It’s a little-known fact that Disneyland maintains a private, highly exclusive, club at the park in New Orleans Square. It’s called Club 33 (its “official” address is 33 Royal Street) and amongst many other perks, members are sometimes invited to after-hours special events.

One such event was “The Ghostly Retreat,” honoring Disney animator Marc Davis’ 100th birthday. It was a banquet inside the Haunted Mansion attraction, and all stops were pulled out. Disney food blogger Heather attended, and has posted her photos and description of the evening.

A few of the high points were a banquet table with plates, goblets, and tablecloth replicating the “haunted” one in the attraction’s dining room; some splendidly gothic flower arrangements; a menu themed to the stretching portraits in the entrace area’s elevator; and an insanely over-the-top dessert featuring a clear-sugar “crystal ball” with Madame Leota’s face screened on a piece of chocolate inside (complete with spun-sugar hair).

This is an absolutely splendid source of inspiration for both food and party decorations. Obviously, few of us have the wherewithal to pull off something this elaborate at home (if you do, will you adopt me?) but a lot of the basic ideas could be adapted into something more reasonable. In particular, the menu is as much the description as it is the actual food; one of the courses, for instance, was, “A Tall Tale,” described as, “Constance Hatchaway’s Hatchet Severed Chateaubriand Adoringly Adorned by Desiccated Rose Crystals & Mournfully Accompanied by a Tormented Hightower of Terror All Restlessly Resting on a Bed of Freshly Mortal Morsels.” Which is just a really fancy way of saying, “meat and potatoes.”

And, of course, keep the place settings and flower arrangements in mind in case you’re ever in an antique shop and come across the perfect piece. I’m going to be on the lookout for one of those candelabra/vase things.

(via BoingBoing)