How To Choose Halloween Decorations You Can Reuse Throughout The Year

Decorating for Halloween can often mean buying items that you, unfortunately, might use only once a year. Being selective about what you buy and use for this Halloween can pay off, especially if you choose decorations you can use throughout the year. Skipping the overly-themed Halloween items, such as garish plastic gravestones, vinyl tablecloths with cute decals, and anything else with a limited display life can help stretch your budget and add more function to your decor.

Spooky season is big business for retailers, with trendy Halloween decor that may leave fans in a frenzy released each year. The National Retail Federation estimates shoppers will spend over $4 billion in Halloween decorations in 2025. Whether you prefer the grim and eerie aesthetic, or lean more towards using pink-themed Halloween decorations, there's no shortage of things to buy for All Hallows Eve. The problem is that we often buy these decorations, only to have to store them for the next year, or worse, toss them out and contribute to the landfill. Unless you live like Elvira the Mistress of the Dark year-round or your home is a shrine to the Haunted Mansion, there are probably endless decorations that you will soon move to the garage or closet after the trick or treaters have left. Before filling your cart at the shop, look for things like neutral and versatile colors, plain pumpkins, and brass candleholders, which can be reused for other occasions.

Start by considering how you will use your decorations. Will you be hosting a party? Look for options that can pull double-duty for Thanksgiving, considering fabric tablecloths that you can easily dress up over themed plastic ones. Take the same approach towards other Halloween pieces, such as choosing subtle-colored ceramic or foam pumpkins over grinning jack–o-lantern decor. Instead of putting your pumpkins in storage until the next Halloween, you can keep your decor out through Thanksgiving without a hitch.

This same approach can work with other decorative elements, like candleholders or candelabras. Brass candleholders are another wonderful addition that add elegance to your Halloween table or mantle, but can also stick around throughout the year. Pair them with a set of white, orange, or cream candlesticks, and you've got a perfect decoration for the fall — and beyond. If candles aren't your favorite, consider adding a set of color-changing LED fairy or string lights that let you shift the color to the season. Don't forget the exterior of your home either. You can easily dress up a woven rustic wreath, just by switching out ribbons and accessories coordinated to the present holiday. If you're craving a more playful vibe for your seasonal setup, try using what you already have and make a few pieces of easy DIY Halloween decorations. Simple projects like homemade garlands or spooky lanterns let you mix up your decor style while having seasonal pieces you'll like having around.