8 Spooky Ideas for Halloween Decorations

Halloween is celebrated on the 31st of October every year. The tradition originated 2000 years ago, with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. It marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the chilly and dark winter months, the “darker half” of the year, in the Northern Hemisphere. People would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts or elements from the dark. It was a ritual that has now become mostly fun celebrations with a spooky theme at the core. Halloween decorations are crucial in setting up the mood and ambiance. Let's make a list of these Halloween elements ruling the home front for the 31^st of October.

Here are some of my creations.

Pumpkins

Pumpkins are most vibrant, ripe, and readily available in the fall, just during Halloween. Fall colors and Halloween decor have a connection. The rust, orange, and red are just not possible to be ignored while planning for Halloween Decorations. Pumpkin carved Jack-o'-lantern is the first thing that comes to mind when we speak of Halloween decorations. Early Irish immigrants to the USA brought the tradition of making a jack-o'-lantern at Halloween. According to Irish folklore, Jack, a blacksmith had tricked the devil on several occasions by carving and hollowing a turnip to place a burning ember, emanating light. The burning amber was given by the devil himself. The Irish initially used turnips. However, in the United States, pumpkins were available and they appeared more appropriate for use. From then onwards pumpkin carvings have become a rage. Even if not original, the element pumpkin Jack-o'-lantern is a must-have during Halloween.     

Scarecrow and other scary figurines

Think of a pumpkin patch and a scarecrow with raven crows around. Doesn't it feel like a scene from some scary movie? Well, that's the plan; making Halloween decorations as spooky as possible. So why limit yourself to only scarecrows? Have elements like raven crows, spiders, scorpions, black moths, and cobwebs in your Halloween decoration. Either you can buy them from stores or can make inexpensive DIYs. At least you can have painted images, cutouts, or printouts.

Candles

Light effects play an important role in creating the ambiance and so it is important to have loads of candles for the Halloween decorations. Try and get candles that are black or dark purple in color. Well, these days there are loads of spooky-looking candles and candle holders available too. It is easy to DIY some spooky candle holders and creates a magical effect. If you are an aroma fan, get woody and/or spicy aromatic candles. The aroma will already make you feel like you are treading a parallel world.   

The Witch and Her Favorites

Halloween decorations are meant to be witchy. Missing the old witch with a long hat, pointed witch boots, broomstick, and black cat is just not acceptable for Halloween. Witches represent feminine strength and so you may also add black feathers. You can induce even more of witch elements like a cauldron-shaped soup or drink decanter. If not the old witch, we can always have some little cute ones dressed as a witch, bewitching others calling out, “Abracadabra! Trick or Treat?” 

Crystals, coloured glasses and vintage books

Crystal balls and some tarot cards make the Halloween decorations extremely seductive.  Crystals of any sort, colored glasses, vintage-looking bottles which appear as if containing magic potions, are perfect for Halloween. Add some vintage books with them. The leather cover is most appropriate. If these aren't really available, use any book from the horror, magical or paranormal genre.  

Ghosts of every kind, graveyard, haunted house and bats

You can actually put up an entire ‘haunted' theme for Halloween decorations. You can include so many popular and loved characters like Dracula, Frankenstein, Goblins, and Casper in the party. If not anything else, you can dress yourself up like these characters. After all, you are the center of the party. Graveyard-themed cakes enhance the dinner table decor. Will a skeleton or a skull be too frightening? Give it a thought.

Elements from Nature

Even though all the things from the Halloween decoration list are available in supermarkets and/or online, there are a few things that must be collected from nature. It strengthens our bonding with the Universe. Collect dry twigs, dry flowers and fallen leaves, acorns, and other seeds from the park you go for a walk to. Place them with your Halloween decor. These natural elements enhance the full experience of Halloween as they represent our wild and free spirit. Do not miss out to incorporate moon cycles or alluring pictures of certain places which look like they can cast spells.

Halloween Special Food Decor

For a special occasion like this, food can not be served like just another party. Food decor must be as spooky as possible. Decor elements, food colors, and presentations must be as spooky as possible.

The boundaries between the world of the living and that of the dead become blurred on the night of 31st of October, as was believed by the Celts. The ghosts of the dead rise and return to earth on this night. Even though today, this day is more of fun, food, lights, fancy dress parties, the dark spooky feeling must exist. Hence the worlds of the living and the dead must merge through Halloween decorations. Have your theme set, place your orders of those Halloween decor elements beforehand, or DIY and get some horror movies and/or spine chilling music on, to have the perfect Halloween Night.

Happy Halloween!! Happy Ghostober!!