Halloween is only a few weeks away, so we pulled out our creepy raven and a handful of other spooky props from last year. Aside from buying candy for neighborhood trick-or-treaters and some candy corn for ourselves (hindsight: candy corn is the worst — it’s basically a stomach ache waiting to happen), we didn’t spend a dime. We also picked up a few inexpensive carnations for a DIY touch. Here’s our console table, all decked out for Halloween.
Nothing elaborate — just a casual piece of burlap used as a runner, a stack of eerily titled books, some feathers from last year, and my little white ceramic frog. We added the raven, a faux-antler candlestick, and a black votive from last year’s Halloween stash to complete the spooky vignette.
One playful detail: a photoshopped skull print we made last year. We liked it so much we brought it back — the dark, cavernous eyes give it a striking, moody look that feels right for the season.
Under a glass dome I placed painted carnations for a gloomy, Victorian feel. Last year I used a silhouette portrait of our dog in that dome, but this time the painted blooms make a simple, dramatic focal point. Painting inexpensive white carnations black is an easy and low-cost Halloween DIY that adds instant atmosphere.
Now the challenge is resisting the candy: Three Musketeers, York Peppermint Patties, and the dreaded candy corn. We’ll probably eat a good portion of it before Halloween night arrives, but that’s part of the holiday ritual, right?
Over on the coffee table we arranged faux pumpkins, round votive holders that echo the shape of the pumpkins, and two vases filled with dried grasses to add fall texture and height. The combination feels simple and seasonal without being over-the-top.
In the dining area we set up a small spread: candy (yes, more of it), spray-painted faux gourds, and a bright yellow spray-painted candlestick that we nicknamed “Lumiere.” The bold lemon-yellow accent ties the arrangement together and adds a cheerful contrast to the otherwise moody palette.
We also repurposed three thrifted votive cups, adding faux flickering candles inside for safe, cozy light, and incorporated a manzanita branch for vertical interest and a natural, slightly witchy vibe. The branch gives the table a sculptural element and complements the dried grasses on the coffee table.
Overall, the theme for this year’s décor landed somewhere between “gloomy chic” and “bold lemon accents.” By mixing black-painted flowers, antique-style objects, and a few bright pops of color, we created a balanced, budget-friendly Halloween look that feels intentional rather than cluttered.
The best part: most of these items are reused from previous years or upcycled from thrift-store finds, so the cost was minimal. A little paint, some strategic layering, and a handful of inexpensive candles and flowers created a polished Halloween display without a big budget.
What are your plans for Halloween decorating? Are you trying any DIY projects this year, or are you keeping things simple with a few thrifted finds and seasonal accents? And does anyone else swear that candy corn is pure evil, or is it just us? Maybe we’ll end up buying a second round of candy because the first batch disappears before the 31st.
Psst — if you’re curious where some of our props came from, check last year’s Halloween post for the full source rundown.
Pssssssst — don’t forget to look for our weekly posts about seasonal decorating and family life, where we share more ideas and budget DIYs.