Halloween!

Hey everyone! I hope life is treating you well and that you have caught the fall decorating bug by now!
The leaves have turned, it's harvest in the valley (I just got back yesterday from apple picking in the Valley-stay tuned for pics!) and Halloween is on it's way!!

This year, my husband and I are keeping with our new tradition in our new home by going over the top in our Halloween decor to scare every kid in our neighborhood. Last year we bought our home in just in time for Halloween and thought it would be a great way to introduce ourselves to the area- it was a bit over the top I will admit- but it's also one of our favorite holidays, so why not? We were use to having large parties with our closest friends when we had lived downtown in our chic little apartment, and moving to the suburbs meant that our parties would most likely be tamed down a little (not to mention that I was five months pregnant). So over the top decor, including full installations in our foyer and sound effect it was.

This year, we are going to take a more refined method, while still adding some gore and fright. Stay tuned for pics

When decorating for Halloween you can either go two ways in my books: cheesy or sophisticated. I choose the later. Although there are some great accessories and traditions that are always classic and can be a family favorite, why not use some creativity and give it a more modern twist?

Keep anything Gothic in mind. Think in a deep color palate of deep greens, purples, gold and reds. Anything metal or deeply rustic will do. Goblets, silver plates, candle sticks, wooden stools or benches, table cloths and wall-hung tapestries are all testimonial of this time. Also glass- think filled bio-lab.

Mood is also a big factor. Keep lighting dim or by candle light. Use heavy velvets or thick woven textiles with your decor. You can also juxtapose your holiday with the harvest and your overall fall decor. Apples, grapes, pears, etc. can all be presented with your holiday finds- displayed on a pedestal like above- which would be totally characteristic of the Gothic era. And don't forget the wine of course ;) 

I also love to the idea of using branches and other nature inspired items into your space. It gives it a truly haunted and over grown feel to me.

I also love using spooky floral arrangements with deep reds, purples and even black colored flowers.

Another trend that I am already seeing is using glitter. Check out this awesome  scull I found!

And also this twist on the traditional wreath, which I would leave up all winter personally

You don't have to even spend any money! Take a look around your home- inside and out- and see what you could re-interpret into scary. Use spray paint, glitter, mirrors, picture frames, lanterns, dead flowers and weeds, ANYTHING- I hope that I have inspired you to think outside the Dollar Store box this year!

 (although I still love the dollar store :)

*all  professional images marthastewart.com