A Little Decorating for Halloween

Come on in! Welcome…so glad you are here!

Decorating for Halloween

I’ve been decorating for Halloween…would you like to see?
Decorating for Halloween

Stole the plant from the upstairs family room…it balances well with the height of the lamp.
Decorating for Halloween

Found the scary ghost about 20 years ago in a Hallmark store.
Decorating for Halloween

I warned you…he is scary! Yikes! When I first took a test pic, I was trying to get a shot with all the lights in the Entry turned off, and the shutter speed was a lot slower than I expected. Normally, I don’t share pics where “the photographer” ends up in the pic, but this was just too cool to not share!

Decorating for Halloween

In the Family Room…it was time to bring out the fall fire screen. Do you remember the topiary one that was here before?

A Fall Firescreen with Cardinals and Birch Tree

It’s been chilly here…let’s get a nice, hot fire going.

Hot Cider by the Fire

How about a little snack?

Hot Mulled Cider by the Fire

Just sit down right here, put your feet up…and enjoy!

Hot Mulled Cider by the Fire

Have some yummy ginger snaps and hot mulled cider. (The mug is Fitz and Floyd and was purchased about 25 years ago at a F & F Outlet.) It’s two sided, witch on this side…

Hot Mulled Cider by the Fire

Jack O’Lantern on the other.

Hot Mulled Cider by the Fire

 

Years ago, we used to collect gnomes made by Tom Clarke.

Decorating for Halloween

 

Dr. Clarke used to teach at Davidson College in North Carolina.  Later he became well known for creating these adorable, whimsical gnomes, and we started a small collection of some of our favs.

Decorating for Halloween

 

Let’s go in the kitchen and I’ll show you what I used to make our mulled cider.

Decorating for Halloween

I really like this mulling spice from Williams-Sonoma. I buy some every fall…it also makes a great gift. Just put some in a kettle or pot on you stove when you have a party, and your guest will LOVE the way it makes your home smell. They will be begging to know the secret. 🙂

You’ll need a little cinnamon stick for your mulled cider. (The vulture piece is Fitz and Floyd, also bought about 25 years ago.)

Now you know I wouldn’t leave the porch out…it needs a touch of Halloween, too! The table looks so strange without a tablescape!

Decorating the Porch for Halloween

Keeping it pretty simple out here. Each time I show this area of the porch, someone always asks why I have a Christmas tree on the porch. Well, it’s actually a faux topiary in a Christmas tree shape. It’s in a pretty urn and has dragonfly lights all over it. Wish I had thought to turn it on for this pic. It looks really pretty lit up on summer evenings and gets a bit of decorating come Christmas time.

Decorating the Porch for Halloween

Remember the Max pillow I found while antiquing? Y’all said I needed to go back and buy it because Mr. Max had obviously posed for it…you’ll find that post HERE. Well, I followed your advice and he looks pretty good with his fall colors.

Decorating the Porch for Halloween

Now we know what Max is doing when I’m at work…he’s modeling for pillow makers! And I thought he just slept all day!

Changed out the spring pillows on the swing with some pillows in fall colors.. The green of the cushions is such a great neutral…works well with any season.

Decorating the Porch for Halloween

Pumpkin came from HomeGoods recently.

Decorating the Porch for Halloween

Hope you don’t mind sharing the swing.

Decorating the Porch for Halloween

The hutch got a bit of the Halloween spirit, too. (The pumpkin pitcher is another Fitz & Floyd piece…again purchased around 25 years ago. Pumpkin plates are from Walmart, recently.)

Decorating the Porch for Halloween

Ooooh, I should have moved this back a bit. I just noticed it looks like it would have spelled out the words, “Black Cat” right on the shelf.

Decorating the Porch for Halloween

I bet you recognize this basket…it gets moved around…a lot. Sometimes it’s on the front door and sometimes it’s here on the door that leads from the porch, into the family room. I love it, but it’s just not saying fall, is it?

Ahhh, much better! Found the green basket at last summer while anitquing.

Decorating the Porch for Halloween

Now this says FALL!

Decorating the Porch for Halloween

Thanks for stopping by for a little Halloween deocorating. I think I’m ready for the big night, now…one of my favorite nights of the year.

A little favor…if you enjoy BNOTP, please spread the word! Tell all your friends, neighbors, coworkers! 🙂 Call your local newspaper’s Home and Garden editor and tell them about Tablescape Thursday. Help me grow Between Naps on the Porch so I can make it the best it can possibly be for you, my readers! I’ve said from the start, it’s you who matters…the readers of BNOTP! Thank you for your loyalty and visits…they mean a tremendous amount. I do read and so appreciate all of your comments and feel so very blessed to have met so many wonderful friends via blogging! Truly blessed!
Decorating the Porch for Halloween

When my son was very young, I used to read poetry to him that was written by Jack Prelutsky. In 2006, Prelutsky was named the first Children’s Poet Laureate by the Poetry Foundation. He writes wonderful, whimsical poems for children and it’s guaranteed to make you smile or giggle. If you have young children, check out some of his work.

It’s Halloween
by Jack Prelutsky

It’s Halloween! It’s Halloween!
The moon is full and bright
And we shall see what can’t be seen
On any other night.

Skeletons and ghosts and ghouls,
Grinning goblins fighting duels,
Werewolves rising from their tombs,
Witches on their magic brooms.

In masks and gowns
We haunt the street
And knock on doors
for trick or treat.

Tonight we are
the king and queen,
For oh tonight
It’s Halloween!

 

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Comments

  1. Susan always a pleasure to see what you do. You can even make orange look good,hehe. Would love to sit on your swing and sip some hot cider with W&S mulling spices, aren't they the best, Happy Halloween!! Kathysue

  2. What a wonderful post. I love the cardinals on the fireplace screen!!

  3. Laura Ingalls Gunn says

    Oh your decorations are just bootiful! I adore Fitz and Floyd.

    My favorite poem by Jack Prelutsky
    is "The Turkey Shot Out of the Oven".

  4. Okay, sugar, cool or chilly is a relative term! Cool here in the southwest desert of Idaho is 45° so if you're thinking 65°, forget it!! LOL I've lived in the east and it's coat time when it's 70° there, sweet chick. 😉 Anyway, beautiful photos and porch. Love it.
    xoxo,
    Connie

  5. What a beautiful fireplace screen!! I would love to have one like that!! Everything you did looks so wonderful and happy. I would feel very comfortable sitting in your chair munching on cookies in front of the fire.

  6. Everything looks stunning. I really love that picture with the spooky lighting! I haven't made mulled wine before but have tasted it and loved it. I must find a recipe and try to make it for myself, maybe this Christmas.

    Can't wait to see your tablescape for tomorrow….
    Best wishes, NM.

  7. The Fitz & Floyd pieces always look good. Quality shows.
    You have lots of fun Halloween spots to check out.
    Boy those are not your average garden variety gnomes are they. Cool.

  8. Blue Creek Home says

    Everything looks perfectly charming.
    I am going to get some mulling spices. Thanks for the telling us about it.
    Rhonda

  9. Nancy @ Live love laugh says

    Oh, how I love to read your posts! The photos are always so beautiful. I have the same "scary ghost" from Hallmark and I love to watch it flickering in the dark! I also am a big fan of Jack Prelutsky-I always had a holiday poem to read to my children and my 6th grade classes back then! He has a wonderful, spooky Halloween collection of poems that are creepy fun!
    ~Nancy

  10. Susan, thanks for sharing what you do to decorate for Halloween. I hope to share my Halloween decor on Friday. My post uses the same Jack Prelutsky poem along with a few others that I used to use every year in my classroom when I taught. Halloween was always such a fun holiday and a favorite of my young students. Stop by for a visit if you have time. ~ Sarah

  11. LOVE your porch. I would have bought that pillow too, because my cat Olive looks just like a sibling to Max! She's so peculiar looking, it's not very often that I've seen another cat that looks like her. Also, I have a table runner that's almost this exact light blue damask that your background is. Gotta love Target!

  12. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    Love your Halloween and Fall decor! You're right ~ that picture did come out spooky looking. I think you ended this post nicely with the poem.

  13. Heidi@TheCraftMonkey says

    ok, if you come home tomorrow and their is a strange girl curled up on your swing, eating your cookies and petting your cat, do not be alarmed…LOL. It looks LOVELY!

  14. Bonnilynne says

    Thank you for a tour of your lovely home, Susan. It's so inviting! Love all the whimsical, fun Halloween decorations… It's one of my favorite holidays because of the vivid colors (and ya gotta love the spookiness, too!) As always, everything is so thoughtfully done –
    (BTW, I'm sure Max is pleased you got the pillow…)
    Loved the poem, too.
    ♥B.

  15. Your lamps, the fireplace screen, the decor, the halloween touches… your porch.

    *sigh*

    So much inspiration. Can I come over for a visit?

    You really have the most amazing place – I love it!

  16. Great Halloween decorations — love all of your touches!

  17. What more can I add??? I just love your touch!!!

  18. Really Rainey says

    Hey Susan! I love your comfy Halloween decor… I love that mulling spice from WS too! I also love putting it in a little copper bottom pot right on the stove and simmer… it makes the house smell so good!
    Tis the spooky season!
    ~Really Rainey~

  19. Debra @ Common Ground says

    Love it all, Susan. Your porch is always so beautiful. The pedestal with the urn and pumpkin is a stand-out for me! Have a great week!
    Debra

  20. julie king says

    what a warm and welcoming home you have!!! visiting for the first time from betsy's blog. i'll be back to visit often.

  21. Glenda/MidSouth says

    So pretty as usual! I always look forward to seeing your great decorations. Thanks for sharing.
    Glenda

  22. Mary Ellen (megardengal) says

    I do so love coming over to your porch- I think it is my favorite room in your beautiful home!

    blessings
    mary

  23. Julie Harward says

    Thank you for sharing your lovely home. I loved the photo that was a goof..very cool! I also liked the pillow that looked just like your cat..cute. I have some pieces of Fitz & Floyd..always enjoy them. The little poem at the end was sweet too.
    Come say hi 😀

  24. Phyllis AROUND THE HOUSE says

    I love all your wonderful Halloween pieces, they are just so pretty and fun…Love the fireplace screen, it is so seasonal and warm and goes so beautifully with the room..stop over for a visit after I post for your tablescape thursday, I have my halloween bowl out that I ordered from Colonial Candle, I just love it and the pumpkin light is sooo cute….

  25. Blondie's Journal says

    ~~Susan~~

    Love this post. So many cute and whimsical Halloween and fall decorations. Everything 'fits' so nicely in your home! You are the Queen of Vignettes!!

    xoxo
    jane

  26. Diane @ Four Paws and Co says

    Your fall & Halloween decor are so pretty and FUN! Loved the tour! ♥☺♥ Diane

  27. It's so amazing to me that you go all out to decorate the house for Halloween. I am afraid I only take the trouble to do that for Christmas because that's my favourite holiday of the whole year. I love all the decorations you have though.

  28. Your halloween decorating is so pretty. Love all the F & F pieces, they are so whimsical and finely detailed.
    I can't imagine how your blog could get any better but I will spread the word the best I can.
    Hugs,
    Sue

  29. amariaf2000 says

    Your home looks great! That is so neat that your hubby went to Davidson – just up the road here. I have a few Clark gnomes. He comes around every so often and you get your pieces signed!
    ~angela @ peonypatch

  30. Whew! My heart stopped when I thought you'd painted that lovely white basket green! (I thought, now she'll have 80 coats of paint on it, white, green, white, green, what next?!) LOL Lucky you to have 2 of those pretty baskets. I haven't come across even one!
    Pretty decorating, you always inspire me to do something more!

  31. Good Morning Susan…I truly am in love with your blog! Your Halloween decor is great.

    How did you make your collage header picture? I am dying to learn how to create one for my blog header. If you have any pointers, please let me know! I'd surely appreciate it.

    I will spred the word via my blog about BNOTP and see how much traffic you can get from my neck of the woods.

    Thanks for the tour. I got a few ideas…I also love the mulling spices from Wilson-Sonoma

  32. Mid-Atlantic Martha says

    Love your decorating and fun Halloween things — you really should write a book you know — All your followers would buy it!

  33. Suzann @ The Olive Cottage says

    You have the best decorations!!! I love your home.

  34. oops!….sorry for the error:s/b WILLIAMS-Sonoma…sometimes my brain is thinking one thing and my fingers are tying another…

    I also forgot to tell you that I LOVE the fireplace screen!! Gonna have to steal that idea…

    Thanks for sharing…

  35. Guess what? I collect Clark gnomes too. Is that Wiz? I've also got Rumpkin (my very first piece I bought during a trip to Helen, GA) and Pumpkin ~ hehe LOVE all your Halloween decorations!!!

  36. Beeutiful by Design says

    Great looking Halloween decor! As always you do an awesome job. Do you have that lamp in your hall on a timer, you are such a smart chic! Happy Halloween.

  37. I love bringing out all my fall and Halloween stuff, but you outdo all of us!!

    I used to collect Tom Clark gnomes, and have about 25 of them. You'd love my witch and wizard – maybe I'll photograph them and put them on the blog tomorrow.

  38. great halloween tour…I love your porch…so inviting..great fall and halloween decorations…

  39. Susan,
    I don't know what to say! This is real eye-candy!
    I can look over and over again these pictures ! So cosy!
    WELL DONE!!! And so many ideas you shared with us! Thank you so much!!

    Greet

  40. Susan, I think I've already told everyone I know about your blog but I will be happy to let our newspapers in on the secret. I've thought all along that you should write a book on tablescapes!

    You have been a wonderful source of both inspiration & information to so many in blogland. I know there are millions who DON'T blog but would still love to learn from you & gladly buy your book!

    We both have an affinity for F&F, I see. We also both don't throw things away, either. 🙂 I love to hear many of your items are 20+ years old. Makes my hoarding of such seem less like an illness & more like a virtue. LOL

    Thanks so much for sharing everything you do in your lovely home.

    ♥ Rettabug

  41. Your halloween decor is beautiful.
    Fritz and Floyd has so many nice pieces. I have a few and I always look every year at the end of seasons for items like this on sale. As you already know I also collect Lenox sesonal items. Susan this is so awesome. Yes, I can imagine a book "Between Naps on the Porch". Hope you get to fulfill your dream.

  42. SmilingSally says

    You have the ability to move a little thing here and make an entire room look better–amazing!

    I especially love those cattails.

  43. Thanks for the Halloween/Fall decor tour! Love it!!! Your home is just so lovely to come an visit!

  44. Southern Fried Gal says

    Love all your touches! The witch on the swing is hilarious. Good luck with growing your blog!

  45. Your decorations are lovely and just say "I'm home". It seems so strange to see that table bare!!! You definitely need to blog full time. I can't imagine how you manage what you do! Good luck!

  46. 9405018--Pat says

    Good Morning Susan, what a great post today, as always. I have spread the word about your awesone blog…Yes you need to write a book on tablescape….sign me up for one now Ha Ha…thanks for sharing….Pat H

  47. Dirt Princess says

    How funny ya'll collected gnomes! You need to check out my post on Bilbo! He is my little garden gnome that I am sending around the world. He is on his 12th stop so far, he is currently in New Mexico!

    http://northmobilegardensociety.blogspot.com/2009/10/where-in-world-is-bilbo-albuquerque-new.html

  48. black eyed susans kitchen says

    Susan, This was a beautiful post! You have inspired me to do a little decorating on the screened porch, even if it is too cool to be out there, it will be pretty to look at. You really know how to take hold of a holiday and season.
    ♥, Susan

  49. Susan, this is a beautiful post and chocked full of great ideas! Come over to GrannyMountain to see where candycorn comes from…

  50. Mrs.Sigler says

    I'm a new blogger myself and I've just recently discovered your blog. Just wanted to write and say that I truly enjoy your entries and I your home is very lovely. The ideas that you offer are so doable! Love it!

    Thanks so much!
    ~ Casey

  51. Happy@Home says

    You have a real flair for creating a beautiful home and gorgeous tablescapes. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour of your Halloween home. There is one problem, however … when I sat down in the chair to enjoy the cider and cookies I didn't want to leave. What a wonderfully cozy room and that mug is adorable. I must get some of the mulling spices. Mmmm.

  52. What a GREAT post! Your home is so beautiful! And that PORCH! Can I just come over and take a nap there!? Lovely!

  53. honeysuckle says

    What a fun tour of your fall decorations and your house. I loved your haunted hall pic with the mystery guest taking pictures. Your porch is a dream. Love the space and all your wonderful festive items to make it ready for Halloween. Good luck with your dream. I hope you can achieve it.

  54. Oh! Susan you have given me an idea…on the first picture that you have posted ..a friend of mine gave me some of those "brown" things that you have in your floral arrangement ( don't know what their called..) and i had no clue what to do with them but since i've seen your post i do now! What are they called???

    Happy Decorating,
    Andrea

  55. Susan, you've made everything look so lovely with all of your change of season decor.

  56. Susan, I love all of your Halloween items. The cardinal fireplace screen is magnificent also. I can just smell those mulling spices!

  57. When can I move in? 🙂

    Amazing!

  58. Ruthie's Renewed Treasures says

    I've added your link to my website! Hope to send reader's your way.

    Ruthie

  59. Sewconsult says

    The firescreen! Oh, my gosh, how I wish I had one like it or similar. Just beautiful.
    Beckie in Brentwood, TN

  60. I love Jack Prelutsy..used to read it to my son and my class.
    Your decorations, are just beautiful.
    Seems funny to see the table without a beautiful scape on it!
    I have linked your blog several times to a forum I take part in on Garden Web. They all love it..

    And I am so glad those witches didn't steal that lantern! 🙂

    So now put all the Halloween away and out with the Pilgrims and Turkeys..cause it is only 58 days till Christmas..we live from one Holiday to the next..:)

  61. Love the things you do!

  62. Great decorations! Loved the link to make the monster munchies. Have a great day!

  63. Hi Susan,
    It's always great fun to stop by and see what you've been up to. Your Halloween decor is fun, colorful, and whimsical! But you always bring your special, delightful touch to everything you do.

    Thank you for making us all feel so welcome in your charming home. It's a true reflection of your warmth, charm, and friendliness.
    No wonder so many people want to visit you and spend time on your perfect porch!

    Bill

  64. Brown Eyed Belle says

    I just posted about fall on my blog! I love everything you did to deck out your house for the best season! I included some fall wedding pictures on my post- check it out! I love following you!

  65. I am so glad I didn'r miss this WONDERFUL post! It has given me an idea to post my Fall/Halloween decorations. Anyway, your home looks wonderful…as always! I will be posting LATE tonight, have 2 appts. with my daughter (more wedding planning), so won't be home til late. But want to post my Spooktacular dinner:):) I LOOOOVE all your F and F pieces! Especially that pitcher! It made my heart speed up! See you later tonight. XO, Pinky

  66. carolinajewel says

    Love your Halloween Decorations! Everything is just lovely. 😀 Jewel

  67. I live in Davidson and love it and I love your blog! I have been tweeting lately so I will send out some for you!

    Lori in NC

  68. Your Halloween decorations are stunning. I could live on your beautiful porch! The wicker swing is so inviting.

  69. tales from an oc cottage says

    Ahhhhhhh, the dream of every blogger! Though it's a lot more realistic for you than for the rest of us! And let me be the first to say that I'd
    not only stand in line for a copy of your book…I'd pay full price too!!;}

    m ^..^

  70. The Quintessential Magpie says

    Susan, you just have a wonderful home, and your decorations all look warm and inviting. I have to say that if your grandfather clock ever goes missing, you know in which bird nest to look. 😉

    XO,

    Sheila 🙂

  71. The Quintessential Magpie says

    Susan, you just have a wonderful home, and your decorations all look warm and inviting. I have to say that if your grandfather clock ever goes missing, you know in which bird nest to look. 😉

    XO,

    Sheila 🙂

  72. Andi's English Attic says

    I introduced a friend to your blog a few weeks ago and now she's a fan. She's not looking in at the moment as her son is sick with Swine Flu, but I know she LOVED your blog and will be back asap.
    Don't you just love those surprise photos when something weird happens? I love the ghost pic. It could be the springboard for a great Halloween ghosty story.
    I just want to curl up next to your fire but as I'm all the way in the UK, I'll have to make the best of my own. xx

  73. nannykim @ spindle cottage says

    Everything is so inviting!! Beautifully done! (love the kitty pillow!!)

  74. Somewhere in time says

    I am a newbie here. Just wanted to say I put a link on my page to your blog. My Aunt Dorothy is 82 years old and been a member of Orlando Garden club for 50 years. I send her your link too.
    Much love and I want a porch now!
    Linda Seattle, WA

  75. It's amazing how just a few things here and there can make the whole house say Halloween without being over the top ooky and gross.

  76. laurie @ bargain hunting says

    Susan, it all looks beautiful! I have some Tom Clark gnomes also. That fireplace screen is gorgeous, and your accidental photo is a great one for a Halloween post. Almost looks intentional. I do remember that Max pillow, nd I'm so glad you got it. It IS Max, and it looks so pretty in your sunroom. (Is Max jealous?) laurie

  77. Hi Susan! Oh, all of your decorations are so cute! It hard to see your table on the porch Nekked! 😉 Love everything you've done. I wanted to tell you I found two dog bookends that look like the dog that you used to create the lamp. Mine are black and white and smaller, but other than that – almost the same!
    Have a safe Halloween!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 🙂

  78. Sue (Someone's Mom) says

    You have such beautiful things and excellent taste. I'm always inspired by what I read here. As for the porch, I'm green with envy. Thanks for all you do!

    Sue

  79. Leigh of Bloggeritaville says

    Oh, I just adore it all…but the porch…it's always my favorite!

  80. The Quintessential Magpie says

    I know I said earlier that I want to steal your clock. Well, add your cat to that list, too! 😉

    XO,

    Sheila

  81. Susan, my 2 Halloween Clark gnomes are on my blog today. Both are retired, and I've had them many years.

    Love this post!! and today's too.

  82. Hello sweet Susan – wow! There's so much I want to comment on. What a great post! First of all, I love your mirror above the side table. It's fabulous! The F&F mug is adorable. So neat that it's two-sided. Love the gnome with the pumpkin! How cute is he? I think I can smell the mulled spices…mmm…I want some! Max is so pretty! Is it okay to call him pretty? Thank you for this nice visit. The ginger snaps were yummy.

    Blessings,
    Marie
    http://emmacallsmemama.com

  83. Hi Girlfriend…

    Ohhh…your home is just gorgeous all decked out in its Fall/Halloween finery, my friend! I soooo enjoyed my tour…starting with your beautifully decorated entry right through to your back porch!!! It really is just magical…and I love it!!! Thank you again, my friend…for sharing your beautiful home with us! It is always such an inspiration to me!!!

    Love ya,
    Chari @Happy To Design

  84. WOW! Stunning! I love your porch:)

  85. Susan,

    Your house looks so spectacular! I don't know what your job is but it should be in design or decorating. You have such a classic style and I pour over all your posts. This time I've seen more books I need to get. Thank you, as always, for so generously sharing.

    Gretchen

  86. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Thanks, Gretchen! Always enjoy your comments and visits! 🙂
    Susan

  87. Oh my gosh! I love this home and their wonderful decor! Everything is so beautiful, from the entry way and spooky ghost (yes way cool photo!) to the cozy family room, the gorgeous kitchen, and the fabulous porch! The swing on the porch is so beautiful and the fall decor and colors, the pumpkins, all the accessories, and that blanket… even the pretty kitty… And of course I love the green hutch! Wow! Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us! It was definitely a TREAT!

  88. JULIE MCCLOSKEY says

    Where did you get the beautiful cardinal fire screen?

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