As Halloween approaches, there’s no need to dread decorating your home. Perhaps you’re tired of dragging out garish plastic decorations that will haunt you if you don’t remove them by November 1. Chase away the decorating doldrums with creativity and timeless strategies to add enchantment throughout the fall season.
Incorporate Natural Items
Decorations with natural materials, such as pine cones, seed pods and grains, provide a chic and understated look. As people move indoors with cooler weather, it’s nice to bring in a touch of the outdoors. Natural themes make great Halloween gifts since they mix well with many decors styles and can often be displayed into the Thanksgiving season.
Experiment With Pumpkins
If you’re not crazy about carving plump, orange pumpkins, consider other options like multicolored heirloom varieties. Group small pumpkins in glass jars or purchase a tasteful pumpkin arrangement. Tuck a few pumpkins or gourds in unexpected places, such as on bookshelves or bathroom display shelves. You can also paint pumpkins with colors to match your scheme or else in a warm copper or golden tone.
Conjure Some Flower Power
A showy floral arrangement is a classic way to add a focal point to a table but try to incorporate unique touches. While mums are a common fall choice, check out other botanicals like Chinese lanterns, thistles, or berries. Floral wreaths convey a seasonal tone before guests even enter your home.
Explore Colors
Consider expanding your palette beyond bright orange with an interesting color range or patterns. Some ideas are dark reds, black-and-white patterns, subtle greens or metallics. For a coordinated look, choose just a few colors that work well together and then build everything else around that. If you have items that clash, try to relocate them to a different area of your house for the season.
Add Some Period Pieces
If you like the Victorian era or other periods, try summoning up some whimsical or mysterious pieces. Look for favorite characters from legends or Gothic novels and ravens for your decor. They’re also great Halloween gift ideas for friends who like history or literature. You can dress up bottles and electric candles with fake or even amusing apothecary labels. Use a vintage theme if you create any signs or send out party invitations.
Light up the Night
Low-powered lighting can enhance your indoor and outdoor displays in multiple ways. Liven up your yard or patio with string lights in soft colors or with a subtle twinkle effect. You can wrap lights around porch railings, planters and doorways. Inside, add lights to centerpieces or on top of mantles. Battery-powered candles can brighten up a fireplace if you don’t plan to light a fire.
Give Your Party a Makeover
If you’re entertaining, try opting out of the fake-eyeball punch and bags of small-sized candy. Instead, serve beverages in Halloween-themed glasses, such as hip-looking skulls. Ingredients like cider or cinnamon can add seasonal flair. Set out some apples, figs, quince and cheeses on festive trays. For something sweet, indulge in some adult-sized cookies or specialty popcorn. Themed drinkware and beautifully decorated baked goods also make great Halloween gifts for adults.
Treat Yourself
Extend your decorating into your bed and bath with linens and towels to match your theme. Add some bath salts in harvest colors, twinkly lights and fall scents. A few blooms or a single blossom in a small vase can add an autumnal touch to a bathroom shelf or bedroom dresser. Listen to a fun Halloween playlist while you relax.
Decorating for Halloween doesn’t need to be a frightful experience. Mixing in some unique touches with solid decorating principles can elevate your Halloween décor and extend the look for several weeks.
