) is reason enough to not do it. Your time, energy, and money is valuable — you don’t have to dish it out at every opportunity. Obviously, some events (like those hosted by close family or friends) are important to go to, no matter how much you may not want to.

However, for those invites from not-so-close friends for relatively unremarkable events, it's perfectly fine to decline. Even weddings, arguably the most lavish event someone may throw in their lifetime, are declinable. Whether it’s too expensive, too far away, or you just need a weekend off, there are plenty of respectful ways to RSVP “no.”

Here are all the tips you need to diplomatically decline, and not feel bad about it.

1. RSVP "no" early

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels

As soon as you receive an invitation, you probably have an idea of whether or not you can or want to attend. Decline ASAP so the host has an opportunity to invite someone else, get a refund on your seat, and plan accordingly. Plus, you don’t want to carry the burden of accepting and dreading the event for weeks. It’s way more emotionally draining, and confusing for the host.

If you do want to attend, but are unsure if you can, check your calendar and let the host know your circumstances. Perhaps your sister is expecting her first baby around the same time as your college roommate’s wedding. Reach out to your friend directly and let them know that you may be able to come, or would like to come, but it’s dependent on another important factor.

Chances are, the host will respect and appreciate your honesty. And remember: for big events like weddings, guests = money, so giving the hosts as much time as possible to make adjustments before their event is imperative.

2. You don't have to explain yourself

Photo by Getty/JLco - Julia Amaral

This is a bit contradictory to what we just said, but if it’s not an up-in-the-air type of situation, you can just say “no.” Plain and simple. Hosts don’t need a laundry list of reasons you can’t go, and you don’t need to share yours.

3. Declining is *actually* quite respectful

Photo by Dziana Hasanbekava/Pexels

Responding to someone, whether it’s an enthusiastic “yes” or a “no,” is way better than not responding at all – or worse, canceling at the last minute. It shows that you care enough about the person to give them an answer, and that your friendship allows for open communication. With anyone in your life, you should be allowed to ask for what you want, and what you need. If you can’t do this for yourself, do it for Future You.

4. Don't make up excuses

Photo by Eugene Chystiakov on Unsplash

It’s just a no-no. If you fabricate an excuse, it can lead to way worse (and certainly more awkward) situations. For example, if you say you can’t go deep sea fishing this Saturday (when it’s really about not wanting to fish), the person might ask you to go with them another time, evidently putting you on the hook (pun VERY intended) for future excursions.

Alternatively, if you opt for blowing them off and they find out, they’ll probably feel worse and assume your response was personal to them. Whether or not that’s true is besides the point.

Being a bit more honest always goes a long way. Oh, and BTW, refusing an invitation isn’t that deep! Truly. It’s literally fine.

5. How to say "no"

Photo by KoolShooters/Pexels

Saying no is all about what you say and how you say it. Aim for a warm, neutral and matter-of-fact tone paired with a short, candid response. Don’t beg for forgiveness (and TBH if you have to do this, they’re probably not a great friend in the first place), give them a vague reason as to why you can’t go, or get defensive if they have questions. Repeat after us: saying no is normal!

BTW – by declining an invite you have to allow others to do the same. So if someone declines an invitation to your birthday party (which we know will be totally amazing), it’s OK.

And just remember – any response is better than no response.

Stay updated on all things party etiquette with Brit + Co. This post has been updated.

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Shawn Mendes Finally Opens Up About His Sexuality: "I'm Trying To Be Really Brave"

Shawn Mendes — and his ever-complicated love life — has been all over the news lately (hello, VMAs love triangle 👀). From Camila Cabello to Sabrina Carpenter to those rumors that he may not even be interested in women at all, there's no shortage of topics to address. And finally, Shawn decided to put the rumors to rest...sort of. Here's what the singer had to say at his Colorado concert this week!

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Shawn finally addressing his sexuality! #shawnmendes #friendsandfamily #redrock

Shawn entered the spotlight as a teenager, quickly becoming a heartthrob — and a controversial topic of conversation. For years, people speculated that he was actually gay, leading him to a lot of frustration, according to his conversation with Dax Shepard on the Armchair Expert podcast. But now, he's finally addressing the rumors head on.

During his show at Red Rocks Amphitheater, Shawn addressed the crowd pretty directly. The musician shared, "Since I was really young, there's been this thing about my sexuality, and people have been talking about it for so long." He continued, nothing that he thinks "it's kind of silly" in general that people were so focused on it because he thinks "sexuality is such a beautifully complex thing, and it’s so hard to just put into boxes."

Mike Coppola/Getty Images for MTV

The star elaborated, "It always felt like such an intrusion on something very personal to me, something that I was figuring out in myself, something that I had yet to discover, and still have yet to discover." Throughout the speech, Shawn played his guitar, eventually noting that writing "The Mountain" — a song that calls out the rumors about his romantic life — "felt very important" to him because he "could address it [the rumors]" in a way that made sense to him.

Mike Coppola/Getty Images for MTV

Finally, Shawn opened up. He said, "The real truth about my life and my sexuality is that, man, I’m just figuring it out like everyone. I don't really know sometimes, and I know other times. And it feels really scary because we live in a society that has a lot to say about that."

Closing the whole speech out, Shawn finished with, "I’m trying to be really brave and just allow myself to be a human and feel things. And that’s all I really want to say about that for now."

We're so happy for Shawn, and hope he feels a little more free to live his truth – whatever that may be!

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12 Beautifully Designed Evites For Your Friendsgiving Bash

November is here, and holiday planning mode is in full swing. If you're hosting Friendsgiving and/or Thanksgiving dinner this year, you may be on the hunt for some invitations that embody casual fun and a gorgeous aesthetic at the same time. Enter: elevated evites. These are NOT your auntie's wacky email invitations of yesteryear. These 12 stunning digital invitations are just as beautiful as paper invites, but are easier on both your wallet and the environment.

Take note: Some of these invitations are free, while others cost a fee or require a membership. Either way, they're generally fully customizable (the price may depend on any features you decide to add) and generally MUCH more affordable than their printed counterparts.

Photo via Paperless Post

Rifle Paper Co. Fall Foliage Invitation

Rifle Paper Co. does it again with this gorgeous fall foliage-inspired digital invite. The cute squirrels, owls, birds, and acorns in the design are absolutely the icing on the cake (or the whipped cream on the pumpkin pie, as it were).

Photo via minted.

minted. Give Thanks Wreath Invitation

If you're leaning toward a thick, rustic cardboard-inspired invitation, you still digital options in the digital world. This design even has a grainy texture for that lived-in, elevated casual vibe.

Photo via Green Envelope

Mint Parcel Gourdness Gracious Invitation

Dot your invites with colorful gourds with this super cute and playfully chic design. As a bonus, you can use this color palette for your fall tablescape at the big event.

Photo via minted.

minted. Friendsgiving Wreath Invitation

Another cardboard-inpired option, this evite is the perfect complement to a party decorated in farmhouse or rustic fashion. Accent your table with wheat and pampas grass, add a burlap table runner, and tie fall leaves with little swigs of twine to create the perfect aesthetic.

Photo via Green Envelope

Paper Raven Co. Lovely Oak Leaves Invitation

If you're the designated Friendsgiving host this year, consider this impeccably styled evite. If this isn't your exact color scheme, never fear — this design comes in three different colorways so you can be sure your invitation matches your event.

Photo via minted.

minted. Harvest Table Invitation

Tell your guests this year's party is going to be just as stylish as its pre-COVID precursors with this stunning invitation hued with neutrals, peach, and green.

Photo via Green Envelope

Signature Green Envelope Give Thanks Invitation

Not one to shy away from making a statement? This elegant invite stands out with a boldly showcased message about what the holiday is really about: Gratitude.

Photo via Paperless Post

Mr. Boddington's Studio Hands Full Invitation

Keep things chill with this casual, fun, and beautiful design. If you're not one to take yourself too seriously but still plan on hosting a stunning event, this paperless invite is for you.

Photo via Paperless Post

Rifle Paper Co. Harvest Floral Invitation

Celebrate the harvest with this beautiful and on-trend invitation that showcases all the colors of fall. Your guests will expect the *most* pretty event when they receive this in their inbox.

Photo via Green Envelope

Lori Danielle Autumn Warmth Invitation

Another Friendsgiving-specific option, this invitation showcases the rich, deeply saturated jewel tones for which autumn is known. Bonus points if you coordinate your outfit with this one.

Photo via Paperless Post

Paperless Post Good Friends Good Food Invitation

Go modern with this typography-focused design that practically begs to be used if you live in a loft (or have an industrial design scheme in your home).

Photo via Paperless Post

Felix Doolittle Falling Foliage Invitation

Forgoing the in-person gathering this year in lieu of a virtual party? Fancy up the occasion with an elegant invite so your friends and family can rest assured your new tradition is just as exciting as ever.

What is your favorite evite on this list? Tweet us at @BritandCo and let us know!

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Dunkin’s Official Holiday Menu Has Something Starbucks Doesn’t

The holidays are slowly approaching, and thank goodness, because it means all of the yummy fast food holiday menus are on their way. If you can’t get enough of a seasonal drink (perhaps a little peppermint action), listen up: Dunkin’s holiday menu for 2024 was just officially announced!

After rumors about the Dunkin’holiday menu for 2024 had been swirling around online, the Dunkin' Instagram account just confirmed a lot of the drink and snack predictions for the lineup, and they look extra good.

Plus, one of Dunkin's menu items is filling the void in my heart from a missing drink on the Starbucks rumored holiday menu. Hint: it involves toasted white mocha!

The Dunkin’ holiday menu for 2024 is speculated to drop on November 1, six days before Starbucks’ rumored holiday menu will hit. Scroll on to see everything joining the Dunkin’ menu!

When will the Dunkin' holiday menu for 2024 drop?

Meredith Holser

According to some menu leaks and rumors surrounding the Dunkin' holiday menu, a new lineup of drinks and snacks will become available starting November 1, 2024.

The famed foodie account, @markie_devo, broke the news about the Dunkin' holiday menu leak first.

Drinks On The Dunkin' Holiday Menu 2024

Dunkin'

NEW! Holiday Cookie Signature Latte

This festive new latte is made with brown sugar cookie and toasted almond syrups and topped off with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and a scoop of cookie butter crumbles. Sounds like a totally sippable dessert to me!

Dunkin'

NEW! Brown Sugar Cookie Oat Iced Chai Latte

Allegedly only available to order through the Dunkin' app, the Brown Sugar Cookie Oat Iced Chai Latte sounds like it'll combine brown sugar cookie syrup with oat milk and chai to usher in the holiday season. Based on previous menu offerings, you should be able to get this drink iced or hot.

Dunkin'

Peppermint Mocha Latte

The Peppermint Mocha Latte is a classic when it comes to the Dunkin' holiday menu, so I'm not surprised it's returning this year. This bev features peppermint and mocha syrups, espresso, and milk, topped with a hefty serving of whipped cream, mocha drizzle, and hot chocolate powder. Bring it on!

Dunkin'

Toasted White Chocolate Latte

No shade to Starbucks, but their rumored holiday menu for 2024 kind of broke my heart when I saw the Toasted White Mocha from years past wasn't coming back. Luckily, Dunkin' is filling the void with their Toasted White Chocolate Latte: a sweet, white chocolate-filled sip topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and cinnamon sugar topping!

Dunkin'

White Hazelnut Bark Coffee

Available hot or iced, this coffee is prepped with a Dunkin' toasted white chocolate swirl, hazelnut flavoring, and cream. Any seasonal drink that has nutty notes wins in my book!

Dunkin'

Spiced Cookie Coffee

Another reported "in-app only" drink joining the Dunkin' holiday menu, the Spiced Cookie Coffee will likely also be available to order hot or iced. I expect this bev to taste just like a snickerdoodle cookie!

Dunkin'

Cookie Butter Cold Brew

I am so excited about this cold brew drink coming back for the holidays at Dunkin'. The Cookie Butter Cold Brew is made with brown sugar cookie syrup and topped with cookie butter cold foam and a scoop of cookie butter crumbles for extra crunch. Stay tuned, because there's a sweet snack joining the menu to match!

Dunkin'

Toasted White Chocolate Coconut Cold Brew

This rumored app-exclusive cold brew will include notes of white chocolate and coconut – I need it now.

Dunkin'

Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate

This anticipated app-only sip nixes the expected espresso for a very chocolatey (and peppermint-y!) effect.

Snacks + Food On The Dunkin' Holiday Menu 2024

Dunkin'

NEW! Hash Brown Brisket Scramble

Dunkin' has tested a number of breakfast Scrambles over the years, which is why I'm not totally shook by this food item coming to the holiday menu for 2024. This iteration will feature hash browns, scrambled eggs, shredded brisket, smoked cheddar cheese, poblano peppers, caramelized onions, and of course, a rich Texas queso.

Dunkin'

NEW! Almond Croissant

The holiday menu will also bring the Almond Croissant to Dunkin's breakfast lineup. It's a butter croissant filled with chopped almonds!

Dunkin'

Cookie Butter Donut

Yep – I need this in my belly ASAP. The Cookie Butter Donut is packed with a cookie butter filling, slathered with maple-flavored icing, then dipped in a delish speculoos cookie topping (tastes just like Biscoff cookies)! Sweet treat, anyone?

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the official Dunkin' holiday menu once it drops!

This post has been updated.

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Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt's Kids Only Want One Thing After A Lifetime In The Spotlight

After news broke of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's daughter, Shiloh, changing her last name from "Shiloh Jolie-Pitt" to "Shiloh Jolie," the whole world is wondering just what happened between this superstar family. Almost 10 years after Jolie and Pitt's divorce, it seems like the pair's children continue to draw a clear line in the sand, choosing to only remain close to their mother, and distance themselves even further from their dad.

Obviously, there's a lot of history to uncover from Jolie and Pitt's whirlwind (and controversial) romance, short-lived marriage, and abrupt breakup. Here's everything we know about what exactly is going on, and why this drama is unfolding between this high-profile Hollywood family.

How long were Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie together?

Francois Durand/Getty Images

The couple was only married from 2014-2016 when Jolie filed for divorce. Although they were only married for a short while, their relationship lasted much longer than that, having been together and starting a family long before their legal nuptials.

The iconic couple met in 2004 on the set of the famous movie, Mr. and Mrs. Smith — and despite Pitt being married to the Jennifer Anniston at the time, Jolie and Pitt fell in love. After this, the pair had a whirlwind romance over the years, filled with many movies and many kids. They decided to get married in Miraval in 2014, only to file for divorce about a year and a half later in 2016.

How many kids do Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have?

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Disney

The couple shares six kids together! Their names are: Shiloh, Pax, Vivienne, Knox, Zahara, and Maddox. Zahara and Maddox were their first kids that they had (and actually were adopted!), then Shiloh was their first biological child, after that Pax was adopted, and lastly Angelina gave birth to the twins Vivienne and Knox!

Why did Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt separate?

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

After Jolie abruptly filed for divorce from her husband, news started circulating that an incident might've happened on a plane between Jolie and Pitt in front of her children. In an FBI report given to CNN, Jolie accused Pitt of "injuring her and verbally abusing their children during a heated encounter aboard a private jet in 2016." This report has since been heavily redacted, but states that Pitt had been "drinking heavily" at the time of the incident, when he verbally attacked one of their children, and when Jolie confronted him, he “grabbed her by her head,” “grabbed her by the shoulders,” shook her, and was yelling very aggressive statements to her in front of their family. Angelina suffered many injuries from the abuse, even giving the FBI documentation of the bruises. Right after this, the FBI investigated Pitt's actions, but ultimately there were no charges were filed against Pitt.

Immediately following the investigation, Jolie requested full custody of their six children.

Have any of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's kids chosen a side?

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

While Jolie requested full custody, Pitt came back and requested joint, which he was then granted in 2021. While he may have visitation rights and custody, most children are completely estranged from Brad and choose not to see him. Pax is also very publicly protective over his mother, so although we don't know if he's chosen a side, per say, we know he loves and protects his mom. The youngest ones, Knox and Vivienne, are still required to visit Brad for the time being, due to the joint custody agreement.

Have any of their children changed their name?

Elisabetta Villa/Getty Images for Marvel

Their daughter, Zahara, has publicly declared her new name while at a ceremony for her sorority at Superman College. In the viral video, she announces herself to be "Zahara Marley Jolie" effectively removing "Pitt" from her name completely — though the change has not legally been made yet.

In regards to their other children, People recently announced that Shiloh was removing the "Pitt" as well, simply going by "Shiloh Jolie" legally. The rest of the kids' names remain the same for now.

How is Brad Pitt handling the estrangement?

Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

Pitt has dropped sources and quotes over the last few years hinting at how he feels isolated from his children, and their decision to remain estranged. People recently reported that a source very close to Brad says, “He’s aware and upset that Shiloh dropped his last name." The source continued, "The reminders that he’s lost his children, is of course not easy for Brad. He loves his children and misses them. It’s very sad."

While Pitt may be upset, it's clear the kids are very frustrated over something that occurred in the family — plane incident, or otherwise — so it's ultimately up to the children, and how they want to proceed with (or without) a relationship with their father!

We know this must be hard on the whole family, but we hope their all able to find peace and happiness in the future!

Why are their children staying away from the spotlight?

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for FLC

On October 27, Angelina spoke with E! News at the premiere of her new project Maria. Though she was there to celebrate the film's debut, she didn't shy away from answering questions about the future of her and Brad's kids. Though their parents are famous, Angelina knows her kids aren't drawn to that lifestyle. "No, I think they're especially shy, very private people," she said. "...they want to be private."

An anonymous source told People how hard Angelina's worked to make sure the kids have a sense of love and normalcy these days. "In the past few years, she's been able to create a life for herself and the kids that make them all happy. It was a struggle for a while, but Angie is proud about how resilient and strong the kids are."

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Header image via Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

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