Setting the Stage for Halloween

Autumn: the kids have gone back to school, the leaves have begun to change, and the temperature has cooled to a comfortable chill – hello, sweater weather! And with that hint of crispness in the air (or in that freshly picked apple as we take a stroll to admire the season’s beauty) we’re reminded of the excitement that’s just around the corner. No, not Christmas – not yet – but rather, Halloween! A fun-filled holiday for all, Halloween is the best time to add a little spook to your home décor. Here’s how!

Carving the perfect pumpkin: A Halloween classic. It’s safe to say that most of us have carved (or have helped carve) a pumpkin for this ghostly holiday before. Be it with our friends or with our families, carving (or painting) the spook out of a pumpkin is a fun activity to do in preparation for trick-or-treaters, or to decorate your home. Start carving!

Outdoor fright: Add a few DIY projects to your Halloween repertoire by incorporating a little scare to your front stoop. These DIY Tin Can Halloween Luminaries are an easy way to decorate for occasion using paint, candles and empty tin cans. Or, why not build your own Chalkboard Tombstones using plywood and chalkboard paint? How about Tomato Cage Ghosts – an easy, cheap, and frightening addition to your front yard on Halloween night.

Indoor autumn additions: Give the days leading up to Halloween a festive feel by giving your home a few fall-friendly touches. Set the table with seasonal warm shades of metallics, reds and yellows; accent your fireplace mantel with leafy garlands and pumpkin scented candles; or add a few pops of plaid (blankets and pillows) to your living and family rooms. Create a sense of warmth as the temperature cools!

Hosting a Halloween party? We got you covered! There are plenty of ways to decorate the inside of your home for friends and family to arrive spooked and leave in a fright. Try using white sheets to drape over the chairs in your living room to give it the look of ruin. String cobwebs from mirrors and picture frames, substitute candles for curly willow branches in each of your candle holders, or light black candles to set a certain mood.

As Halloween approaches, there’s a lot you can do with your friends and family (aside from dressing up and tick-or-treating, of course!). Enjoy this time with your loved ones leading up to the holidays by creating some memories and mastering a few frightening DIYs!