Haunted Hacks for a Happy Halloween
Halloween is fast approaching, and for many hosts, it’s such an imaginative time of the year.
When we were kids, the charming Philadelphia suburb my mother still lives in was much more rural. Long before the developers came to the area, it was farmland and horse country, and my sister and I grew up surrounded by corn fields, dairy farms, and little country lanes. A bucolic existence, but not one that lends itself to easy trick or treating. Our drive way was over a quarter mile long—not for a casual drop in, no matter the lure of the king size candy bar that might lay at the end. I loved visiting friends’ houses in nearby towns, tucked in cheery neighborhoods complete with sidewalks and house after house of jack-o-lanterned porches jostling with costumed kids and harried parents.
Now the change in season and the holiday in the city is an opportunity for me to enjoy Halloween and harvest in my own way. It’s not just about the chance to transform my home for the season, but to include family, encourage play, fantasy, and creativity, and let’s be honest—get candy.
At Feste, we’re here to share our expert advice as event planners, stylists, and Halloween enthusiast that will help elevate your Halloween celebrations and leave your guests spellbound.
Curb appeal.
As so much of the season is outside, I like to focus the bulk of my décor outside. From steps to stoops to even our front façade at Feste, we’re all about making a first impression. It’s a perfect time to update any planters from summer, invest in some tasteful gourds, and layer in some natural seasonal materials like bittersweet or grasses. I like the idea of styling something first for autumn and then layering in one or two elements that are overtly “Halloween” so that it can last tastefully through Thanksgiving. No grand entry? Focus on styling your windows. A few haunting silhouettes, some spare taper candles, a fluttering drape, and you’ll have them shivering at your steps.
Go Natural.
Decorating your home with natural materials for Halloween is a great way to keep your décor grounded and looking sophisticated. This year, rather than the expected seasonal gourds or mums, I’m all about a strong color. I’m excited about all black like these dyed Hydrangeas or painted black pumpkins or gourds or leaning heavily into a strong red foliage like this gorgeous façade or a creeping, insidious green. Think toxic, noxious or burning.
Don’t be afraid to mix new and vintage.
I think the creepiest and most effective Halloween installations make use of a little bit of vintage. I love to take our vintage pewter or an old glass decanter and fill set it in dry ice for effect (we have great ice guys in NYC). Something I’m styling in every table scape this season? These romantic bust candles, right out of a Jane Eyre novel.
Paint, don’t carve!
I love a good pumpkin carving, don’t get me wrong, but in a small space or for an easy craft with kids, I prefer painting or even appliques. Painted pumpkins can be just as impactful as carved ones, with the added bonus of lasting longer. Pretty foliage decoupage, glitter dipped, marbling, fabric cut outs, or stencils make a big impact. A perennial hit? Mirror ball pumpkins.
Halloween is for everyone!
Not just a holiday for kids, I love the idea of a great adults’ dinner party. Edit back the ghouls, ghosties, and garish orange from your décor. Focus on a more sophisticated palette (think deeper autumn tones and rich inky blacks), some edited vintage tabletop, atmospheric, drippy taper candles, and lots of lush textures like velvet, cut glass, and stone. Grown up gothic for the win.
