Halloween Decorating Time Is Near

Well today is Oct. 1st and before we know it Halloween will be here with all the witches, princesses, super hero’s, and other assorted spooks and goblins. In past years it has always been fun decorating and handing out candy to all the eager little spooks, but I don’t feel like decorating this year, we’ll probably just hand out the candy.

People around here started decorating last month for all of the fall festivities, but of course they all have children and it’s important for kids to have a sense of tradition and they enjoy it so much. Our kids are grown, but we do have Grandkids to think about. Some people really go all out and have their homes so scary that even their own kids are afraid to go home.

For those grown up kids at heart this is the perfect time of year to scare all those little goblins that will be knocking or ringing the doorbell for trick or treat candy. Thank goodness it’s more about the treats and not the tricking any more. For years especially with older children that seemed to be the fun part for them. A lot of places have parties instead of the traditional trick or treating.

If your going to decorate and you want a more frightening Halloween scene you could use some strobe lights, frightening music and sound effects, dry ice is good for the spooky fog effect, and of course lots of spider web netting to give those who dare approach your door bells a complete and thorough case of the willies. It does sound like so much fun and has always been a fun time.

Coffins with headless straw men are also a great addition as well as skittering spiders and the occasional chainsaw or two. A glow in the dark hockey mask may also be a good choice. Bodiless heads suspended by fishing wire are also quite the highlight for a good fright and don’t you just love those arms and legs coming out from under rocks or a closed trunk?

If your thinking about a kid friendly Halloween atmosphere you’ll want to use the more cheerful pumpkin decorations and they come in many shapes and sizes as well as Casper the friendly ghost, Frankenstein piñatas, and countless other fun party favors that are designed to bring entertainment and delight rather than terror and fear.

String pumpkin lights around the porch for added lighting and keep plenty of candles and lanterns lit nearby. Not all trick or treaters are older kids who appreciate a good scare so keep this in mind as the little ghosts, goblins, princesses, and super heroes arrive. I know our grandchildren especially Nate doesn’t like scary things. He wont even ride many of the rides at a carnival or fair.

Of course the older generation love this holiday also and can’t wait to get dressed up and go party and for the adult gatherings anything goes when it comes to home decorating for Halloween. There are all kinds of themes that can be followed from the incredibly zany and outrageous to the flamboyant or frightening.

The biggest suggestion is to have fun at all times and be the life of the party rather than have the decorations upstage your efforts. Way too many people spend more time concerned with how they will decorate their homes rather than wondering how they will decorate themselves for the festivities. If you find the perfect costumes all eyes will be on you and not your decorations.

For your adult party any theme would be great you could use the strobe lights create the frightening scene described above, low additional lights, perhaps black lights near the food and drink area of the party. More dry ice (if tolerable some people have difficulties with the smell particularly those with allergies or asthma so you may want to avoid this inside your home and leave it for the exterior).

Bales of hay in the corner make excellent additional seating and can contribute to the harvest/autumn/Halloween atmosphere you are attempting to create. Just remember that the underlying goal is for you and your guests to have a great time. Have good food, good music, and good friends, and the decorations really and truly should be a secondary concern. I think I’ve almost talked myself into decorating again this year.