Don’t forget your mantle when decorating for Halloween. I love to gather a variety of items to make an unexpected yet creative scene.
The 3 key elements for a successful display are:
- Adding layers
- Combine textures
- Build on a variety of heights
I placed a white pumpkin slightly off center. To create balance, I chose a painted pumpkin bag on the left and a large glass candle jar on the right. All three of these “foundation” items are basically the same height.
Then I had fun filling in the open spaces with decorative items of various sizes, colors and textures.
Remember odd numbers make a display more interesting.
A white pumpkin is an unexpected twist for a Halloween display. The addition of 2 smaller gourds maintains the “Rule of 3”.
My son made the painted paper bag jack-o-lantern in elementary school.
It’s still adorable and so easy to do.
- Simply stuff a lunch size bag with scrap paper
- Twist the end to form a stem and hold in place with tape
- Paint the entire bag orange
- Make a pumpkin face with black paint
I love unexpected items like this old cowboy.
More gourds and an hour glass frame the bag pumpkin. A vintage cowboy with chipped orange paint adds great personality.
At the other end of the mantle, I filled a large jar with coffee beans and a colorful candle. I found the tin cage with 10¢ painted on the end (in orange no less!) at an antique store. Not sure what sold for 10¢, but I love the sculptural look of it.
Mix traditional collectables with something unexpected.
I finished the mantle with a ceramic ghost and mini jack-o-lantern. My mother painted the bell jar. It could be filled with candy and holds a votive cup on top.
Clay flower pots painted with black chalk board paint fill in the rest of the space. Using chalk, I sketched pumpkin faces on the front and used them as candle holders and bases. Candle light is a must for a spooky Halloween scene.
I would love to hear how you decorate your mantle this October!
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