DIY Life

So. Halloween is inching closer and closer and I'm dreaming of throwing a sophisticated dinner party for the occasion... or at least dressing my home in festivities. Yet I'll admit -- I hate the traditional black and orange "ghoulish" decor. I can't handle skeletons in my home, absolutely despise scarecrows and wouldn't be caught dead (no pun intended) courting the thought of a Frankenstein head as a centerpiece.

So what's a gal like me to do to ring in Halloween? Shall we just skip the occasion and go straight to turkey decorating? Never! I've rounded up a few great ideas that are as easy on the eyes as they are on the budget. And don't worry -- you won't find any dead fingers amidst these looks.

Gothic Black/White Graphics:
I love the Thomas Paul collection of Gothic melamine plates, and luckily, with a few pumpkins and black candlesticks strategically placed, the look can be quite Halloween-esque, but still perfect year-round. Good deal, right?

Gilding Pumpkins:
Turns out that a can of spray paint takes an orange staple in the Halloween decor industry up one notch to chic, understated glamor. That's right; the pumpkin gets a facelift with gold and silver gilding. This entryway is definitely my kind of autumn decorating, and I can't imagine trick-or-treating with anything else.

Raven Silhouettes:
I know, I know --- I said no tradition Halloween decorations. But the raven, although spooky and understandably ghoulish (you saw Birds, right?!), isn't altogether Halloweeny, right? Because a raven silhouette in a glass casing is a trend I could really get behind...

Autumn Centerpiece:
Although I'm not usually a supporter of the silk flower movement, seasonal decorations sometimes call for faux arrangements. In this case, the bright marigold and daisy palette is both inviting and classic, creating a gorgeous centerpiece worthy of Halloweens across the globe. The orange screams "fall" without screaming bloody murder. My kind of Halloween!

Overall, there are so many ways to infuse your home with seasonal decor --- with or without the witch's broom. Get creative using items around your own home to complete an eclectic, fall-inspired aesthetic that won't break the bank -- or your superstitions.