I wanted a dramatic entry for our guests. The curtains will be used in my office when I redecorate. The little gnome stays on the porch year round. We decorate him at Christmas and I thought I'd decorate him for Halloween as well.
I purchased candlesticks from Goodwill and painted them black. {msL} found dripping blood candles and I was thrilled until they dripped everywhere including all over the table cloth and the rug. I will stick with regular candles from now on. I snagged tons of skulls and crows. I painted the plastic skulls black and silver and also used a few from last year that I'd sprayed with glittter spray paint. I replaced all of the bulbs in the lamps and light fixtures with red bulbs, adding to the spooky feel. I already owned the bulbs. I'd used them for my fire and ice themed 40th birthday party a few years ago.
Outside we had a fire pit and on the table I used a tray I found at Goodwill. It was an engraved tray (an award) but since I was going to put candles, mini gourds and skulls on it, the engraving wouldn't show. I wanted to carry the spooky ambience outside.
Now for the costumes!
{msL} and I dressed as Edgar Allan Poe and his Raven. I already owned the wings, leather peplum top and the satin ball skirt. I purchased the mask and the talons that I wore. I made the feather necklace and bracelets. I created smokey eye makeup and a beak using heavy black liner. I outlined my lips in black and used a dark red lipstick.