Falloween

There's a short, magical stretch of the year where autumn and Halloween overlap. The candles come out, the throws come down from the cupboard, and somewhere between the pumpkins and the mums, a ghost or two sneaks in. I call it Falloween, and it's my favourite season to decorate for.

The trick is not to decorate twice. Instead of a full Halloween setup that has to come down on the first of November, I build a warm autumn base that stays up until the end of the season, then layer a few playful, spooky pieces on top. When Halloween is over, those few pieces go back in the box and the house still looks finished.

The 80/20 rule

Make about 80 percent of your decor simply autumnal, and keep only 20 percent truly Halloween. It keeps the house feeling cosy rather than costume-shop, and it means you only have a handful of things to pack away.

The Falloween edit

Five pieces: three that stay up all season, and two that bring the boo.

How I'd use them

• The ghostsSet them either side of the fireplace or on an entry console. They're made for indoors, so outside, keep them under a covered porch. Each needs 3 AA batteries (6 in total, not included) and a little assembly.
• The candlesMix all four textures (bubble, stripe, twisted and spiral) in mismatched holders down a linen runner. The bases are about 0.87 in (22 mm) wide, which fits most standard taper holders.
• The mumsUse a plain white or stoneware vase so the colour comes from the flowers. The stems bend, so you can split the bunch between the entry and the table, or work a few into a wreath.
• The pumpkinsStack all three on the bed, largest at the bottom, for a pumpkin tower. They arrive vacuum packed, so shake, squeeze and give them a day or two to puff up.
• The pillow coversThey're covers only, so zip them over 18-inch inserts you already have. Pair them with a plush pumpkin and a knit throw, then on 1 November unzip and fold them away.

Three spots to style

You don't need to decorate every room. Pick one or two of these and let them do the talking.

The welcome

Entry or porch

• Light-up ghosts, one each side
• Faux mums in a stoneware pot
• A real pumpkin or two

The first thing guests and trick-or-treaters see. Keep the ghosts under cover.

The cosy corner

Sofa

• Ghost pillow covers
• One or two plush pumpkins
• A knitted or faux fur throw

Made for scary-movie nights. The covers come off and the pumpkins stay.

The gathering

Dining table

• Mixed taper candles down the middle
• Mums in low vases between them
• Mini pumpkins and loose nuts

Works for a Halloween dinner and stays right through Thanksgiving.

The 1 November swap

Here's the whole changeover. It takes about ten minutes, and the house still looks dressed for the season.

• Pack awayThe light-up ghosts (take the batteries out first) and the ghost pillow covers.
• KeepTaper candles, plush pumpkins, faux mums and your throws.
• AddPinecones, a few dried leaves or wheat stems around the candles to lean into Thanksgiving.