Last Halloween we saw lots of pint-sized Olafs and Elsas from Disney’s “Frozen,” as well as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This year they’re likely to be joined by all manner of Minions, Avengers and Star Wars characters. If you’re over four feet tall and over age 18, you’re more likely to be wearing a traditional costume like a witch or a pirate.
In addition to the billions consumers will spend on their costumes, lots of bucks will be dropped on dressing up our homes. Halloween falls on a weekend again this year, so many of us may be hosting parties. According to the National Retail Federation, last year almost one third of total Halloween spending was on home decor.
Luckily, there are many resources to help you get your home ready for a last-minute spooky celebration or just a new look for fall, without spending a lot of money.
One affordable option is to do-it-yourself. You can make centerpieces, fall wreaths and more with simple supplies found in your home or local big box or craft stores.
Crafting a fall wreath from burlap cloth, a wire form, floral decorations and ribbon can keep your cost around $10. That beats buying a ready made wreath, which even on sale can cost $15 to $20.
For fun Halloween decorations, we still like this idea from last Halloween: Crafting expert Stephen Brown, author of “Glitterville’s Handmade Halloween,” ($19.99, Andrews McMeel Publishing), suggests using Styrofoam balls, skewers, paint and pipe cleaners to make mini pumpkin decorations. It can even be turned into a make and take activity for party guests of all ages.
For a tried and true rendering of our supernatural friends, use string, glue and waxed paper to make ghosts that you can hang in the windows.
Check thrift stores for decor pieces and other items such as drinking glasses or serving platters that you can paint or that come in darker hues. Also be on the lookout for thrift store finds you can use to create DIY decorations. Swing by big box and specialty stores now through Halloween to check out the discounts on decor, markdowns will likely rise the closer we get to H-day.
Look for discounts on items that have uses beyond Halloween to get more bang for your buck. Keep an eye out for candle holders that are creepy enough for Halloween, but cool enough to keep on display once the scaring season is over. Specialty candles in fragrances like Candy Corn, Ghostly Treats or Witches Brew ($25 each at Yankee Candle stores) can set the scent for Halloween and beyond.
When it comes to candy and treats, be sure not to overbuy. Consider purchasing candies for trick or treating or parties that you can also use in recipes. Leftover Hershey’s Kisses or other chocolate treats can work well in a range of holiday desserts.
Finally, plan ahead. Go to the clearance sales after Halloween weekend and stock up on everything you’ll need for next year.
