Welcome to October, my favorite month. Even though it is unusually warm for this time of year, the trees are starting to turn and the evenings are crisp and cool. I could let these days last forever. Soon we will have the surprising first frost, which is almost always followed by warm, almost summery weather. Here in the midwest the seasons are always well defined. Black walnuts, acorns, and drifting leaves are thick and crunchy upon the ground. This is the weather that calls to us. It reminds us to spend as much time as possible outside while we can enjoy it.
October is a time to enjoy the colors. It's also a time to remember that the holidays are beginning. Years ago, when I was busy selling at craft fairs, I felt like I was already late for Christmas by now. Luckily, I've managed to overcome that October panic and to enjoy one holiday at a time. Now I just concentrate on autumn and Halloween during this month. And I take time to enjoy it more. But I still like to decorate the easy and inexpensive way.
Halloween has become the second most decorated holiday here in the United States. The stores are filled with creepy, scary, gory decorations early in August or September. If you don't want to get involved with elaborate decorating there are still lots of simple ways to welcome the season without spending a lot of money. I have some old ideas that are still adaptable today.
Grocery stores carry a large variety of pumpkins, squash and gourds this time of year. There are also some farmers markets open in October. Buy a few and arrange them in a basket, bowl or just on a table. When it gets closer to the end of October, these can be carved into jack-o-lanterns. There are artificial pumpkins now that can be more easily carved, last longer, and don't make such a mess. They can be stored for several years, but aren't nearly as much fun to make.
When you are out enjoying that autumn walk, look for fallen tree branches. A large one will make a great tree for your hanging decorations. Put it in a pot, goody bag, or pumpkin with a bit of plaster to keep it steady. Over-achievers may want to paint the branch and give it a little sparkle but plain works just fine. I like to add some ribbons and black netting or cheesecloth. Don't forget the fairy lights.
Fabrics come in lots of Halloween and fall prints. I made a table runner for my dining room with a Halloween print on one side and an autumn design on the other. I've also made pumpkins from old plaid shirts and sweaters.
Ghosts are popular again this year. They are good to make from cheesecloth or old lace doilies.
Grapevine wreath bases can be changed for the seasons. Instead of attaching the flowers and ribbons permanently, they can be woven through the vines. This doesn't work as well on a door that is used every day, but it is sturdy enough for a wall.
Some of my decorating ideas seem a little out of date because they are. These are things that I have been doing for years. Now the decor has definitely changed to trendier, flashier and bigger. People buy blow up yard decorations and sculptures that can be twenty feet tall! Inside the house, pink has become a staple color. I guess I am a Halloween purist. I like orange, black, and purple. No monsters, bats, or skeletons for me. I stick with witches, ghosts and pumpkins.
