With Halloween finally here, we’re curious how you plan to celebrate: hosting a spooky party, attending one in full costume, or simply standing at the door handing out handfuls of candy to pint-sized ghosts and ghouls? There’s something especially fun about this holiday—the way it can transform a home and the people in it. We gave our porch and living room a little seasonal makeover, and seeing those small changes around the house has made the whole holiday feel like a before-and-after moment. Whether you’re decorating a doorway, carving pumpkins, or finishing a costume, the shift in atmosphere is part of the excitement.
Are you dressing up solo, with friends, or as a family? Will you and your partner coordinate costumes, or will the kids steal the show in tiny, homemade outfits? Maybe you’ll go for a classic or spooky look, or perhaps something quirky and humorous. We’ve seen requests for family-themed costumes and pop-culture duos, and it’s always fun to hear what people choose—everything from group mash-ups to clever single-character looks. If you’re thinking about kid-friendly or pet-safe costume ideas, consider simple, comfortable outfits that let little ones move and play freely.
Parties come in all shapes and sizes on Halloween. Some people host a big get-together with themed snacks, playlists, and a mix of spooky and lighthearted decor. Others prefer a low-key evening with a few close friends, movies, and comfort food. And for many, the best part of the night is answering the door for trick-or-treaters: seeing tiny witches, superheroes, and monsters parade past, exchanging quick compliments about costumes and enjoying the momentary community connection that Halloween uniquely brings.
We also love hearing about what pets wear for the occasion. Pets add a special layer of charm to Halloween traditions. When dressing a dog or cat for the night, prioritize comfort and safety: pick lightweight fabrics, avoid anything that restricts breathing or movement, and keep small decorative parts out of reach. A simple, well-fitted costume can look adorable and keep your pet happy while you capture a few memorable photos.
Speaking of pets, we had many requests to share pictures of Burger in his costume, so here he is—Hamburger the hot dog. We picked up this little costume for about $9.99 at Target, and it was a hit. Two out of three Petersiks were particularly excited about the purchase, and Burger seemed curious and surprisingly tolerant as we dressed him up for a laugh. The costume is lightweight and easy to put on, and it made for some truly silly and sweet photos that brightened our day.
If Burger had his way, he’d wear the costume in his own relaxed way—part curious, part dignified, and part “let’s get this over with so we can have a treat.” Pets don’t always love costumes, so it helps to introduce any outfit slowly, letting them sniff and explore it first. Reward calm behavior and keep the first wearings short so they associate the costume with positive experiences.
Whether you’re planning an elaborate Halloween bash, a quiet night of candy and costumes, or a pet-friendly photo session, the most important thing is to enjoy the company you’re with and the little moments the holiday creates. We hope you share what you and your family—two-legged or four-legged—are wearing this year. And because we couldn’t resist sharing a few more shots, here’s Burger continuing to model his hot dog get-up. It’s silly, it’s sweet, and it’s everything we love about this time of year.
