October brings a month of cooler temperatures -- maybe if I say it out loud it will happen -- do you think??? At least here in Louisiana it's still pretty warm, but it doesn't mean we'll forget what fun lies ahead. Crisp apples, candy corn, goblins and cute costumes. And time to decorate for Halloween!!

One of the best parts of my job is I get to play with fabulous seasonal decor at client homes! So come along with me on a pictorial tour of one of the fabulous homes I get to play in -- and I mean play because it doesn't feel like work to me! Maybe you can pick up a few ideas to use on your own mantel or entry or even outside spaces. Believe me when I tell you this place is a showstopper! And the homeowner is one of my favorites to work with -- I mean play with -- you know what I mean!

Welcome your guests with lots of pumpkins, mums and gourds of all sizes. Look how just lining the brick steps with all this color says come on in and let's celebrate the season! These elements will continue on through your fall decor as well as Halloween. 

Let's talk about how boo-tiful this seating is with the porch swing and rocking chairs. Pour a cup of coffee with pumpkin spice and let's sit a spell, or maybe even CAST A SPELL??? Fill a candy tub with glittery picks and add a witch or two with matching boo pillows. I just love how this looks!

Add pillows and seasonal flowers, a fun witch in a tutu on the door, and other seasonal elements -- WOW, just look at those jack-o-lantern guys anchoring each side of the door! And yes those are tutus on the planters because everyone looks good in a tutu!

Moving to the inside of the home, the den mantle has lots of color with a Hocus Pocus Mantle Scarf. Going swanky with this rich glamorous fabric pennant gives Halloween decor a new elegance. Look for other places to place a Trick or Treat sign with a bowl of candy, smiling jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin people and candy corn cones. All the fun elements of the season.

I so wish you could see the detail on the Elvira and Dracula on the kitchen island. These two beauties anchor the large ceramic urn filled with seasonal fruits, artichokes and berries. Simply add a couple of witch legs, fall garland and glittery picks to transform it to Halloween. I used fishing line to raise Dracula's arms by tying it onto the light fixture. Easy!

Spider webs, boo pillows and glittery cats add just the right touch to the kitchen vent hood and island bar seating. Fill your kitchen counters with bright jack-o-lantern cups and accents.

 

I'm in love with these cute ghost boo pillows!!!

 

The kitchen dining table is ready with spidery place mats, a glittered spider accent table runner, pumpkin napkins and a ceramic trick or treat bowl. Glittered spooky hands with candles and some Halloween inspired ribbon finish the tablescape with mummy bowls. Large spider webs cover the light fixture hanging down toward the table. So all in all I would say this is a spider filled table!

And it can't be Halloween without CANDY CORN!!! These two candy corn inspired 7 ft. trees anchor the french doors leading from the kitchen into the outside dining. A side cabinet has more candy corn accents. Fill a glass jar with candy corn (Terri's Tip: make sure you use a glass vase in the center to take up space so you don't have to buy all the candy corn in the store).  You're welcome!

 

There are so many favorite places in this home, but the outside dining room has my heart--my soul--my love! First the table is beyond fabulous and can seat a host of guests. There's also an eating bar for additional seating. The place settings make me smile!  A cute tree with Old World Halloween Ornaments is center stage. Take your time. Take it all in and breathe in it's wonder!

TRICK OR TREAT SMELL MY FEET!

The vent hood for the outside kitchen has an oversized grapevine wreath with a large bow. Draped with a feathery garland, pumpkins, a witchy hat print, witch boots and hat. Mix your decor elements for interest and don't be too worried about keeping a theme. Just use your imagination and see what happens!

One of my favorite accents for the outside dining is how we placed a skeleton on the light fixtures above the eating bar. Here is one up close! We used tinsel garland wrapped around and a white pumpkin. Just the right spooky touch!

A little tinseled witch hat on the back of the chairs? Yes, please!

 

A side buffet allowed us to showcase other seasonal accents. We created multi-leveled vignettes on either end and used a witch centerpiece in the middle. Think about using fabric or even table runners to hide boxes or books to elevate your decor. You can create more interest with layering and creating levels for the eye.

Look at this cute chair cover and yes you guessed it! Another tutu around the bottom of the chair. Measure the circumference of the chair you want to cover, multiply 2.5 times and that's how much yardage you need to cover it. Cut it to length. You can either baste stitch the tulle or stitch on velcro covered with cute ribbon. I just love how it turned out! (P.S. This was the homeowner's creation and not mine!! P.S.S. She's good!)

Moving to another outside seating area, there is more loveliness! Again, the homeowner did this part all by herself and look what a good job!

There was so much more decor that fills this wonderful home. The bookshelves are filled with accents, a side entrance buffet and a side entry door with more to admire. A big hug and thank you to the homeowner whom I adore for letting me share. I was just telling her today how special it is I get to come decorate for her and others. Especially since there is no time for me to do my own decor. I can simply enjoy and live vicariously through them!

My wish is this will inspire you for your own seasonal decorating. Take one, two or three ideas and turn it into something special for your own home. Can't wait to see what you do! Happy decorating and love, Terri