HALLO-NO
I’m an interior expert – your Halloween decorations look tacky & cheap because of 7 mistakes, they annoy neighbours too
And the best tips on how to save money this Halloween
AN INTERIORS expert has revealed seven Halloween decorations mistakes that are making your home look tacky.
Spooky season is now well underway, and many of us will be busy decorating our homes with pumpkins, skeletons and spiderwebs.
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However, Halloween decoration expert Miriam Gomez, from has revealed that many people make mistakes when decoration their homes, which can lead to their neighbours becoming unimpressed.
Too Much Orange and Black
Whilst orange and black are the staple colours of Halloween, Miriam said that too much of them can make your home look like a Halloween shop.
She said: "Orange and black have their place in Halloween decor, but the key is subtlety.
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"Instead of flooding every corner of your home with these bold colours, mix them with neutral tones like greys or deep purples.
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"This creates a more sophisticated look without losing the spooky vibe.”
Plastic Tombstones
The expert revealed that plastic tombstones often come across as cartoonish rather than eerie.
She said: "Plastic tombstones tend to be clunky and tacky.
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"If you're aiming for a haunted graveyard feel, opt for smaller, more understated pieces or make your own tombstones out of wood or cardboard for a more authentic, DIY vibe."
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Too Many Lights
String lights are a classic Halloween decoration, but can get overwhelming if you use too many.
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Miriam said: "Less is more when it comes to Halloween lighting.
"Stick to dim, warm-toned lights or candles to create a spooky yet inviting atmosphere.
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"Avoid flashing or overly bright lights, which can be harsh on the eyes and take away from the eerie ambience."
Fake Materials and Too Much Glitter
Fake plastic decorations and bucketloads of glitter can make your house look garish.
How to save on Halloween
CUT-OUTS WON’T KEEP: Once carved, pumpkins last just three to five days before they start to rot. So wait until a day or two before Halloween to carve yours, to ensure you won’t have to buy a replacement.
CHILLING CARVINGS: Carve your pumpkin right first time. Download free templates from Hobbycraft to help ensure no slip-ups.
DEVILISHY CHEAP DECORATIONS: Create spooky spider webs using old string or rope.
PAY LESS FOR FACE PAINTS: Cut costs by using your old eyeliners and eyeshadows, and dab on some talc when you need a ghostly white shade.
CUT-PRICE CANDY: Before you buy sweets to give out as treats, clear out your cupboards and see what you have. If you need more, shop bulk deals and compare the price per kilo before you buy.
PETRIFYING POT LUCK: Ask your guests to each bring a delicious themed dish to your party to keep hosting costs down.
SPINE-CHILLING TUNES: Turn to YouTube for a frighteningly good free playlist. There are dozens of channels with hour-long music mixes.
HOLD A SPOOKY SWISH: Swishing — or clothes-swapping with friends — is an easy way to get a new wardrobe. Hold a spooky swish before Halloween to trade costumes for kids and adults.
FRIGHTENING FREEBIES: Sign up for a free local Halloween event. Check your local Nextdoor or Facebook pages, or search eventbrite.co.uk for ideas.
BLOODY GOOD DEAL: Don’t fork out for expensive fake blood. Make your own edible version instead. You can use it for cakes and to decorate costumes.
SHOP ON NOV 1: Be organised and bag the bargains for next year by hitting the shops the day after Halloween. Remember to buy your kids’ costumes a size larger to allow for growth.
Miriam said: “Too much glitter or fake materials like plastic skeletons and faux cobwebs can make your decor look cheap.
“Stick to real pumpkins, dried leaves, and natural textures to create a more tasteful, authentic Halloween vibe.”
Loud Repetitive Sounds
Although, decorations which go 'boo' or 'aggh' might seem fun when you first purchase them, they can soon get incredibly annoying.
Miriam said: "Sound machines with screeching effects or loud, repetitive music can disrupt the eerie atmosphere you're aiming for.
“Instead, opt for soft, ambient sounds like rustling leaves or distant howls.
"This creates an unsettling mood without overwhelming your neighbours.”
Inflatable Garden Decor
Inflatable garden decorations may seem like a hoot, but they often look tacky, according to Miriam.
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The expert said: “While some inflatables can be amusing, oversized pumpkins, ghosts, and zombies typically clash with the spooky atmosphere you want to create.
“They can also easily end up floating into your neighbour's garden, which is not ideal.
"Instead, consider using more classic decor like carved pumpkins or natural elements that enhance the Halloween spirit without sacrificing style.”
Not Embracing Classic Elements
Pumpkins with cleverly crafted designs carved out of them are timeless, and will add festive charm to any home.
Miriam explained: "Carving real pumpkins with unique designs or traditional faces adds character and authenticity.
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“You can also gather natural elements like cornstalks, twigs, and dark leaves to drape around your doorway.
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"This approach creates a warm, inviting atmosphere while maintaining a spooky touch, making your home feel both festive and stylish.”
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