Spooky season is once again upon us. Supermarkets and boutique shops alike are donning swathes of plastic bats, fibrous synthetic cobwebs, velvet-covered pumpkins and some decorations that are just downright ugly (sorry).
Overconsumption loves holidays like Halloween because it pressures us into thinking we have to buy into the season wholeheartedly, filling our shopping baskets with cheap tat (that actually adds up at the checkout) we'll have out for two weeks, only to put it away and forget about it by the following year. The cycle continues.
For my Halloween edit, I wanted to spotlight things I would choose anyway – pieces that are chic and timeless, as well as offering a playful nod to the macabre. Of course, if you really love the ghoulish aspects of this season, sprinkle in the spiders and the skulls as much as you like. But these will look best if they're layered against classics – and bonus: you won't need to buy nearly as many.
Focus most on the palette: black, brown, burgundy and metallics will lean into the Gothic look, but can be layered with your usual homeware for the rest of the year without raising an eyebrow. Consider adding the obvious Halloween iconography in other places affordably – if you're hosting a dinner party, try drawing eerie figures on your guests' placeholders, or serving spooky dishes.
For decorations, why not opt for organic? Rather than buying plastic pumpkins, supermarkets sell pretty white, black and green gourds – smooth and pristine, or gnarled and knobbly, there's something for every scheme. My local Aldi is ripe with unusual colours and shapes for as little as 70p. They've also just launched a beautiful pumpkin cookware range, with prices starting at just £2.99 – plastic-free!
Afterwards, use carved pumpkins for composting or feeding wildlife. Or, if you didn't carve yours, consider roasting it and making a delicious pumpkin soup – nothing gets me in the spirit of the season quite like it.
The Sustainable Halloween Edit
The Lucky Fox Vintage 'Coven of Witches' Wall Art Plate
Coloured Glass Vase
Two-tired Stainless Steel Cake Stand
Red Candles, Set of 2
