The mornings are getting colder and the leaves are just starting to get the slightest amber yellow twinges on them. I love this time of year and it really gets my annual fall holiday planning mood kicked into high gear. And, by high gear, I mean excessive holiday excitement that should probably be illegal. I’ve been known to jump up and down in the aisles of grocery stores when they start stocking up on pumpkins.
I love spending hours at shopping at decorating bazaars, choosing those perfect holiday crafts, decorations, and homemade children’s Halloween costumes. I’ll spend a cool Saturday morning with a to-go cup of my favorite spiced chai tea latte and I’ll walk from craft fairs to open markets to get inspiration and ideas. And I do it all for you, my dear readers and fellow Halloween fans. Here’s what caught my fancy last weekend.
DIY Kids Costumes
As much as I love to shop at those giant seasonal Halloween stores, I still have a soft spot for the creative types who come up with their own costumes.
You can make an octopus baby by adding stuff socks to an elastic belt, or use a red dress, jacket, cape and tutu to create a “Little Red Riding Hood” or cover a box with tinfoil for the classic little robot costume.
You’d be surprised at what you can design and create with a few simple items like a makeup kit, and some temporary hair color, the key is to use your imagination.
DIY is really in this year, but even if that’s not your thing, you can still add your own personal touches to a commercial costume.
Don’t forget to get those kids in on the action! They are a source of great ideas and imagination, and even the teenagers like to come up with ideas.
Fall Decorating
Photo via Martha Stewart.com
My next batch of ideas for fall should really go without saying… it’s just not the same if you don’t invest a little time and energy into decorating.
I was talking to one of my girlfriends about fall decor, and she explained that she doesn’t decorate for Halloween since she doesn’t care for looking at skeletons and spiders. I suppose that’s understandable, but that doesn’t mean you can’t decorate at all.
There are countless types of fall decorations that bring the spirit of the holiday season in, but not so much of the creepiness, if its a concern. There are lots of variations on the classic pumpkin…a pumpkin painted white with a black and orange ribbon is a nice accent. Try adding some black candles and a white candelabra to your dinner table, or a black feather wreath to your front door. 
The fragrances of the season are also a nice touch… look for candles and wax warmers scented like pumpkin spice, harvest or other scents to use in your home. However you decide to decorate your home for fall and Halloween, be it with a dark and ghoulish look or just a festive touch of fall color, just be sure to get out there and enjoy the beauty of autumn. A day spent sauntering through a park in the crisp air just might inspire your own decoration craft idea or do-it-yourself costume.
Emma Rae Curtis is a costume/dressing up/makeup & accessories expert. She mainly writes about Halloween but also about all things costume and dress-up related.
