The desire to host a party, or redo your mantel with inviting decor is often overshadowed by the thought of spending too much money or simply not knowing where to begin. (Trust me, I’m the proud owner of many Pinterest project fails and they’ve sometimes cost me a pretty penny!). The best part about Halloween is that it’s a holiday you can either go all out for, or show off subtle style with a few pops of spook, making it easy for the most novice of home decorators and party planners to look like pros. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up some of the most incredible Halloween hosting and decor ideas from your favorite Instagrammers that will leave you in awe and ready to create your own home masterpiece. Here are the top trends we’re seeing:
Best Halloween Decor and Hosting Ideas
1. Make your white mantel pop with a hint of black props
By simply adding a dozen of black, plastic butterflies, a fake skull head and tall taper candles, your modern mantel is instantly transformed into a focal point in your home like this one done by @LaurenConrad.
2. Bring fall vibes to your porch
Can we say cozy? @Sarahkjp created this serene outdoor escape that would be perfect for cuddling up with a good book, yet would also be the go-to spot to chat with friends over a glass of wine.
3. Add a bit of sparkle to brighten up a dark dinner table
If you’re having family or friends over for Halloween dinner, going for a black theme is a smart way to keep things looking clean and crisp, but to give it a little pizazz, sprinkle gold sparkled tea light candles and faux pumpkins like @cassandra_corabi did with her beautiful table.
4. Stick to subtle colors
The crisp pops of orange, along with white and tan, create a warm and welcoming space. Liven things up with a clear candy jar and put on your favorite Halloween movie to amp up the ambiance like @CarlyleThornton did.
5. String a web
If you’re into the über eerie parts of Halloween, you’ll likely gravitate towards bugs, cauldrons, spider webs, and all that is creepy and cool. To get this look, just string the web across your fireplace, add a variety of flameless candles, and throw in a wooden sign of your choosing, like @agirlandagluegun did.
6. Make a pleasing platter
Pull out your pizza stone and gather your favorite snacks to munch on! This hosting idea is perfect for both kids and adults as it combines a variety of Halloween snacks including dried apricots, candy corn, cheese popcorn and of course, pumpkin pretzels. Just make sure to snap a picture before someone grabs an Oreo and the Jack-o-Lantern’s face is gone like @ainttooproudtomeg did!
7. Think Disney
One of the most statement-making yet easy-to-do decor ideas came from @emmawebsta, who added a black rose to a glass dome to instantly give off a Beauty and the Beast vibe.
8. Make a spooktacular kids’ only corner
What kid doesn’t love Halloween? If you’re looking for a way to add a bit of holiday decor into a children’s room or play place, @cassandra_corabi shared an easy-to-steal idea that will make your little one feel like they’ve got their own personal space to be creative and inventive. Simply fly a witches’ hat from the ceiling with a piece of clear string and hang a banner that reflects their personality to liven things up.
9. Create a mini haunted house
Take your kid’s outdoor sanctuary and make it into the neighborhood’s must-see attraction by decorating it with a variety of black decor and adding a “Haunted House” sign like @houseon77th did.
10. Make your bathroom a treat instead of a trick
Bathrooms often are the last thing we think about when decorating for a holiday, so allow @aprilclynch’s pop of pumpkin to inspire your loo.
11. Accentuate a reading nook with fall favorites
Textured blankets and pillows are an easy way to add a different vibe to a cozy space. Who doesn’t love wrapping a nice throw around themselves when the air begins to bite? @Houseon77th once again showcased a perfect place to lounge with family and friends.
12. Spook-ify your entryway
@greybirchdesigns Besides your front door, the entryway in your home is the first thing that greets you and guests, so why not make sure it sticks out? It’s as simple as stringing Halloween garland and posting up your favorite skeleton alongside a piece of furniture like @greybirchdesigns did.
13. Create a boo-tiful bar cart
Instead of setting up a traditional bar area for your Halloween get-together, accentuate a bar cart with bats, skulls and your favorite poison, er, drinks. @Sugarandcharm also added some sweet treats to her cart, because what is this time of year without a little indulgence?
14. String spiders
While real spiders aren’t ideal to have to crawl all over your home, plastic ones give off a spooky vibe for Halloween. Think of how the creepy crawlers would take over your personal space and attach them to your wall like @chels_baj did.
15. Think boozy bar cart
Another fun idea for a Halloween-themed bar cart came from @myhackedapartment who went with a “more boos please” idea. It’s a simple and inviting idea to get your party guests in the spirit of the season.
16. Spice up the nursery
Don’t leave out the little ones! Without being too spooky, @ellievz showcased how ghost string lights and a Halloween pillow can create an adorable space for your baby.
17. Candy crazy
Another awesome platter idea from @aintooproudtomeg who went all out with a cookie and candy combo. Simply choose your favorite snacks and place them around a circular board to make for a beautiful and delicious grab-and-go dish. For extra points with your guests, leave out treat bags for them to bring some sweets home.
18. Go dark
Drape a fake, dusty cobweb over your black cabinets for a perfect Halloween look. Combine that with plastic bats placed all over the wall in the back and your kitchen will be the perfect place to whip up your favorite potion like @welcomewaters1866 did.
19. Create a killer ambiance
Line your dining room table with black taper candles for an elegant look, but don’t forget to place your favorite skeleton at the head of the table so guests don’t forget the reason for the season. For a pop of color, place your favorite fall flowers in a skull vase for effect like @carefreeblonde2. (Photo by @mosaicphotographics)
20. Embrace the outdoors
Have you realized a theme yet? People love their life-size skeletons, and there’s no better place for them to be than on your front porch swing while you await trick-or-treaters. Throw on a ghost-like pillow and grab your boo mug like @life_in_the_pike and you’ll be all set to hand out candy all night long.
21. Go green
OK, while Halloween is all about the candy, let’s be serious: We can’t all indulge in our sweet tooth like an 8-year-old kid. @DrChintalskitchen shared a great way to incorporate veggies into your party by creating a broccoli monster that is both delicious and visually pleasing. Just grab some mozzarella eyes and your favorite healthy snacks to complete this dish.
22. Grab your Halloween dishes
If you’ve got clear cabinets, an easy way to spruce up your look for Halloween is to replace all of your dishware with black and white pieces. Simply add a “trick or treat” sign like @goneanddunnitt to take things to the next level.
23. Add a spark of humor
While Halloween tends to be all about the spook, @greybirchdesign showed off how to put a little laugh in the holiday. Simply add a funny statement board to make all your guests chuckle.
24. Turn your fireplace into a witches’ lair
From boots to brooms, add a variety of props to create the flair of a witches’ lair like @life_in_the_pike. Still want more inspo? Here are 150 funny Halloween Instagram captions for you and your best ghoul-friends!
