October is here, and it brings one of my favorite holidays: Halloween! But this day isn’t just about candy and costumes anymore—it’s become a full-on décor season. This is the time to let your creativity shine! From pumpkins on the porch to ghosts in the tree, decorating your home can be as spooky or stylish as you want it to be. Whether you’re planning a haunted house feel or a family-friendly setup, there are plenty of ways to bring Halloween spirit.

When I was growing up, we decorated our house for Halloween with cardboard skeletons and pumpkins cut from orange paper. The other day, my mom mailed some of those old decorations to me– an envelope full of construction-paper bats, ghosts, and pumpkins I made when I was five. My kids weren’t very impressed with my artistic abilities, but the memories made me smile. Today, there are far more options for seasonal decor!

Indoor Halloween Decorating Ideas

Small touches can go a long way inside your house. You can drape mantels with cobweb or hang bats or ghosts from curtain rods. Style your tables with miniature pumpkins, autumn garlands, and spooky figurines, or simply add a seasonal doormat or wreath. These little details help add Halloween spirit throughout your home without feeling overwhelming.

Some families even embrace the Halloween tree. Similar to a Christmas tree, it is often black and decked out with themed ornaments, ribbons, and orange lights. Whether you choose subtle accents or bold displays, indoor Halloween décor is your chance to mix cozy seasonal vibes with a playful hint of fright.

Taking Halloween Outside

Outdoor Halloween decorating is all about creating a welcoming first impression– or, in some cases, outdoing your neighbors. The front porch and yard are the perfect canvas for pumpkins, lanterns, and seasonal accents. Simple touches like a wreath on the door, hay bales topped with gourds, or string lights draped around railings can instantly give your home festive charm.

Enjoy going bigger? Life-sized skeletons, tombstones, or even a faux graveyard scene can transform a lawn into a neighborhood attraction. Retailers are stocking more larger-than-life outdoor decorations like inflatables to make Halloween scenes bigger and better. Some people even leave their large skeletons outside year-round and add seasonal decorations to them throughout the year.

Lighting also plays a huge role in outdoor décor. Glowing pathways lined with luminaries or lanterns help guide trick-or-treaters, while spotlights and colored bulbs can cast eerie shadows on trees or walls. Adding motion-activated props, such as skeletons that spring to life or sound effects triggered by footsteps, brings an extra layer of surprise. Whether you prefer a whimsical, family-friendly vibe or a full haunted-house atmosphere, outdoor decorations set the mood and invite everyone to share in the Halloween spirit.

Getting in the Spirit

Halloween decorations don’t have to be complicated or expensive to make an impact. By combining a few classic pieces with DIY touches and seasonal elements, you can transform your home into a spooky showstopper. HGTV has a great list of unique DIY Halloween decoration ideas here. The beauty of Halloween is that it welcomes all styles—whether you love eerie skeletons, cozy candlelight, or playful kid-friendly themes.

Don’t forget to report any Halloween decorations you purchase this year! You can scan the barcodes of items purchased, and if there isn’t a barcode, please check the Non-Barcoded Items list to see if the item is listed. If the item is not on that list, however, you won’t be able to report it.

Now it’s your turn: how will you decorate this Halloween? Share your favorite ideas or tips in the comments—I’d love to hear about how you bring the magic (and mischief) of the season to life!

Regards,
Taylor

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