While Halloween has not yet been officially been cancelled, it’s likely to look a little different this year.
Traditions – such as trick or treating – could be considered as unsafe amid the pandemic as they increase contact with others – and big fancy dress parties are definitely out.
As such, plans to have fun may change, with families staying at home instead of going out, and entertaining themselves with an inside Halloween treasure hunt or a spooky trail.
But with a little effort – and some tips from our experts – your Halloween décor can help set the scene at home and help make this October 31 be as entertaining as ever.
We have some tips for how to deck out your house for a spooky evening with items that can still look good all year round.
This MacKenzie-Childs beaded check pumpkin ornament is available via Amara for £135
Rachel Clark, of Alexander James Interiors, said: ‘Using autumnal colours including jewel tones and burnt oranges in soft furnishings such as cushions and throws, can create the perfect foundation for a Halloween look.
‘Many of us have seasonal cushions that we bring out at Christmas time, so why should Halloween be any different? Investing in some statement cushions for October can be key to a timeless spooky interior for your family to enjoy.’
Wil Law, a stylist at John Lewis, said: ‘Layering up textiles that are rich and warm in colour is the perfect way to get your home ready for autumn. Mix moody abstract prints with tonal colours, that mirror the seasonal landscape. Ensure all textures are plush to provide added comfort and a light reflective glow.
‘A great way to add a bit of Halloween drama to the home, without having to commit to themed accessories, is to introduce some black dinner candles. Add these to a gold candelabra and light, and you’ll have a statement centrepiece that is cosy for autumn, but could also look rather gothic too.’
Seasonal accent cushions
Statement home accessories for Halloween also includes lights, sideboard accessories and candles.
Creating a look for Halloween at home this year? Use autumnal colours such as cushions in burnt oranges – this Zona cushion from LuxDeco costs £120
Or try the monochrome look: This embroidered blakes cushion from LuxDeco costs £130
Lights
Twinkling autumn lights draped across furnishings or doorways, or a pre-lit black tree can also enhance a Halloween decor.
At the same time, pillar and dinner candles in dark holders create a dramatic look for Halloween with candles in black jars adding to the gothic glamour of Halloween.
Set the scene with this 6ft John Lewis ‘spark pre-lit black twig tree, costing £149.00
This Tom Dixon alchemy scented travel candle costs £25 and is available to buy at John Lewis
This black tulipa porcelain small candle bowl is from LuxDeco and costs £49
Styling
Ms Clark suggested that using monochrome in your home for Halloween can be just as effective as orange.
‘You may have many black and white accessories in your home without even realising it. Simply group them together for the perfect Halloween styling arrangement,’ she said.
Placing them in a black and gold tray in the centre of a coffee table can help create a Halloween luxury look.
Such accessories work perfectly all year round, and not only for Halloween.
Time for Halloween: Opt for a luxury look with this gold giacomo tray costing £205
Using statement accessories for Halloween: This coral sculpture from John Lewis costs £95
Pumpkins
For those on a budget, natural elements such as pumpkins and dried branches can be used to create a spooky atmosphere.
Mini pumpkins in orange and white can be temporary additions to your home décor at this time of year, according to Alexander James Interiors.
Ms Clark said: ‘Arrange in different areas of the home for a chic, contemporary look.
‘Fill pumpkins of various sizes and colours inside your fireplace to create a focal point in your living area.
‘You can also place an array of pumpkins on your doorstep, or line your staircase with them for a grand entrance to your home.’
Natural elements
Incorporating natural elements such as leaves and dried flowers in vases add texture to seasonal décor.
Placing black branches in a vase can be the perfect basis for a spooky Halloween tree, just draping cobwebs and spiders across it.
‘White cobwebs draped over light fixtures, furnishings, artwork and fireplaces also creates a dramatic elegant look,’ added Ms Clark.
Not only for Halloween: This black marble disk accessory is from LuxDeco and costs £195
