7 Ways to Make the Most of This Weekend
Bring in the bikes, cats and beautiful fall branches — then curl up with a spooky movie and something hot in a mug
Laura Gaskill
October 24, 2017
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More
With Halloween coming up on Tuesday, Oct. 31, and the Day of the Dead Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, this weekend is prime time for Halloween parties, Dia de los Muertos celebrations and last-minute decorating. National Cat Day, on Oct. 29, is a good reminder to keep pets safe during a time of year that can be noisy — and scary — for our furry friends.
1. Get bikes and outdoor gear out of the elements. If rain (or snow!) is coming soon to your area, make some time this weekend to get all of your bicycles, scooters and other outdoor gear safely under cover. A fully enclosed shed or garage is ideal — but if that’s not possible, cover everything with a sturdy tarp, and secure the edges with heavy rocks or bricks so it doesn’t blow away.
2. Get ready for Halloween. Whether you’re planning to host a Halloween party, hand out candy or take your own kids out trick-or-treating, this weekend is your chance to stock up on supplies and put the finishing touches on spooky decor.
And if you’d rather turn off the porch lights and hide out until this holiday is over, we won’t tell a soul.
Get inspired by these Halloween decor ideas
And if you’d rather turn off the porch lights and hide out until this holiday is over, we won’t tell a soul.
Get inspired by these Halloween decor ideas
3. Bring in cut branches for fall color. Vibrant fall foliage makes a beautiful and long-lasting display for the dining table, entryway or anywhere else you want to boost the autumn ambiance.
If you have larger branch trimmings from your own trees, place a few good-looking specimens in a tall floor vase. Smaller sprigs can go in ceramic vases, jam jars or bud vases.
How to decorate with nature in fall and winter
If you have larger branch trimmings from your own trees, place a few good-looking specimens in a tall floor vase. Smaller sprigs can go in ceramic vases, jam jars or bud vases.
How to decorate with nature in fall and winter
Photo by sharon_k
4. Attend a Day of the Dead celebration. The Day of the Dead, while celebrated around Halloween (this year it begins Oct. 31 and ends Nov. 2), is a different holiday altogether. Originating in Mexico, Dia de los Muertos is a time to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away. Home altars offer a space to reflect and remember family members who have died, and big parades and parties bring communities together to celebrate with colorful costumes, sugar skulls and paths of marigolds. Find a celebration in your area through your local news listings.
My Houzz: A Home Comes Alive With Day of the Dead Decor
4. Attend a Day of the Dead celebration. The Day of the Dead, while celebrated around Halloween (this year it begins Oct. 31 and ends Nov. 2), is a different holiday altogether. Originating in Mexico, Dia de los Muertos is a time to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away. Home altars offer a space to reflect and remember family members who have died, and big parades and parties bring communities together to celebrate with colorful costumes, sugar skulls and paths of marigolds. Find a celebration in your area through your local news listings.
My Houzz: A Home Comes Alive With Day of the Dead Decor
Photo by Kari Radermacher
5. Keep animals safe on Halloween. Oct. 27 is National Black Cat Day, and Oct. 29 is National Cat Day — both good reminders to keep our feline family members safe on Halloween, which can be noisy and unsettling.
Dogs can get frightened too, so be sure to check your gates and fences and make sure your pooch is indoors or safely secured in the backyard before the reveling begins.
10 Tips for Keeping Indoor Cats Healthy and Happy
5. Keep animals safe on Halloween. Oct. 27 is National Black Cat Day, and Oct. 29 is National Cat Day — both good reminders to keep our feline family members safe on Halloween, which can be noisy and unsettling.
Dogs can get frightened too, so be sure to check your gates and fences and make sure your pooch is indoors or safely secured in the backyard before the reveling begins.
10 Tips for Keeping Indoor Cats Healthy and Happy
6. Order firewood. If you use a wood stove or fireplace in the winter, this is a good time to stock up on wood. Store most of the wood outdoors under a shelter, but preferably not directly beside your house, to avoid pests. A firewood cart on wheels, like the one shown here, can make quick work of transporting logs from the woodpile to the fireplace when you’re running low.
Stack in Style With a Creative Woodpile
Stack in Style With a Creative Woodpile
7. Watch something spooky (or not). Looking for something new in the spooky category? Season 2 of Stranger Things on Netflix releases Friday, Oct. 27, just in time for a Halloween weekend binge. Not so into scary stuff? Pick up a movie set in autumn — like Dead Poets Society, Rushmore or Love Story. Whatever you decide to watch, boost the seasonal atmosphere with hot drinks and toasty throws for snuggling.
Make This Spicy Cocoa Cocktail for Your Bar Cart
Tell us: What are you looking forward to this weekend? Please let us know in the Comments.
Make This Spicy Cocoa Cocktail for Your Bar Cart
Tell us: What are you looking forward to this weekend? Please let us know in the Comments.
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And Halloween comes from All Hallows Eve -- the night before All Saints Day.
Sleeping.....
I love the picture of the black cat. It's a shame that black cat owners have to be so vigilant because some people are just so horrible to adorable furry animals.