I don’t think I have ever blogged about my neighborhood during Halloween. We are blessed to live in a cul ~ de ~ sac of kindness. Phyllis always sets up a candy station in her front yard first. Ponce plays music all night long and Alan delivers refreshments via a wagon and a cooler. It’s so much fun that my kids actually prefer to remain in “the circle” and pass out candy then go begging for it door to door. Every year I make a little something special for the neighborhood kids. (Click HERE for details.) Here is how to create A Spooktacular Setting.
A Spooktacular Setting
Like many a mom before me, I try to get a bit of a healthy dinner with my kids before the sugared gluttony begins. So a spooktacular tablescape is required.
This years theme was an abandoned lab of a mad scientist.
The Living Room
I covered the furnishings in the adjoining sitting area with antique Metis sheets ~ much like you would find in a vacated estate. I added in a few ticking pillows for accent.
The little side table received a few old keys and a darling printout from Mine for the Making.
The small chest received a tongue in cheek vignette of an antique teddy made from… werewolf hair.
(Printable found on Pinterest. If you know the source please let me know so that I can provide the credit.)
I adore this sweet twine pumpkin which arrived in a lovely swap package of goodies I received from Lynn.
The Dining Area
Next, I covered the picture in our dining area with two pieces of antique silk I had stored away. I didn’t bother to hem or iron it.
Last year I had printed out a cute Halloween banner by Moselle. I finally got around to making it this year.
After cutting out the pieces of the banner I embellished it with Stickles glitter. The banner was tied together with a bit of twine.
I thought I had made the end ties long enough to fasten over the picture, but I was mistaken. As I was now out of twine and determined not to spend ANY money on this vignette I got resourceful and pulled out some black and gold netting to lengthen it to fit.
Making Rosettes
Uh, it looked ridiculous.
So I just covered it up with some prize ribbon rosettes I made. (Click HERE for details.)
I then went around the house and gathered up everything I owned in a neutral color palette. Of course, this French bust doesn’t look very festive right now…
…but if you add a netted bow and a piece of Victorian mourning jewelry she fits right in.
The Tablescape
In a nod to Nester I layered every runner and doily I owned to create a base on the tabletop and buffet. Again, I didn’t bother to iron any of the pieces.
I added my well-used wicker chargers, some vintage paper doilies (it didn’t matter that they were ripped) and the mercury votives I purchased at a post-Christmas sale at Target.
The votives were used to hold white roses from a giving neighbor’s garden.
The chargers were topped with our everyday dishes and antique linen napkins. The “G” on the napkin ring stands for good goblins of course.
The “B” monogrammed napkins make for a beautiful “boo”.
Vintage scrabble tiles are always fun.
The Sideboard
The sideboard was loaded up with everything a hoarder mad scientist might need.
Luna moth “eggs” were nestled in a silver egg cup that Sweet Boy had received at his christening. The clock in the background was, of course, stopped at midnight.
(Printable from the uber talented Second Sister.)
Apothecary bottles and cloches were filled with a variety of natural substances.
This petrified fairy was bottled by Janna.
Boo Letters
Antique glass glitter sparkled on some simple letters. (Click HERE for details.)
On the back of each chair, I tied a sweet treat. (Click HERE for details.)
Individually nothing makes sense, but all together it’s ghostly glorified goodness.
Are you creating a Spooktacular tablescape?
Laura
Laura, your table scape is amazing. I love it! Right now our table is decorated for a family birthday, so I will probably decorate the table later on this week. I love how you used the Scrabble letters. Great post, and your header made me giggle! 😀
It is bootiful! 🙂
I am not decorating for Halloween this year. My mantel still has the “back to school” theme going, and I just don't want to handle all that stuff. Of course, between the dust and the tiny spiders who insistently build, I might just be able to switch out the bulb for a “black” one and have all the spookies I could desire!
Your projects are amazing–and that you DID IT YOURSELF just stuns me!
~april
That looks wonderful, Laura! Love the Scrabble tile words you placed throughout and your “Werewolf” bear. I think it's nice that everyone gets together in your neighborhood.
Everything looks SPOOK-tacular!! I loveeeeeeeeeeeee the decorations! And I so wish I would have known that you were going to Crop Girls…that is my FAVE scrap store in the Valley, and I so would have met you there! :):):):):):):):):):):)
Wonderful!
It's like Morticia Adams went…
“Frightly Chic”!
~Lynne
[w/L]
You are hands-down the most creative person I know! Everything looks terrific and you make it look so easy… which it is not for me.
Wish I lived in your neighborhood! We have nothing like that here where we barely know our neighbors and not that I haven't tried. Of course, we DO know the neighbors to the east of us all too well, hee hee (my parents) ☺
Hope you have a wonderful new week.
Love, Linda
Very creative, love your tablescape! Have a wonderful week! ~Liz
Wow – what a theme of Halloween decor! And such great neighbors too! You will have a memorable holiday!
xo Cathy
oh my gosh, that is fabulous! i love the black and white color combo. you really went all out! decor to abhor-hysterical!
I love the theme of your tablescape this year! I especially love the attention to detail!
I'm working on my tablescape this week! My menu is a tradition: I make homemade chicken tortilla soup with all the fresh toppings! Its light and easy to get a bowl down a excited grandkid. Plus its healthy.
Have a Great Week!
~Rainey~ @ The Project Table
so wonderful and spooky!! excellent ideas, lady! wowsa!
rebecca
What great details you've done. I have the same statue and I'm going to dress her up for Halloween, too. She usually just wears a lase cap, but I think she would like to be a little more festive.
Very cool missy! I'm sorry you'll see the teeny, tiny, itty bit of Halloween decor I have out when you come over……but at least I tried.
Hugs,
Meri
The whole thing together is so classy and creepy. The kids will surely want to dig in before going out to pass out candy. Lucky kids!
Oh sweetie, I want to live in your neighborhood. All I have out here are the wild~eyed cattle and believe me ya don't want the 'treats' they provide! Heeeehehe!
Your place looks spectacularly spooky and what little goblin' wouldn't love to receive that beautiful bucket of treats!
God bless ya and have yourself an extraordinary day! :o)
Fabulous post! What creative and wonderfully spooky decor – you are so inspirational. 🙂
En France nous ne fêtons pas Halloween … bien que cette fête ait franchi les océans, elle n'a pas eu l'importance qu'elle a chez vous.
Je trouve votre décoration absolument géniale… Un merveilleux souci du détail.
gros bisous
Oh my goodness! I put a post up with my Halloween decorations today and now I'd like to pull it down. Yours are so over-the-top perfect! Wow! I am very impressed.
What wonderful decorations! I giggled over the “future werewolf” bear 🙂 I've enjoyed Halloween ever since childhood..it is such a fun event!
Absolutely beautiful! I LOVE your shabby/chic Halloween style. I love that you used my printable 🙂 Thanks for linking back and letting me know!
Sharing on my facebook page 🙂
Kara
http://www.mineforthemaking.com
Great decoration idea. Lovely blog, if you want visit my blog and let me know if you want to follow and I will follow back
CUTE, Laura, and fun; I do not decorate for the event; really love the little bust with the tulle….
Spooky! Thanks for sharing! Joann
Wow. The goblins and spooks won't want to leave, with such a booootiful layout! You go ghoul!!!
Les
The first photo is Halloween magic awesomeness! Well done. You do inspire.
Laura,
What a fun tablescape! This is such a great time of the year to decorate – my kids love checking out all the front porches in the neighborhood. Thanks for stopping by. I love hearing that my mantel made you feel calm! I wish it would make me feel calm! Have a good night!
-Shelley
Wow, such imagination and creativity! You did a fabulous job! I love your theme! So many great things to comment on here, I'll just say I love them all! Your kids will always have the best memories of these times!
Laura,
This is the best Halloween display I've seen in blog land! Spooktacular indeed!
Your Friend,
Deborah
Oh Laura, this is just the cutest. I totally love your buffet vignette and your tablescape. You are so creative and I love it all. How fun. Thanks tons for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty
Fantastic! I don't think there was one thing in this post that wasn't completely unique and creative. I can't think of a favorite part, but the various words spelled out was definitely one thing on the top of the list.
You have whet my appetite for the follow up posts.
Laura — so clever and FUN! You must live in a fabulous neighborhood 🙂
Blessings!
Gail
Love how you changed the header title … very clever!
BOO!
Cass
Hi, Laura,
Thanks for directing me to this tablescape. I always enjoy your blog, even if I'm not a crafty person, you share such wonderful ideas. I LOVE the scrabble letters idea.
D
Your tablescape & dining room decor are spook-tacular! You really did an amazing job.
Very festive!
So many great ideas.. Love the darling treats on the backs of the chairs. the vintage pieces on the table are so wonderful too. Love your lab.. great fun! xo marlis
Thanks for your sweet visit — I love your “old world” looking Halloween decor. A wonderful tablescape you've prepared for us to enjoy.