It’s the spookiest night of the year and Halloween fancy dress and home décor is now more popular than ever in the UK.
Even if you’ve left preparations to the last minute, there are still some simple ways that you and your family can get in the Halloween ‘spirit’ and spookify your life for the evening.
- Perfect pumpkins
Many supermarkets and greengrocers will still have plenty of pumpkins or squashes available, especially if you’re not fussy on size. A lot of shops now sell child-safe pumpkin carving kits too, but if you can’t find one then a pointed carving knife and dessert spoons should do the trick. Just make sure you take care and supervise youngsters!
Carving a pumpkin can be a calming and relaxing way to express your creativity and of course it’s a great activity to get the kids involved with too. If you’re new to pumpkin carving take a look at Youtube, Pinterest or Instagram to get some inspiration, or if you’re an old hand, why not try out a more advanced design this year?
When you’ve finished, display your masterpieces on your porch or front windowsills with tea lights inside for a frightful effect.
- Ghoulish gourmet
Surprise your family with a Halloween twist on your evening meal. How about green food colouring in the mash, carrots or swedes shaped like witches’ fingers or add ‘eyeballs’ instead of meatballs to your pasta by using mozzarella and sliced olive to create the gruesome effect.
For dessert you can often find favourite branded cakes and treats have been given a Halloween theme, or you could go traditional with toffee apples.
Don’t forget a blood red or pumpkin-orange punch or a green witches’ brew to wash down your meal!
- Devilish décor
When it comes to making your living room look frightfully good, there are plenty of simple tricks that will work a treat.
One of the easiest is to create a display with candles to create mood lighting and an eerie flickering light. Use groups of 3-5 together and make sure to use holders to stop wax from dripping on to furniture or carpets. Also make sure they’re away from pets or little people!
Using black paper to create cut out designs for the wall or to hang from string like bunting also looks highly effective and can be done super quickly. Bats and ghosts are simple yet striking shapes, but if you’re feeling more creative try skulls or lettering. Trick or treat?!
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