Halloween has arrived, and it’s time to get into the freaky festivities. Sure, it isn’t widely observed in Malaysia, but whether you’re feeling up for a small, SOP-observed party or just for the vibe, there’s nothing better to get you into the mood than decking out your house.
These terrifying tips will channel your internal Goth and help you get into the spirit(s) of the season.
Outdoors
Since it’s the rainy season right now, your options may be limited. But don’t let that stop you!
- Petrifying props
Use plastic pumpkins, foam tombstones, and straw scarecrows to decorate your porch. Make your own or buy them from the supermarket or specialty stores that supply Halloween paraphernalia.
Plastic options generally hold up well in the rain, but consider placing them under the shade but in sight. You could also build a makeshift spooky shed, under which your creepy props are displayed.
Even dead branches and dried leaves work as scary specimens, if you’re on a budget – just watch that they don’t blow away!
- Window ghouls
Put cotton wool or string “cobwebs” all over your windows, with a plastic spider or two. Swap out your fancy curtains for dirty old white sheets – the shabbier and more stained, the better.
You could even add “bloody handprints” with craft paint for a spookier effect, but make sure it’s washable.
Indoors
- Dreadful drapes
The easiest way to channel spookiness is to drape stained white cloth over your furniture – sofas, tables, cupboards, chairs, and so on. Black provides a darker ambiance, while deep purples and reds will make your home feel more like an evil lair.
The type of fabric will also allow for different effects. Simple cottons and linens are great for an abandoned haunted-house feel, while velvets and velour give off a more elegant aura. Lace is creepy, while crazy patterns and Halloween motifs provide a zany, eccentric flair.
Make sure the drapes do not get in the way or pose a hazard.
- Crafty creepies
Make your own fake spiders, ghostly puppets, ghoulish owls or scary skulls. Reuse old tissue rolls as the base of skeletons or ghosts, and fill containers with green goo, marbles, grapes or chocolate “eyeballs” to create creepy specimen jars.
There are plenty of DIY guides on making string cobwebs, foam pumpkins and cotton-ball rats available online.
- Deadly decals
Don’t forget your walls. Decals with spooky Halloween motifs, from ghosts and goblins to witches and pumpkins, are available online or from specialty shops – or you could make your own.
You could even adapt “regular” decals like leaves, moon, stars and trees to fit the theme.
Stick them up on windows as doors, and even mirrors and furniture surfaces. Make sure to get decals that are removable or reusable, or you’ll be stuck with a friendly ghost for much longer than you’d like.
- Loathsome lighting
Good lighting can set the mood. Dim your lights, or swap out bright bulbs for dimmer yellow or coloured ones.
You can also make DIY Halloween lampshades to cast freaky shadows, or look for readymade items such as Victorian shades or lamps with spooky skull designs.
When playing around with lighting, make sure you’re not obstructing any wiring or creating fire hazards.
This article first appeared in kaodim.com.
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