Hello, my glitter-loving ghouls! 👻
October is here, and you know what that means, crunchy leaves, cosy jumpers, and a perfectly good excuse to eat sweets like it’s your job. But why should kids have all the fun? This month, we’re reclaiming the spooky season with a grown up twist.
🕒 Time to read: 22 minutes
Whether you’re a Halloween enthusiast or just here for the pumpkin spice, I’ve brewed up a list of 13 spooktakular things to do this October that are equal parts fun, festive, and adult friendly.
1. Take an Autumnal Woodland Walk 🍂🐾
Autumn is nature’s grand finale, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than with a woodland walk. The air is crisp, the colours are stunning, and the low golden sun makes everything look like a painting.
I often walk my dog through Penllergare Valley Woods in South Wales. It’s a peaceful, dog friendly trail with mixed woodland, two lakes, and a river that leads to a picture perfect waterfall.
The dogs love it, and honestly, so do I.
Not in South Wales? No problem. Find a local trail near you, pack a flask of something warm, and don’t forget your camera.
2. Accessorise Your Home with Seasonal Décor 🏡🎃
October is prime time for a home refresh, and seasonal décor is the easiest way to bring autumn indoors. Whether you’re into rustic charm or spooky chic, here are two themes to inspire your inner stylist:
Pumpkin Patch Vibes
A pumpkin patch theme brings all the rustic charm of a countryside farm right into your home. It’s warm, welcoming, and just the right amount of country. Think hay bales, corn mazes, and the scent of cinnamon in the air. This look is all about layering textures, embracing natural materials, and celebrating the golden tones of autumn.
Stick to earthy hues; burnt orange, mustard yellow, deep browns, and soft creams. These colours instantly create that cosy, harvest feeling.
Mix real and faux pumpkins in all shapes and sizes, and scatter natural accents like pinecones, dried flowers, and leafy garlands for that fresh-from-the-farm feel. Add cosy textures with plaid cushions and chunky throws, and don’t forget soft lighting, think amber fairy lights, lanterns, and spiced candles. Farmhouse touches like apple crates, tin watering cans, and even a cheeky scarecrow or two will complete the look. It’s all about creating a space that feels like a warm hug from the countryside.
I made my own print that says “Snuggle Season” and popped it on my wooden three-tier shelf. It’s a small detail, but it helps tie everything together. (You can grab it as a free printable if you fancy adding it to your own display!)
Monochrome Magic
Prefer something sleek and spooky? Go black and white for a dramatic, modern twist. The décor is bold, and effortlessly chic, like Halloween got a designer makeover, and it looks amazing on Instagram.
Start with a base of crisp white and layer in matte black accents: think ceramic pumpkins, candlesticks, spiderweb table runners, and moody florals. Add a few metallic touches, like silver skulls or mercury glass votives for a little shimmer. For your table, black charger plates and white napkins tied with velvet ribbon create a striking contrast. And don’t forget the lighting: cool-toned fairy lights or flickering LED candles will give your space that eerie, elegant glow. It’s the perfect look for anyone who wants their Halloween to feel more Vogue than village fête.
3. Enjoy a Spooky Movie Marathon 🎬👻
This one’s a classic, and for good reason. There’s nothing better than curling up with a blanket, a bowl of your favourite treats, and a stack of spooky films.
But let’s level it up with a Halloween themed snack board. Mix sweet and savoury treats in autumn colours; orange, yellow, brown, and a splash of slime green.
Some of my favourites:
- Banana Ghosts
- Oreo Spiders
- Monster Munch, popcorn, gummy eyeballs, and anything chocolate flavoured
Banana Ghosts
To make Banana Ghosts, you only need three simple ingredients: bananas, chocolate, and edible eyes. Start by peeling and slicing each banana in half, then cut a little zig-zag pattern at the bottom to give it that classic ghostly shape. Gently melt some chocolate, and use it to glue the edible eyes in place. Pop your spooky little phantom in the fridge to chill, and voilà, adorable, healthy-ish Halloween treats.
Spider Cookies
To make Spider Cookies, you only need four ingredients: Oreo cookies, Mikado sticks, chocolate, and edible eyes. Start by gently melting the chocolate, this will be your edible glue. Snap the Mikado sticks into small pieces to create spider legs, then use the melted chocolate to attach them to the sides of each Oreo. Add two edible eyes on top with a dab of chocolate, and pop your creepy crawly creations in the fridge to set. They’re spooky, sweet, and just the right amount of silly. Perfect for your Halloween snack board!
Now that your snack board is looking frightfully fabulous, it’s time to press play on the perfect spooky movie marathon. Need ideas? I’ve got you covered with three hand-picked lists of 31 films each (horror, creepy, and family-friendly). That’s one for every day of October, so whether you’re in the mood for jump scares or gentle giggles, there’s something here to match your vibe.
31 Ultimate “Horror” Movies for Halloween
Brace yourself for chills, thrills, and a few scream-out-loud moments, this list is not for the faint hearted!
31 Ultimate “Creepy / Spooky” Movies for Halloween
Not quite full on horror, but definitely not harmless, these eerie picks are perfect for a night of goosebumps without the nightmares.
31 Ultimate “Family-Friendly” Movies for Halloween
From magical mischief to gentle giggles, these feel good favourites are perfect for kids, grown ups, and everyone in between.
4. Wear a Pet and Owner Halloween Costume 🐶🦇
If you’re a pet owner, Halloween is probably one of your favourite holidays, because let’s be honest, everything is more fun with your furry sidekick. We do life with them, so why should dressing up for Halloween be any different? Whether your pet is more “pumpkin spice” or “tiny terror,” matching costumes are a guaranteed way to double the fun (and the photo ops).
Pet and Owner Halloween Costume Ideas
My partner has three dogs, and last year I matched with the youngest, Sansa, a glossy black Cane Corso who made the perfect Batman. I was Robin, of course.
Need inspiration? Here are some fun duos:
- Alice and The White Rabbit from Alice In Wonderland
- Ariel and Sebastian the Crab from The Little Mermaid
- Ash & Pikachu from Pokémon
- Beetlejuice and Lydia
- Barbie and Ken
- Belle and The Beast from Beauty & The Beast
- Cruella de Vil and Dalmatian Dog from 101 Dalmatians
- Daenerys Targaryen and the Dragon from Game Of Thrones
- Devil and Angel
- Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion from The Wizard of Oz
- Elle Woods and Bruiser the Chihuahua from Legally Blonde
- Elliott and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
- Han Solo and Chewbacca from Star Wars
- Harry Potter and Hedwig the Snowy Owl
- Jasmine & Rajah the Majestic Tiger from Aladdin
- Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf
- Mario and Luigi from Super Mario
- Pennywise and Georgie from IT
- Sandy and Danny from Grease
- Santa Clause and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer
- Seymour and Audrey II the Man-Eating Plant from Little Shop of Horrors
- The Joker and Harley Quinn
- Woody and Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story
Just make sure your pet is comfy and safe, no itchy wigs or tight tutus, and anything that goes around the neck should use Velcro, not buckles or ties. Happy pet, happy Halloween!
5. Celebrate Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) 💀
In Mexican culture, it’s believed that a person experiences three deaths. The first is the physical death, the moment the body stops functioning. The second is when the body is laid to rest and returns to the earth. The third, and most final, is when the person is forgotten, when their name is spoken for the last time. The beautiful tradition of Día de Muertos helps delay that third death by keeping memories alive and spirits close.
Celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, Día de Muertos is like a family reunion, except the guests of honour are your dearly departed. It’s believed that during these days, the souls of loved ones return from the Land of the Dead to visit.
Families gather to honour them with music, food, candles, and colourful altars decorated with flowers, sugar skulls, and photographs. It’s a celebration of life, not a mourning of death.
If you’re new to the tradition, I highly recommend watching Disney’s Coco, it’s a heartfelt and visually stunning introduction to the meaning behind the tradition.
Although it’s called the Day of the Dead, the atmosphere is anything but gloomy. The festivities are bursting with colour, neon hues, bold florals, and vibrant costumes. Sugar skulls are a signature symbol, often worn as face paint or seen in decorations for a carnival style remembrance.
I asked my friends to dress for a Day of the Dead themed birthday celebration, and I was blown away by everyone’s effort. We all looked so different! I went as a blonde skeleton with red flowers in my hair, and I absolutely loved the look.
If you’re thinking of joining in, skip the plastic masks and book a makeup artist instead. We did, and it made all the difference. The Make Up Lady did a fantastic job transforming us into elegant skeletons with classic sugar skull face art.
We topped it off with floral headpieces and dramatic outfits, think black tuxedos, flowing gowns, and lots of lace and roses. It was theatrical, meaningful, and so much fun.
6. Decorate a Halloween Cake 🎂
The best part of any Halloween party? The dangerously delicious desserts, of course! I’ve rounded up some of my favourite creepy cake bakes to get you in the Halloween spirit, and trust me, they’re more treat than trick.
My absolute favourite is the bloody broken glass cake by Jane’s Patisserie. It’s dramatic, delicious, and just the right amount of gruesome. The cake is “stabbed” with shards of sweet sugar glass and drizzled with raspberry sauce that looks just like blood, perfect for a spooky centrepiece that’s guaranteed to impress (and maybe raise a few eyebrows).
I’m also obsessed with the equally shocking cupcakes, just as edible, just as eye-catching, and a little easier to serve if you’re hosting a crowd.
Worried your cake decorating skills aren’t quite Bake Off worthy? Don’t be! Many of these Halloween cakes use simple techniques, shop bought toppers, or clever shortcuts that anyone can master. A swirl of black buttercream, a sprinkle of edible Halloween confetti, or a plastic spider or two can go a long way. It’s all about having fun and embracing the spooky vibes, perfection not required.
7. Book a Night Away at a Wooden Lodge with a Hot Tub 🛁
Choosing the perfect setting can make all the difference when planning an autumn themed getaway. Picture this: a cosy wooden lodge nestled among trees, the scent of woodsmoke in the air, and a bubbling hot tub waiting just outside. Sounds dreamy, right?
For my own celebration, I chose to host my birthday at Sylen Lakes Lodge, set in the leafy Welsh countryside. The wooden lodge sits beside a private lake, an idyllic backdrop for a warm and welcoming party. It was the perfect mix of rustic charm and peaceful luxury.
Even though we was celebrating my birthday, many of the ideas we used would work beautifully for any autumn escape. Think: a hot chocolate station with all the toppings, spa treatments in fluffy robes, a tarot card reader for a mystical twist, and twilight dips in the hot tub with the lake shimmering nearby. If you’re looking for inspiration, you can check out all the details from my birthday, it’s packed with cosy, creative ideas to help you plan your own autumnal night away.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a solo retreat, or a girls’ getaway, this is your sign to book it. Trust me, the memories (and the photos) are worth it.
8. Experience Oktoberfest 🍺
Okay, confession time, I haven’t ticked this one off my list yet, but it’s firmly on my autumn to do! Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival, and it’s been celebrated in Munich, Germany since 1810. It all began as a royal wedding bash for Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Bavaria, and it was such a hit that they decided to do it again… and again… and again. Over 200 years later, it’s still going strong, drawing in around six million visitors every year.
At the heart of Oktoberfest are the iconic beer tents, huge, beautifully decorated spaces filled with long wooden tables, traditional brass band music, hearty Bavarian food, and of course, steins of beer the size of your head.
Most people dress up in traditional Bavarian outfits, lederhosen for the lads and dirndls for the ladies, and the atmosphere is one of pure joy, friendship, and a little bit of organised chaos.
But it’s not just about the beer. Outside the tents, the festival grounds transform into a full blown carnival, complete with fairground rides, food stalls, haunted houses, and games. It’s like a theme park with bratwurst and accordion music.
If you’re lucky enough to go to the real deal in Munich, here are a few classic attractions to look out for:
- Bavaria Statue: An 18-metre-tall bronze statue that you can actually climb for a panoramic view of the festival.
- Schichtl: A quirky theatre show that reenacts a guillotine beheading (don’t worry, it’s all in good fun).
- Teufelsrad: A spinning disc challenge where people try to stay on as long as possible. Hilarious to watch, especially after a beer or two.
- Toboggan: A conveyor belt and spiral staircase that leads to a wooden slide. It sounds simple, but watching people try to stay upright is half the fun.
- Krinoline: One of the oldest carousels at the festival, complete with a live brass band.
Can’t make it to Germany? No problem! Oktoberfest celebrations have popped up all over the UK. Many cities now host their own versions, complete with authentic German beer, bratwurst, Oompah bands, and long bench seating inside big tents. It’s the next best thing to being in Munich, and you don’t even need a passport.
So grab your dirndl, raise a stein, and get ready to shout “Prost!” with a crowd of new best friends. It’s festive, it’s fun, and it’s definitely one to tick off your list.
9. Get a Tarot Card Reading 🔮
A tarot card reading can be a beautiful way to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself, especially during the slower days of autumn. It’s a powerful tool for guidance, offering insight into your past, present, and possible future.
There’s something about autumn that feels a little bit witchy (in the best way). It’s the perfect time to connect with your inner mystic, light a candle, and shuffle the cards.
Reflect, reset, and realign, this is your moment to honour the energy of the season. A tarot reading is a lovely way to mark the Autumn Equinox or simply embrace the shift into a quieter, more thoughtful time of year. Whether you book a professional reader or try a DIY spread at home, the ritual itself can be grounding and comforting.
So grab a blanket, brew a cup of something warm, and let the cards do the talking. You might be surprised by what they reveal.
10. Make Creepy Cocktails 🍸
Quench your (blood) thirst with these crowd pleasing Halloween themed drinks. Whether you’re hosting a party or just fancy something a little spooky in your glass, these creepy cocktails are guaranteed to raise spirits, literally. Bloody beverages and monstrous punches? Yes, please. Here are two of my favourites for a hair-raising good time:
Vampire’s Kiss
This Halloween cocktail is a blood red vodka martini with a spooky twist, and it’s just as delicious as it is dramatic.
The night before, dip the rim of your martini glass into cold water, then into coloured sugar (red or black works best). Drop a pair of fizzy Dracula teeth into the bottom of the glass and spoon in a layer of raspberry jelly. Pop it in the fridge to set overnight.
Combine vodka and raspberry liqueur, then add a splash of cranberry juice and a splash of lemonade. Top it off with a little rosé wine for a fizzy finish. The result? A sweet, slightly tart cocktail that looks like it came straight from a vampire’s happy hour.
Frankenstein Eyeball Punch
This gruesome green punch is bursting with tropical flavour and just the right amount of creepy. It’s fun, fruity, and, if I’m being honest, goes down far too easily!
Ingredients:
- Blue WKD
- Archers
- Malibu
- Lemonade
- Pineapple Juice
- Jelly Eyeballs
Decorate a mason jar with ribbon and a matching coloured straw. I originally planned to use “Frankenstein’s Punch” stickers with scary green writing, but I ran out of time and found some cute Halloween stickers instead (still a win!). Drop a few jelly eyeballs into the bottom of the glass for a gory surprise.
Combine blue WKD, Archers, and Malibu. Add pineapple juice and a splash of lemonade, then stir well. The blue and yellow mix together to create a gruesome green shade that’s perfect for your Halloween table.
Whether you’re mixing for a crowd or just treating yourself to a spooky sip, these cocktails are a fun way to toast the season. Just remember, drink responsibly, and maybe don’t operate a broomstick afterwards! :)
11. Revisit the Point Horror Book Series 📚
Do you remember the Point Horror book series from the 1990s? It was a collection of young adult horror novels featuring spooky stories by authors like R. L. Stine, Diane Hoh, and Caroline B. Cooney, to name just a few.
When I decided to revisit the world of Point Horror for an October treat, I had a moment of horror myself: I no longer had my beloved childhood collection! Cue a determined scroll through Vinted and eBay, where I tracked down some of my old favourites; The Hitchhiker, The Lifeguard, and The Beach House. Holding those vintage covers again gave me a rush of nostalgia, instantly transporting me back to my preteen self and my wildly overactive imagination.
As adults, we might not get quite the same delicious shiver from these tales as we did back then, but there’s something magical about revisiting the stories that shaped our spooky side.
📚 Bonus idea: Why not host a retro horror night? Invite friends to bring their favourite Point Horror book, dress up as a character (yes, even the lifeguard), and read a dramatic passage aloud. Add themed snacks and a DIY bookmark station for extra flair.
Here is a list of each Point Horror book in order of release. Happy reading and keep your lights on!
12. Enjoy a Cosy Night In 🍂
Growing up, our mum always bought me and my two brothers new pyjamas for Christmas Eve. It gave us that fuzzy sense of anticipation about the next morning. We’d have our baths, change into our new jammies, watch a Christmas movie, hang our stockings, and head to bed. Very fond memories.😊
It’s a lovely family tradition, and one that works just as well for autumn. As the evenings start to darken right after dinner, the days feel shorter, and the craving for cosiness kicks in hard.
I treated myself to a two-piece animal pumpkin pyjama set from Next. It’s covered in adorable seasonal prints with a relaxed fit, perfect for kicking off my new autumn tradition! I also bought a pair of neutral Borg slippers from Next… and made the classic online shopping mistake of not double checking the size. I now own a pair of size four “baby” Borg slippers. All I can do is laugh (and maybe gift them to a very stylish toddler).
Once you’re snug in your new pyjamas, it’s time to curl up with a warming mug of hot chocolate. A seasonal mug is everything. I’m talking about the ones that say things like “I’m Secretly a Witch” or “You’re the Hocus to my Pocus.” The one I’m using right now is a colourful Day of the Dead skull shaped mug with pretty flowers in its hair, it makes every sip feel like a celebration.
I’ve also set up a little DIY hot chocolate station at home, complete with marshmallows, sprinkles, and flavoured syrups. It’s become a nightly treat I genuinely look forward to.
And finally, the cherry on top of your cosy night in, light a scented candle or pop on a wax melt. I’m currently obsessed with a local wax melt company called Foxy Scents. They’ve created a collection of eight autumnal themed fragrances: wild fig and cassis, rose gold sprinkles, pj day, marshmallow pumpkin latte, rainforest, sweater weather, fresh mint and jasmine, and baby it’s warm inside. The collection box is beautifully presented, and I fell in love instantly.
So, what’s your idea of a cosy night in? Are you more of a homebody in autumn, or do you still love a night out under the fairy lights? Let me know in the comments.
13. Become an Expert at Axe Throwing 🪓
Ready to swap your cocoa mug for something a little more… cutting? The trending sport of axe throwing is the perfect way to get your adrenaline pumping and your competitive streak glowing. It’s surprisingly satisfying, slightly ridiculous, and a whole lot of fun.
There are loads of places now where trained instructors will guide you through your first throws. They’ll show you how to hold the axe safely, how to aim, and, if you’re lucky, they might even show off a trick shot or two. You’ll be aiming for a wooden target, trying to hit the bullseye. And trust me, it’s not as hard as it sounds. Within minutes, you’ll be sticking those axes like a woodland warrior.
My brother and cousin recently visited LumberJack Axe Throwing Swansea and came back absolutely buzzing. They sharpened their skills (pun intended), let off some steam, and said it was a brilliant way to get rid of everyday stress. Highly recommended if you fancy doing something a little different this October.
💬 Let’s Keep the Party Going!
There is so much to love about autumn, the colours, the cosiness, the excuse to drink hot chocolate like it’s a hobby. I hope this list has inspired you to create your own seasonal bucket list and embrace fall your way.
Whether you’re lighting a pumpkin scented candle, revisiting a spooky childhood read, or throwing axes like a woodland warrior, make it your own.
If you’re in the mood for more autumnal inspiration, you might also enjoy my posts below, packed with seasonal styling tips, party planning ideas, and a few surprises along the way.
Because as always… it’s all in the detail. 🍂✨
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