Embrace the Spooky Season: Your Ultimate Guide to Fall and Halloween Decor

Hello readers! It's Stephanie Seril here, Head of Marketing at Palazzo and self-proclaimed Halloween enthusiast.

Grab your pumpkin spice latte and settle in, because we're about to embark on a journey through the world of fall and Halloween decor!

Photo: Front door and stairs decorated with jack-o'-lanterns and festive plants.

The creep of the season

It's September, which means it's officially spooky season – and don't argue with us, we didn't make the rules! But let's face it, the Halloween creep is real. Remember when decorating for fall meant waiting until at least October 1st? Those days are as dead as a vampire in sunlight!

Halloween decor by the numbers

82% of Americans decorate for Halloween, according to the National Retail Federation
The average household spends $92.12 on Halloween decorations each year (my credit card wishes that was true, I spend much more than that…)
Hold onto your broomsticks – 45% of consumers start their Halloween shopping before October!
A shocking 14.7 million Americans plan to dress up their pets for Halloween. That's a lot of furry pumpkins!

While it seems the time for Halloween and fall decor creeps closer to summer each year, there's a method to the madness. Scientific evidence suggests that people who decorate earlier are happier. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that early decorators are perceived as friendlier and more approachable. So, by hanging that wreath in September, you're not just decorating – you're spreading joy!

Photo: A front entry way decorated with festive pillows, bats, and skeletons.

The evolution of Halloween decor and current trends

Gone are the days when Halloween decor meant just orange pumpkins and black cats. The world of spooky season decorations has been transforming over the years - and this year we’re seeing a lot of different options:

Pastels and neons: Michael's Halloween collection this year features fun pastel colors, proving that spooky can also be sweet.
Elegant pairings: Anthropologie has combined florals and pumpkins in a gorgeous array of colors, perfect for those who want a touch of Halloween without the horror.
Tech-savvy scares: Smart home-enabled decorations are on the rise. Imagine controlling your ghostly projections from your phone!
Eco-friendly frights: Sustainable Halloween decor is gaining popularity, with biodegradable pumpkins and recycled material decorations.
Nostalgic novelties: Retro-inspired decor is making a comeback, with vintage-style blow molds and mid-century modern Halloween aesthetics.

Photo: A classic Halloween mantle, decorated with a life-like crow, fall leaves, and books.

Where to find the best Fall decorations

Whether you're looking to transform your home into a haunted mansion or a fall-themed paradise, here are the top spots to find the perfect decorations:

Outdoor decor

Home Depot (for larger-than-life inflatables)
Lowe's (great for weather-resistant decor)
Spirit Halloween (the one-stop shop for all things spooky)

Indoor decor

Crate and Barrel (for elegant fall touches)
Michael's (crafty DIY options galore)
Target (affordable and on-trend pieces)
TJ Maxx (hidden gems at great prices)
Pottery Barn (high-quality statement pieces)
Anthropologie (whimsical and unique finds)
Hobby Lobby (early bird specials start in July!)

Must-have items for Fall and Halloween 2024

As your resident Halloween expert, I've conjured up a list of items that are to die for this season:

Venezia Small Amber Brown Glass Taper Candle Holder (Crate and Barrel) - Perfect for creating a spooky ambiance!
Halloween Bats 14 oz. Double Old Fashioned Glass (Crate and Barrel) - For your witch's brew, of course.
Printed Plush Houndstooth Throw with Faux Shearling Reverse (Target) - Cozy up with this on chilly autumn nights.
XL Magnolia and Olive Artificial Wreath with Ribbon (Target) - A welcoming touch for your front door.
Handpainted White Birch Pumpkin Glass Pumpkin Candle (Anthropologie) - Elegant and seasonal.
Faux Oak Acorn Garland (Anthropologie) - Bring the outdoors in with this charming garland.
Lit Ghost Dog (Pottery Barn) - Perfect for those people who love their dogs and want a spooky version for the front porch!
Cozy Pumpkin Pillows (Pottery Barn) - Because who doesn't want to cuddle a pumpkin?
Halloween Fair Isle Knit Jacquard Throw (Pottery Barn) - Spooky and snuggly!
Gus Figural Doormat (Pottery Barn) - Give your guests a ghoulish greeting.
Faux Cream Millet Bundle (Pottery Barn) - A sophisticated nod to the harvest season.

Where to start - make sure to decorate these hot spots

Whether you're in a cozy apartment or a sprawling haunted mansion, these five areas are perfect for showcasing your fall spirit:

The front door: First impressions are everything, even for ghosts!
TV stand: Because even zombies need a place to rest their remote.
Fire mantel: The perfect perch for pumpkins and potions.
Entryways and corners: Create spooky thresholds throughout your home.
Kitchen island: Sprinkle some magic into your cooking space.

Photo: A simple and tasty kitchen island decorated for Fall.

Easy DIY decorations for Autumn

For those who like to get their hands dirty (in a fun way, not a zombie way), here are some easy DIY decoration ideas:

Mason jar lanterns: Paint mason jars orange and add spooky faces for instant jack-o'-lanterns.
Leaf garland: Collect fallen leaves, preserve them, and string them together for a natural autumn touch.
Spiderweb windows: Use washable window markers to draw intricate webs on your windows.
Witch's broom parking: Stick a few old brooms in a planter by your front door for a whimsical touch.
Ghostly photo frames: Replace your regular photos with spooky ancestors or famous movie monsters.

Photo: A spooky coffee table and TV stand combo, topped with DIY paper bats.

The great debate: when to start decorating

Now, here's where things get controversial. When is the right time to start decorating for fall and Halloween? Let's break it down:

35% of Americans start decorating in early October
25% wait until mid-October
15% are early birds, decking out their homes in September
5% are last-minute decorators, waiting until the week of Halloween

But here's my hot take: the best time to decorate is whenever it makes you happy! Whether you're a September 1st decorator or an October 30th scrambler, embrace your decorating style.

Remember, don't be afraid to mix and match! The key is to create a space that reflects your personal style while embracing the cozy, magical essence of the season. Combine those pastel pumpkins with classic orange ones. Throw a glittery skull next to your elegant fall wreath. The only rule is that there are no rules!

Photo: A gorgeous Fall mantle with a simple cauldron to nod to Halloween.

Let's get decorating!

So, my fellow Halloween enthusiasts, are you ready to transform your space into an autumn wonderland that would make even the Addams Family jealous? Start early, get creative, and most importantly, have fun with your decorating journey!

Happy haunting!