Welcome to Decorating Diva, where we share fresh, fun ways to update your home and spice up your living space! This week we’re sharing some Halloween decor ideas that go beyond the usual ghosts, witches and goblins.
Halloween decorating — with a twist
Create a unique display
“When it comes to seasonal decor, I like to use things that I have on hand or are super simple to throw together,” says Carly Cylinder, owner of bicoastal floral design studio Flour LA and children’s party company Flour LA, Jr! “You can spruce up your home this fall, without making it look like a haunted house.”
Cylinder suggests making your mantel or dining table the focal point of your Halloween decor. “If you want something modern and edgy, take away the traditional fall colors, but keep the elements. Think of a palette that will invigorate you,” she advises. Her go-to palette is black and white because it reminds her of old-time photos. “Think of the photo filters you love to use — sepia, cool or warm tones — and play off that.”
Once you’ve chosen your palette, arrange the items you’re going to use in a haphazard way on your mantel or dining room table (Cylinder suggests using a runner or display dish), zigzagging them. “You can get all items from around your house, a discount store or at a thrift store.” She offers some ideas for what to use in your display.
- White pumpkins
- Black picture frames
- Black candleholders
- White candles
- Clear marbles
- White votives
For a sepia display
- Brown and light-orange pumpkins
- Tan/wood picture frames
- Brown/tan ceramic bowls
- White votives
- Branches or pinecones
- Coffee beans in bud vases
For a look using cool or warm tones
- Blue or red corn with husks pulled back
- Gold picture frames
- Olive/green candleholders
- Yellow candles
- Dried lentils in bud vases
- Blue Mason jars or yellow vintage glasses
Burlap wreath
Next, try making a burlap wreath, a suggestion courtesy of author, speaker and CEO of CherylStyle, Cheryl Najafi. “I tackled my own Halloween-themed door decor this year using a wire floral wreath, three yards of burlap, scissors and a few seasonal adornments,” she tells us. “This inexpensive and spooktacular creation was not only super easy to make, it’s also a fun way to greet all the trick-or-treaters at your door.” Ready to get creative? Follow Najafi’s steps.
Supplies:
- 1 large wire floral wreath
- 2-1/2 to 3 yards of orange burlap
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Cut your burlap into strips, about 1 inch by 6 inches wide.
- Fray the edges of strips by pulling out threads.
- Tie each burlap strip tightly onto the wire floral wreath using a single knot. Work your way around the wreath, tying the burlap strips until the frame is completely covered.
- Fluff the burlap and attach fun Halloween decorations and ribbon.
- Attach black ribbon to the back of the frame for easy hanging.
Chocolate-frosting gourds
Whether you’re just bored of carving pumpkins or want to try something new with your kids, Najafi has the answer. “I’m going to say it — pumpkin carving is overrated. The goopy mess and the massive cleanup was enough to inspire me to try some pumpkin-carving alternatives with no scooping required,” she says. Her alternative? Using squashes and gourds and decorating them using chocolate frosting to attach assorted candies, pumpkin seeds and googly eyes. “Attach candies with chocolate frosting to make eyes and a nose, and attach clumps of pumpkin seeds with chocolate frosting to make wings and ears.”
Fishnet-stocking pumpkins
Shawn Rabideau, event designer and lifestyle expert, loves the idea of creating fishnet-stocking pumpkins to display in your home. He suggests taking a small pumpkin (about the size of a small melon) and pushing it through one leg of a pair of black fishnet stockings. Make sure that the toe of the stocking is at the bottom of the pumpkin, and then tie off the stockings at the stem and cut off the excess stocking. “Place these around the home for some glamorous Halloween decor.”
For those feeling a little more daring, use some color. “Spray paint the pumpkin while the stocking is on it with some silver or purple, and remove the stocking for some uniquely patterned pumpkins.”
More from Decorating Diva
Fab ways to welcome fall on a budget
Fall design trends to try for a seasonal refresh
Ways to save money on home decor
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