As my kids grow up, I find myself with a bit more freedom to add a pinch of spookiness to our Halloween decor. It’s an exciting transition from the cutesy decorations we’ve had in the past to something a tad bit creepier. But don’t worry, we’re still keeping it pretty tame – think “Not-so-scary” Halloween Mantel!

Our mantel this year is a wonderful mix of classy and creepy, starting off with these cute white pumpkins. They’re a fantastic feature to frame the fireplace and the best part? They’re fake! So, maintaining them is as easy as pie (or should I say, pumpkin pie? 🤣).

This year, we’ve got a new theme going on – skeletons! But before you imagine a full-blown haunted house scenario, let me assure you, it’s much subtler than that. The first skeletal touch comes in the form of these amazing fire-resistant skulls. They’re a total showstopper, and even though we don’t typically light a fire in the fireplace, on special occasions like family movie nights, we do. And boy, do these skulls add an eerie vibe to those evenings!

Next up is a whimsical touch to our skeletal decor – skeleton-themed candle holders! They exude Haunted Mansion vibes, which I absolutely adore. Even though they’re designed to hold candles, with the little ones around, I prefer to play it safe and avoid real flames. So, I appreciate how they double up as standalone decor pieces. To maintain the spooky ambiance, I’ve used faux candles from Amazon that provide the perfect mood lighting without any fire hazards.

Adding a touch of fun to our skeleton theme, we have a poseable skeleton. The kids absolutely love this little guy. They can bend and twist him into all sorts of positions, which adds a playful element to our decor. 

Additionally, I’ve scattered tiny skulls (also from Amazon) among some small pumpkins, adding a surprising element to our otherwise classic pumpkin display.

Our smart TV has also gotten in on the Halloween action! Normally, it’s playing kids’ shows or movies, but when it’s not in use, it showcases this delightful skeleton wallpaper from Etsy. It’s a small detail, but one that really adds to the overall Halloween vibe.

Our beloved bats, which used to hang outside, have found a new home in the kids’ playroom this year. They’re a cute and fun addition that the kids absolutely love. Plus, I think they add just the right amount of spookiness to the room.

My absolute favorite addition to our Halloween decor this year is the witches’ hat ensemble, inspired by none other than Harry Potter. As a massive Potterhead myself, it was so much fun incorporating a bit of Hogwarts magic into our home. Last year, I went all out with Harry Potter-themed decor, but we had to scale it down this year due to some renovations. The hats were actually part of our outdoor decor last year, but this year they’ve found a new home inside. I’m thrilled with how they look, and they’re a big hit with the kids too!

So there you have it – a ‘not-so-spooky’ mantel for your ‘not-so-little’ ones! As the kids grow older, I’m excited about the possibilities for our Halloween decor. I can’t wait to continue pushing the boundaries and adding even more spooky elements to our home. But for now, I’m cherishing these years where the kids still appreciate a bit of whimsy and fun in their Halloween decor. After all, it’s all about creating those magical, memorable moments as a family. Happy Halloween, everyone!