18 Tasteful Halloween Decorations That Are More Stylish Than Spooky

Temperatures may still be uncomfortably warm, but fall is nearly here, which means one thing: Halloween is well on its way. Yes, there are plenty of other holidays following it that also require quite a few decorations and design schemes, but in our opinion, Halloween kicks holiday season off in a playful way that makes us welcome cooler weather. So, record temperature highs aside, we are gearing up for one of the most fun holidays. That said, Halloween decoration schemes can get gimmicky quick, so if you’re looking to lean in—but not too hard—you’ve come to the right place. Ahead, discover all of our Homeworthy host-approved tips for getting Halloween decorations right, both inside and outside.

The best part? Unlike Christmas or Thanksgiving decorations, Halloween decorations don’t have to cost a whole lot. In fact, you may have a few of these tucked away somewhere at home. Fear not (pun intended); these pieces of decoration will definitely get your space holiday-ready and just in time. October is just around the corner, and as far as we’re concerned, getting your house spooky on the first day of the month is perfectly okay. Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom to shop some of our favorite Halloween decorations.

Start With Sophisticated Pumpkins

As much as we love a Jack-o’-lantern, we wouldn’t recommend giving every pumpkin on your stoop a funny face. For every five pumpkins, carve one, and leave the others as they are. We’d also recommend going with a variety of gourds rather than decorating your entire outdoor space in all orange ones. Go with a Baby Boo (miniature white ones), Blue Dolls (that large greenish-blue one we know and love), Carnival (multicolored ones), and Choga Choga (the greenish ones with bumps and lumps), among others. If you need some inspiration, take a look at Ruth McKeaney‘s beautiful display at her home in Pennsylvania.

There’s really no need to do anything too fancy. Just grab an array of sizes and colors, and place them close enough together that they look like they’re part of the same collection. That’s really all there is to it.

Add a Little Whimsy

Take a page from Stephanie Kane‘s book and tone down the scarier, spookier side of Halloween and lean a little more into the autumnal feel. Here, in the decorator’s delightful living room, she used a lighter hand to give the space a holiday feel without going too hard. All you need is some twinkly lights draped over a piece of furniture, a pumpkin or two, and, if you’re in the market, a few stick-on bats you can pop on the windows, coffee table, or anywhere else they’ll get noticed.

Don’t Overlook the Table

Every year, Texans Bob Gibbs and Matthew Wilson outfit their Dallas home in the most charming holiday decorations. For Halloween, they opt for the Friendly Ghost vibe over a full-on fright fest, and nowhere is that more evident than on their outdoor table, which is set as a feast for the eyes. Here, the couple perfectly created a classic fall tablescape using Halloween-specific pieces, like themed dinnerware and a ghost here and there. As for the rest of the items, they can use the colorful goblets, woven placemats, and plaid table runner all year.

Go Big on the Front Porch

If there is one New Yorker famous for her holiday-decked stoops, it’s Hillary Wallace, who does not skimp on Halloween. Last year, the content creator snagged a whopping 4,000 pumpkins from her local farm (outside the City, of course) and placed them up and down her own stoop, on those of her neighbors, and in her back garden. She didn’t stop there, though. Wallace also carefully placed spooky signage, faux skeletons, and some massive eyeballs throughout to finish the space off.

Don’t Veer Too Scary

Wallace’s backyard may be more toned down than what’s on view from the front of her home, but she didn’t completely forgo it. In fact, this should be the inspiration for anyone who likes to lean into holiday decorations without wanting to spend multiple days getting it done. Here, she placed batches of pumpkin varieties throughout the space and, rather than spending a long while creating scary vignettes, she opted for one massive lounging skeleton, which, admittedly, won’t scare anyone, and that’s why we love it. When doing Halloween decorations the tasteful way, the goal is not to have guests and visitors feel like they need to look over their shoulders.