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Nothing screams Halloween like a carved jack-o-lantern on your porch.
Toronto Star file photo
Even though I am a proponent of bringing nature into your decor (especially if you can keep it alive!), I'd never really considered all the other plant decorating possibilities, barring making my own spooky twiggy branch arrangements.
But, a recent release that landed in my inbox from Landscape Ontario has me reconsidering my basic approach to Halloween plants.
“Your summer annuals that have been bitten by frost can be composted and replaced with several different fall plants that will accompany your décor and Halloween props,” says Landscape Ontario's Denis Flanagan in a release.
He suggests spicing up your decor with some of these spooky plants:
LANDSCAPE ONTARIO PHOTO
Fall asters, above, which are available in pink, purple, blue and white. I, of course, love the purple ones.
Ornamental grasses with dramatic seed heads. Flanagan says these will add interest, texture and drama to your holiday displays.
Flowering kale, below, and ornamental peppers. The two-toned or multicoloured leaves on the kale usually intensify after a fall frost, says the release, while ornamental peppers are a nice twist on the traditional mini-gourd.
LANDSCAPE ONTARIO PHOTO
Bales of hay and corn stalks will, says the release, help complete the vignette with a "warm fall feeling."
And, if these aren't spooky enough, Flanagan suggests checking out some Halloween-inspired plants like the Venus Fly Trap, the black Bat orchid, black mondo grass - which, the release says, in a cluster mimics a group of long-legged spiders, ghostly grey Spanish moss or spider plants for a creepy-crawly feel.
Be sure to check out more of our Halloween decorating tips around the site, like 5 steps to simple spooky decor and budget-friendly ways to haunt your backyard.
Halloween decorating has yet to happen chez moi, but I'm certainly still scoping spooky style. Today's fun, yet, frightening find is the Scary Shower Curtain from Urban Outfitters, US$28. (Hat-tip to Whitecabana for leading me to it)
It's so creepy! I'd definitely hang it during a Halloween party, but don't think I could face the idea of something in the bathtub year-round. Blame it on my gothic lit prof for putting The Shining on our late-night study list.
For more spooky decorating ideas, check out our top 5 tips, and be sure to take our homepage poll on whether you haunt your halls for Halloween.
I have a confession to make. I've let all my decor plans for my new space slip.
Decorating my new pad, dubbed the Jen-nasium and the jPad by friends, started off strong. I went on an epic Ikea shopping trip, allowing me to furnish my space, fill my cupboards, and survive day-to-day.
I had multiple allen-key assembly meltdowns, but, with a little (OK, a lot of) help from my friends, I managed to turn a stack of flat-pack boxes into actual, functional furniture.
As I raced to prepare for my housewarming party, I ruthlessly downsized (a task that appears to be never-ending) and strictly adhered to my purple and grey, with pops of yellow, palette. I even was able to rework my Ikea futon to fit my new scheme by swapping out its frankly rather unattractive cover for a simple fitted sheet.
A few decorative vases here, an armful more of hangers there - suddenly, I was set up.
And that's where my decorating efforts stalled. Once I could do laundry, cook, work from home and watch TV, those final touches started to slip down on my list of priorities.
But lately, I'm feeling a little bit guilty about the unfinished state of my decor. Yes, very few decorating projects are ever actually done, but blank white walls are less than welcoming. The stack of family photographs - enlarged and printed in black and white - wait to be framed and hung as a gallery wall. The chalkboard just needs to be hung in the hallway. Other bits and bobs need to be framed, placed and hung, with hopefully a little help from someone with a more level eye than I.
And, I bought this votive holder from West Elm to mount above my bed, for a bit of a change from the traditional large headboard or statement piece of art look.
So, that's my shameful decorating confession. I got lazy, and, three months after moving in, I still have yet to hang a single piece of art. But, here's hoping that I get back on the wagon soon!
Who says Halloween needs to be all goofy pumpkins and blood and guts? I love this glam gothic take, which (like my current black mani-pedi) you can easily work all autumn long:
Photo Michael Graydon, Maison & Demure.
Check out more stylish interpretations on Halloween decor in House & Home's photo gallery and read up on our mess-free ways to decorate with pumpkins.
Nothing makes cooking Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings more enjoyable than appreciative guests, quality food and, of course, these kitchen equipment picks from Shop like a Pro's Angela Koszuta.
Apple corer, $16.50, available at www.pamperedchef.ca.
Dolce Gusto Circolo beverage maker in red, $179.99. Exclusively at Home Outfitters.
Cuisinart appetizer warming tray, $29.99. Available at Home Outfitters.
Seven piece condiment serving tray, includes slate tray with porcelain insert, 3 porcelain dipping bowls and 3 spoons, $29.99. Available at Home Outfitters.
Chunky glass tealight holder, $10.90. Available at Ziggy's at Home.
365+ serving bowl with lid, double walled metal for heat retention, $25. Available at Ikea.
Faberware stainless steel immersion blender set, $39. Available at Walmart.
Chicago Cutlery Fusion 18-piece block set, including 8 steak knives, $199.99. Available at Walmart.
Olive wood grater, $12.99. Available at Homesense.
PC Home soup tureen, $11.99. Available at Loblaws, www.presidentschoice.ca.
And don't miss our tips for getting your home decor holiday-ready and our 30-minute cleaning guide.
Some days it's all about appreciating the little things - like a glass of wine and a beautiful urban landscape.
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