Households preparing for the spooky season are being given some key dos and don’ts for decorating the garden.
The outdoor living experts at LightingLegends.com are reminding homeowners of the best practices to ensure Halloween is safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Spooky season is officially here and last year a study found one in four Brits now claim that Halloween is their favourite holiday.
With the excitement of Halloween approaching, decorating the garden can be great fun, but it’s important to do so safely and thoughtfully.
To create a spooky atmosphere, place lighting carefully to cast eerie shadows across the lawn, making sure all lights are both waterproof and securely fitted to prevent them being blown away by the wind.
Making DIY decorations can be a fun part of the process, but it’s worth considering their placement to keep the garden from looking overcrowded or messy.
For shop bought electric decorations, always ensure they are turned off at night to avoid wasting energy.
Adam Wilkins, managing director at Lighting Legends, said, “While decorating is a personal choice, there are a few simple tips that can help you make the most of your Halloween display this year. Small touches like adding personalised details with handmade decorations or curating a specific theme, can really make an impact.
But there are also some more important considerations too, like securing decorations properly to prevent them from falling in the wind and causing harm. Also keep walkways clear, and consider where wires fall from decorations to prevent trip hazards.”
Here are LightingLegends.com’s do’s and don’ts of decorating your garden for Halloween:
DO make DIY decorations
Although you can find a wide selection of Halloween decorations in different shops, it’s also fun to get crafty with DIY projects. Simple and cost-effective homemade decorations include pumpkin lanterns, ghosts from old sheets, Halloween wreaths and DIY cobwebs made of cotton balls.
DO use Halloween-themed lights
Lighting plays an important role in creating a spooky environment in your outdoor space. Use flickering lights, orange or red coloured string lights or spotlights can cast eerie shadows across the lawn, especially when placed near objects that distort or exaggerate their shapes.
DO protect decorations from wind
Decorations that aren’t properly secured can be blown down by the wind, so it’s important to ensure everything is firmly fastened. Consider placing decor near walls, trees, or fences for added stability, and use sandbags, stakes, or ties to anchor them to sturdy objects in the garden. If any decorations fall onto your neighbours property and cause damage or injury, you could be held liable and face a hefty fine under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957.
DO try a theme
Some households prefer to decorate their houses and gardens based on a theme. Whether that’s a haunted graveyard or a pumpkin patch, sticking to a theme can help you choose the type of decorations to go for and create a cohesive, visually appealing display that ties everything together seamlessly.
DO use waterproof equipment
Only use outdoor-rated lights and decorations that can withstand rain and moisture, as non-waterproof equipment can short-circuit, causing safety hazards like fires or electrical shocks. Make sure all your lights, extension cords and plugs have a waterproof IP rating of at least 65.
DON’T overcrowd the space
Avoid cluttering your garden with too many decorations, as it can overwhelm the space and make it look chaotic. For a more attractive display, try keeping your decorations minimalistic but create a few eye-catching focal points. Make sure to also leave enough open space, especially if you expect trick-or-treaters or guests.
DON’T cause tripping hazards
Keep walkways and paths clear of any loose wires and decorations that could trip guests or trick-or-treaters. It gets dark early around Halloween so tripping hazards may be more tricky to notice.
DON’T leave electrical decorations on overnight
Turn off all electrical decorations before going to bed to prevent fire risks and save money by conserving energy. If possible, set timers for lights and inflatables to automatically turn off after a certain time.
