Halloween being the fright fest that it is, the holiday's decorations tend to lean toward spine-tingling, bone-chilling, and downright horrifying. Some people actually take a lot of pleasure in completely freaking out their neighbors and guests with all manner of terrifying displays in front of and inside their homes.
But that's not to say you can't be equally festive with whimsical, gorgeous, and elegant Halloween decorations. Believe it or not, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the spooky season in refined style! We rounded up 15 of the most tasteful, elegant Halloween decor ideas we could find.
Check 'em out, and then tell us: Would you ever put #3 out for your guests? Ahh!
More from The Stir: 6 Pottery Barn Halloween Decoration Ideas at Dollar Store Prices (PHOTOS)
Image via iStock.com/knape
Gorgeous Gold Pumpkins
Who says pumpkins can't be glam? These "Black Magic" gold foil pumpkins ($4.68-$7.88, Pier1.com) boast a beautiful metallic sheen and will drum up visions of fairy godmothers and romantic spells!
Black Witch Hat
Constructed from fabric, feathers, silk florals, and ribbon, this decorative black witch hat ($89.99, Etsy.com) makes a beautifully festive display piece.
Wall Hand Hooks
Up the creepy factor in your home by hanging guests' keys on these eerie, made-to-order hooks ($50, Etsy.com) that look like hands reaching out of your wall! Eeek!
Metallic Ombre Glassware
You don't need a bubbly cauldron to serve wine and cocktails in this set of whimsical ombre glasses ($19.99-$32, WestElm.com) that look fit for a bewitching brew.
Sequined LED Candle
Lit by LED with a timer, you won't have to worry about this sequined candle ($12.68, Pier1.com) melting or the fire hazard of an open flame. Not to mention that it's spooky-chic!
Glittered Vine Broom
Pairing perfectly with the witch's hat, this glittered vine broom ($15.88, Pier1.com), made from natural plant, eucalyptus, glitter, and ribbon will have you itching to take flight!
Snake Candle Holders
Taper candles will look especially elegant and creepy in these gold snake candle holders ($12, WestElm.com).
Starry Glass Globe String Lights
These globe string lights, in amber on copper wire ($49-$99, RestorationHardware.com) will help you create a perfectly festive glow on trees, mantles, and walkways.
Animated Caged Raven
This almost 10-inch, animated raven ($16.88, HomeDepot.com) is illuminated with LED lights and can add lots of fright and delight when placed on a tabletop or mantle. (It actually talks and cackles!)
Metallic Orange Pumpkins & Gourds
This 10-piece package of pretty metallic orange pumpkins and gourds ($5.88, HomeDepot.com) can take your decor from Halloween through Thanksgiving — and be spread out across your kitchen, dining room, or living room to boot!
Apothecary Bottles
At first glimpse, this set of 6 apothecary bottles ($59, HomeDepot.com) may seem full of vintage style, but when you look closely, they're actually meant for a spooky mix of ingredients that will make your skin crawl.
Medieval Halloween Doormat
Greet guests and trick-or-treaters with this medieval Halloween doormat ($29, PotteryBarn.com) made of durable coir (a fiber that comes from the husk of coconut shells) and decorated with impressively spine-chilling icons and a classic greeting.
Lit Spooky Twig Trees
In an entryway or on a porch, these pre-lit, spooky twig trees ($59.50-$79.50, PotteryBarn.com) look like they could come to life at any moment!
Witch Wall Art Decal
This Bewitched-esque decal ($28, Etsy.com) can be customized in color or size and add some magical flair to any wall.
Grout & Mercury Pumpkins
These gorgeous mercury and grout pumpkins ($39.50, PotteryBarn.com) boast tons of shimmer and a unique texture, sure to add whimsy wherever they're placed.
