Halloween Street Outdoor Decorating Ideas

There is a street in Romeo, MI that is known for the amazing Halloween decorations each year, so my family finally decided to go check it out. We were shocked that there was almost nowhere to park, and there were SO many people walking up and down the street. Apparently it is like this all the way up until Halloween (and I can only imagine how many people walk this street on Halloween day). I had a pretty awesome neighborhood growing up, most people would decorate, and there was always a good amount of candy at the end of the night (about four pillowcases full) but these days no one seems to care anymore. So to see a neighborhood like this, I felt hope for Halloween's future.

Halloween Decorating Inspiration

I'm always torn between Halloween and Christmas. Both involve candy, decorations, feasts, weather to suit the mood, and fun. Both can even include costumes: witches and ghouls or Santa and his elves. You can go trick-or-treating or caroling. You can give out candy or presents. So, you see why I can't decide which holiday is my favorite?

It makes me very upset that the people on my block do not celebrate either holiday (decor-wise). It doesn't matter if you're religious or not, it's just fun to celebrate stuff, especially for the kids. Even if you "don't believe" or question the origins of the holiday, celebrate the day like you would Thanksgiving, as a time to have fun, eat, and be with family. That's my opinion, anyway.

Trend Hunter via Decorology

TraditionalHome.com

Birch and Lily

MarthaStewart.com

Image source unknown

Pottery Barn

Country Living

And from my own home:

If only I had outdoor electric sockets I could decorate outside, too.

Finding Space Where There Is None

My mother actually gave me the idea for this post.

How to find space when you think there's none left.

#1 Use shelving within shelving. For example, kitchen cupboard organizers. You can use these for dishes, glasses, pot lids, aluminum foil and plastic wrap, spices, pans, soaps and plastic bags...everything! I think they're especially helpful for very small things, like samples, tea cups and short glasses.

Above images from www.organizeworld.com

#2 Use extra pillows and blankets instead of storing them. It's much easier to put five blankets and four pillows on the bed just to take them all off before going to sleep than it is to find a permanent hiding place for them, taking them out only when you have guests over. Besides, a lot of people like the cozy, layered look. If you're not up for it, drape a blanket over the footboard.

Houzz

Country Living

#3 Use furniture with storage inside, like a storage ottoman, a storage bench, a storage chest or trunk as a coffee table, or a dresser instead of a console table, side table or dining buffet.

A dresser in the dining room, Design Sponge

A storage ottoman, Elle Decor

A vintage trunk used as a side table, Design Sponge

#4Think vertically. Use storage towers in closets and shelves at the very top to utilize space. You could also use slim, low boxes to hide things under the bed.

Source unknown 

#5 Scan important papers so that they don't get ruined, thrown out, or clutter your space. Consider storing a file on your computer before printing it. Every new piece of paper you want to save or print out needs to find a home, and you may not have space to keep it. For the same purpose, put all mail in an in/out box. This one can go right above or below the place where you put your keys.

Notice all the random papers in the image above...



Changes to Our Guest Bedroom

Due to my mother's suggestions I finally switched some things around in my house.

Moroccan guest bedroom before:

And the guest bedroom after:

As always, there are little bubbles in the pictures and I have no clue why.