Hello, all! I hope this post finds everyone in good health and safe!
A couple of weeks ago, as I began taking photos for my upcoming Halloween post, something strange happened. The shutter (not sure if this is the problem) of my camera stopped working on all of my lenses. Horrible!! The camera focuses and makes the sound as though it is about to shoot, but then, nothing happens. I have had my Nikon a good ten years almost now; perhaps it's finally time for an upgrade, sighs.
I don't know why, but recording on the camera seems to work. That is why I am assuming something must be amiss with the shutter mechanism of the camera.
Please forgive the grainy pictures I was able to capture with my Ipad, which is old as well...I do LOVE all things antique, but perhaps I've taken my love of antiquity too far, lol. I hope you will, however, enjoy the virtual tour of my Halloween décor at the end of this post, as the video does it much better justice than my older-version Ipad.
Ahhhh, Halloween. That whimsical time of year I adore almost as much as Christmas. Maybe it's reflecting upon the memories of youth. I love it!! I also am a self-proclaimed Halloween and horror film enthusiast, so most of the time, you will not find kitschy-cute Halloween here. I adore the macabre aspect of the season (added bonus: I allow myself to be a tiny bit lax on the housekeeping this time of the year only; the leaves pile up a small bit, dust settles on the furniture adding a bit of spooky charm...lol)!
Here is a peak at the rooms and vignettes I have set up around the house. Again, I would love for you to also take a look at the video I've included. As I mentioned, it is a SCARY tour, so if that is not your forte, you may not enjoy it. I've also filmed it in a very Blair-Witch-esque way, so if you get motion sickness, you are hereby warned (translation: I'm not that great taking videos with the camera yet. Cackles wickedly).
So! Let's get to the tour!!
Front doors:
I always try to decorate my home for the holidays beginning with the front doors. Here is a look at the wreaths I made for this year.
Right
Left
If you would like to see the tutorial of how I created these wreaths, you may visit the post on my blog The Crafting Table here.
Here is a shot of the matching garland.
It is also handmade. You may see how I put it together on this post from my blog The Crafting Table.
Flowers, flowers, flowers.
The easiest way for me to add an element of festive charm is to just add additional flowers to my existing arrangements to coordinate with whichever season it is.
Here is a shot of the arrangement in my foyer:
I also added some spooky branch foliage to the wall mounted fireplace in the foyer. Here is a closeup.
An arrangement on the antique table leading into the living area:
Dining room arrangement:
Living room flowers in my antique Reed & Barton punch bowl. I love this bowl to pieces!! It is so versatile!! You can read all about my receiving and lovingly caring for this bowl in the archives here.
I try to have all the arrangements coordinate with each other. Also in the foyer, I have adorned my bench with cute throw pillows:
and a haunted gentleman plays on. 
The art painting situated where music books normally sit is noise and motion activated, and plays Chopin's Marche Funebre added with flashing lights and wicked laughter.
On one side of the piano next to one of the lighted lanterns sits an automated motion-activated violin that plays Saint-Saens' Danse Macabre.
Also in the entryway, a mirror is decorated with a hairy friend (or FIEND),
and the chair
As you head towards the living room, you will see my Halloween tree. It is adorned with spiders, black ornaments, skully floral stems, ribbon, and remote-controlled lanterns.
Sparkle!!!
The lanterns have the option of a multi-color constantly changing setting, or you may choose a specific color. A look at the tree lit up:
Here is a closeup of the tree topper:
The tree is a nine foot Christmas tree I purchased for not a lot, and I simply spray painted it black. A tree this scale and size (back when I purchased it) would have cost over $500 or more. I think I paid around $145-$150, and that includes the paint! I think Halloween trees have become much more popular nowadays, and you likely can find a nine foot black tree for around $250-$300. I still made out like a bandit, lol.
On to the kitchen:
Bat chair covers over the barstools:
A centerpiece of creepy trees runs down the middle of the kitchen island in my very, very old dough trough:
On the other side of the island along with poison bottles and creepy art is a witches’ recipe book.
It’s also automated; it opens via a sound and motion sensor, and a witchy voice reads from the book. So fun!!
I've set up some very cool spooky vignettes in the other areas of the house:
In the laundry, Mr. Bones looks (or hangs) on. Hello, there!
A fun skull taunts at the back door.
You may view take the video tour here:
