31 Days of Autumn Inspiration: Happy Halloween!

Wishing you a very Happy Halloween!

Thank you for joining us for our 31 Days of Autumn Inspiration series. It's been a fun 31 days. We're looking forward to sharing some of the "Non-Autumn" related projects that we've been working on. In the coming weeks we'll be posting about our redecorated master bedroom, which turned out better than we expected. Also, our Living Room will finally be revealed . . . and you won't believe the "before" photos! And of course, we have a ton of great Holiday ideas that we are excited to share.

Thanks again to everyone who stopped by. Stay tuned for 25 Days of Christmas Cheer.

31 Days of Autumn Inspiration: Starting Halloween Traditions

Every family has different traditions for this time of year. Since we don't have kids yet, our traditions are a little bit different. Instead of taking kids out to Trick-or-Treat, we get to stay in and hand out candy. It's always so fun to see the neighborhood kids dressed up. Our tradition is simple, - We have a nice, cozy dinner for the two of us and we curl up and watch a movie. I'll be making a huge pot of chili for dinner and a delicious apple upside-down cake for dessert. Of course, a few cocktails will be sprinkled in here and there.

For those of you eager to start your own Halloween traditions this year, here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

1. Show Your Spirit and Decorate!  If you haven't decorated the house for Halloween yet, - What are you waiting for? Make it a family activity and make sure everyone gets in on the action. Isn't it fun to see the faces of the trick or treaters light up as they look at all of your Halloween decorations?

2. Play a game of "CLUE". Halloween is all about mystery and playing a game of CLUE will be fun for the whole family. Play the movie in the background for an added touch.

3. Read Bedtime Stories by Candle light. There are so many Halloween books that are more sweet than spooky. Try The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything, or why not write a story together?

4. Have a Spooky Movie Night. Curl up with popcorn and other delicious munchies and watch all of the classics. It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is a must. The Nightmare Before Christmas and Bednobs and Broomsticks are other great movies for kids. Older kids might enjoy something a bit scarier and if you're like us, (with no kids), why not watch a few Horror classics?

What are your Halloween traditions? Is there something that you do every year that you always look forward to?

31 Days of Autumn Inspiration: Harvest Celebration Games

If you're throwing a Harvest Celebration, then you're probably planning a few outdoor games.

Why not try Gourd Bowling?

Or "Pop Goes the Pumpkin"? While this photo looks like it may have been taken indoors, I would highly suggest that you make this an outdoor activity, as it involves glitter.

 

Maybe some Croquet?

Last year, we had a Harvest Celebration Dinner with our friends, but this year we're opting for a more low key celebration. Very low key . . . it will just be the two of us. The night will consist of delicious food, Autumn themed cocktails and a few games. Nice and quiet!

31 Days of Autumn Inspiration: A Harvest Celebration

If you're planning a Harvest Celebration or any kind of party this Autumn, you'll love these photos. This party was featured over at bhg.com and I love every bit of it. Take a look!

One of those wreathes is actually a styrofoam wreath form covered with peanuts. LOVE!

How cheerful is this buffet?

I'll take a bit of each, please.

Simple, but beautiful decor.

Gourds line the stairway. If only my vine had produced more than one sad, little gourd this year!

I love a great chalkboard in the kitchen.

The idea of a "Costume Timeline" is awesome! What a great way to take a look back on all of the costumes you and your children have worn over the years.

Are you planning a Harvest Celebration? We are, but it's just going to be a party for us two!

31 Days of Autumn Inspiration: Prepping for Holiday Baking

Soon, many of us will be stuck in the kitchen, baking away. When I took a look in my cabinet that holds all of our baking supplies, I had an instant sad face. It was a mess! And it certainly didn't make me excited to bake. So, I decided that an overhaul was necessary.

I used Ball jars to store all of my beautiful candy melts. I go through so many during the holiday's when I'm whipping up cake pops!

With all of the candy melts organized, I can easily see all of the beautiful colors that I have in stock. Never again will I need to make a mad dash to the store when I realize that I don't have the colors that I thought

 I had.

My cupcake liners and lollipop sticks now have a home as well.

Seeing all of my supplies in front of me actually makes me want to bake. Mission accomplished!

Now if only I could get our gift wrapping supplies in order as well!

31 Days of Autumn Inspiration: Bed Time

As soon as Autumn arrives, the entire mood in our house changes. We're ready cuddle up and layer on the blankets. We spend more time in bed, since it's so hard to get up when it's cold! And we're ready to turn in for the night much earlier.

I'm often changing our bedding. And I always change my mind about what I want our bed to look like. I think I've finally settled on a scheme and our bedroom is finally coming together . . . just in time for all of the extra hours we'll spend curled up in bed.

Take a look at these beautiful beds . . . they'll inspire you and make you sleepy all at the same time!

Which bed is your favorite?

Tomorrow, we'll show you what's been going on in our kitchen. Here's a hint: It's not cooking!

31 Days of Autumn Inspiration: Spooky Signs

With Halloween just around the corner, we're busy working on our outdoor decor. We've found a few signs that we really like, but haven't yet decided on what kind of sign we'll be posting outside on the spookiest day of the year.

Which is your favorite?

31 Days of Autumn Inspiration: Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle

Trifles are delicious and beautiful. Try this one during your next Autumn gathering.

Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle

Ingredients


2 (14-ounce) packages gingerbread mix
1 (5.1-ounce) box cook-and-serve vanilla pudding mix
1 (30-ounce) can pumpkin pie filling
½ cup packed brown sugar
1/3 teaspoon ground cardamom or cinnamon
1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping
½ cup gingersnaps, optional

Directions


Bake the gingerbread according to the package directions; cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the pudding
and set aside to cool. Stir the pumpkin pie filling, sugar and cardamom/cinnamon into the pudding. Crumble one batch of gingerbread into the bottom of a large, pretty bowl. Pour ½ of the pudding mixture over the gingerbread, then add a layer of whipped topping. Repeat with the remaining gingerbread, pudding and whipped topping. Sprinkle the top with crushed gingersnaps, if desired. Refrigerate overnight. Trifle can be layered in a punch bowl.

31 Days of Autumn Inspiration: Day by Day

In case you've missed any of our 31 Days of Autumn Inspiration series, take a look back:

Day 1: DIY Burlap Wreath
Day 2: One Candle, Many Looks
Day 3: Autumn Inspired Drink Recipes
Day 4: A Look Back
Day 5: Autumn Inspired Cooking
Day 6: Start a New Tradition
Day 7: Offbeat Pumpkins
Day 8: Halloween Party Eye Candy
Day 9: Quick and Easy Fall Decor
Day 10: A Fall To-Do List
Day 11: Fall Picnics
Day 12: Apple Cider Bar
Day 13: Cozy up Your Home for Autumn
Day 14: Around the Blogosphere
Day 15: S'mores
Day 16: Create a Cozy Nook
Day 17: Fall Produce
Day 18: Decorating with Leaves
Day 19: Outdoor Decor
Day 20: Pumpkin Pot Pie
Day 21: Spooky Outdoor Decor
Day 22: The Best of Pinterest

31 Days of Autumn Inspiration: The Best of Pinterest

If you're not yet on Pinterest, you don't know what you're missing! Here are a few of our favorite Autumn images floating around on Pinterest.

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31 Days of Autumn Inspiration: Spooky Outdoor Decor

If you're trying to get in the Halloween spirit, these photos ought to help.

Take a look at these great photos from bhg.com of spooky outdoor decor and I'm sure you'll feel inspired to add a little touch of Halloween to your yard.

This is definitely a step above the usual cardboard headstones that people stick in their lawns.

This manages to be spooky and cute at the same time. That kitty on the left looks more friendly than scary.

This is such a great idea. Easy, too!

How about filling your trees with cotton spider nests and creepy plastic spiders? Yuck!!

This will look so scary as the sun goes down!

Somehow this Haunted House manages to seem very welcoming.

Got an old wheelbarrow and some plastic bones? Toss in some dirt and you'll have yourself a pretty spooky Halloween prop.

Do you decorate your yard for Halloween? Or are you the neighbor who turns off the lights and pretends to not be home?