Buying Halloween decor? Check out these top tips!
We are on the cusp of the Halloween season, my friend.
We are entering a weekend filled with fireworks and festivities with 110° heat that makes your makeup melt off and your hair frizz, but trust me when I say – this orange and black thing is about to ignite.
Typically, July is when we see the first inklings of Halloween trickle into stores, and I think this year may be a bit ahead of schedule.
- My first encounter with Code Orange was back in May, the earliest I’ve ever seen Halloween or Fall items in stores.
- Just the other day, a visit to Target to grab some garden items landed me in the middle of Back To School. (I swear – didn’t school just get out?)
- Christmas is already taking over Hobby Lobby. (Oh. My. Lanta.)
- And word on the spooky street is that Home Depot is launching its full Halloween line on the heels of Independence Day, and I suspect Grandin Road won’t be too far behind.
So, if you are in the market for ghoulish goods – brace yourself, Nelly, because it is coming up quick.
And, if shortages in other areas of retail are any indication, inventory may be limited, so for the best selection, shop early.
But – before you break the proverbial piggy bank and start adding things to your cart, here are a few tips for buying Halloween decor to help you stay on budget and in love with your purchases.
My Kind Of Spooky
It’s tempting to buy every eerie embellishment that catches your eye, but before you checkout, make sure the piece in your cart matches your style or theme.
If your haunted decor leans toward dark and mysterious, you may find it hard to incorporate that adorable buffalo check ghostie.
Likewise, if your Halloween party theme is pirates, that Haunted Hotel Doorbell might not be the best choice.
Save yourself time and money before you pull the purchase trigger on that prop or decoration, and consider how it fits into your aesthetic.
Picture This
How will you know if a piece will fit your style when all your decorations are tucked away?
One easy way to keep track of what you have is to take photos of your displays every year. You can reference your pics to see how you styled your decorations, what pieces you have, and even what pieces your can let go of.
Your photos will also remind you where you placed each piece in case you want to duplicate your display. Pics can help you to plan your layout and see where you have holes you wish to fill so you can watch for that perfect piece.
Building a collection? Photos help you keep track of your Boney Bunch, Spooky Town, or vintage pieces, so you know what you have and what you need helping you to avoid duplicates.
Check out that spider!
No Room For The Broom
You’ve found the most spirited specimen to add to your haunt decor, and you just have to have it.
Filled with excitement, you load it into your cart, hit the checkout, and ride off into the sunset with your new treasure.
But, when you finally get it home, you can’t find a place to put it.
So, before loading that monster-sized must-have into the cart, consider where you will display it. It’s a downer to fall in love with something in the store only to get it home and find you don’t have a suitable space for it.
One In - One Out
If a mound of Halloween-themed pillows has obscured your sofa, you might want to reconsider buying more. But – if you must have this specific creepy cushion, consider this rule; One In – One Out.
Go ahead and buy the new pillow but be prepared to let another one go. Donate or gift one from your pile. Someone else can enjoy it, and you will have more room to showcase your latest find.
The Skeleton In The Closet
Unless you plan on having your Halloween display out year-round (and some people do), you will need space to store all your ghoulish goodies.
That popular twelve-foot skeleton from Home Depot was a massive hit with the trick-or-treaters, but unless you are decking the halls with this giant, you will need a space to tuck him away for the off-season.
Save yourself the frustration and plan on how you will store your pieces before you bring them home.
Permanent Residency
Speaking of keeping pieces on display year-round, this is an excellent way for Halloween props to pull double-duty.
Watch for pieces you can incorporate into your home style, especially after the season ends when you can snatch them up for a discount.
For example, dried Autumn florals, a black vase, or a vintage lantern can play perfectly into your Halloween and everyday decor.
These two ravens from Grandin Road were originally Halloween pieces that I leave out on display all year.
I Want It All!
There are a lot of wickedly wonderful wares out there. From new in-store to vintage, it’s easy to want one of everything.
When the temptation is too great and you’re feeling overwhelmed, you may just be excited about the season.
To satisfy your creepy cravings, purchase a carving pumpkin or treat yourself to a creepy cocktail.
Allowing yourself a small treat may tide you over until you can plan your larger purchases.
Bonus Tip
Just because you love it doesn’t mean you have to own it.
But how do you resist all the spine-tingling treats?
My trick is to admire and walk away. Permit yourself to appreciate the piece without having to possess it.
If the piece you left behind starts to haunt you, then maybe it is meant to be. There is no rule stating you can’t change your mind and go back for it.
Until next time, see you at the shops!
