The days are getting cooler, and the great Pumpkin Spice Latte finally made its debut weeks ago. It’s officially fall, y’all. As soon as September rolls in, it’s tempting to redecorate your home — inside and out — to welcome the autumnal season. For the truly motivated among us, the planning may start even earlier. And that includes planning for the spookiest holiday of them all: Halloween.
I’ve always loved Halloween and have fond memories of my dad littering our yard with dry ice to create an eerie fog for the little witches and mummies that came to our house to trick or treat.
And although I’m not decking out my yard this year, my family and I still treasure our time walking from house to house, and of course seeing who (or what) arrives on our doorstep for candy.
I you’re feeling inspired by the change in the air, it’s not too early to show a little seasonal appreciation. Do so with these Halloween decorating tips.
Create your Halloween ‘shelfie’
Halloween figures and details are the perfect way to dress up any shelf for the season. My first tip when creating your perfect vignette is to take the opportunity to undecorate before you decorate. I know it seems like a lot of work, but making way for these beauties on your shelf can sometimes mean clearing out the distractions. Take your normal picture frames off the walls and decorations off all surfaces including tables, counters and shelves. When you add Halloween decorations on top of your normal decor, the result can look a bit cluttered and confused. Put all the focus on your Halloween decorations by making them the center of attention.
Focus on your color scheme
There is more than one way to decorate for Halloween, and it definitely doesn’t have to be solely orange and black. A black-and-white color scheme can feel just as seasonal. Or you can make it creepy with black, green and purple, or lend an air of sophistication with silver and black. Our tip? Try to keep it to three main colors. This will keep your house looking put-together and polished even if it is full of whimsy.
No space unhaunted
Spooky decor isn’t just for your living room or front porch. Don’t forget about those often overlooked but frequently used spaces, like the bathroom and kitchen. Another tip: Don’t forget to hide those pesky cords from light-up decorations to really elevate your design. Using painter’s tape to secure cords to the back of your furniture keeps them within reach but out of sight.
Halloween tabletop
Bringing Halloween to your tabletop is an unexpected way to celebrate, and it’s sure to wow your friends and family this spooky season. We just hope none of your guests find an eyeball in their soup!
Not a fan of the camp of the season? Autumnal blooms and some black linens and soup tureens lend to the season without going all-in.
These Halloween design tips are tame enough that the younger ghouls and goblins among us can get into the swing of the season without feeling creeped out by all the gory details.
I hope these tips and tricks inspire you to get out the pumpkins and into the spirit of Halloween.
