Spook a lot, Spend a little.

One of my passions is decorating, especially for any holiday, but since holidays are fleeting, I don't like to spend a lot of money. I actually didn't plan to decorate for Halloween at all, but it all started in the Target dollar section and spiraled. My brain went crazy for ideas I could carry out on my lanai. What I like about decorating a lanai is that it is a tiny room and separated from the rest of my condo. Why is this a good thing?

1. The space is small. I don't feel overwhelmed with space to fill/decorate.

2. It's separate from my everyday living space, so it stays cleaner/prettier and is worth decorating.

I think we can all admit that our day to day living spaces can become less than tidy if we get too busy to clean daily. Because of this, it's hard for me to get excited for decorating the living room. I don't want to make the walls festive if the floor is covered in dog hair and discarded shoes. *kanye shrug*

Here's how much I spent on my Spooky corner all from Target:

4 black faux shutter wall panels @ $5/ea. = $20

Hocus Pocus sign = $5

Halloween Orange/Purple lights = $6

Spider Lights = $12

Fall Chair Blanket = $7

Mug = $5

Floral Arrangement = $12

2 Faux Pumpkins @ $3 ea. = $6

Coffee Candle = $3

Large Vertical Wooden Sign = $20

Total: $96

I feel like I got a lot for under $100 and I'll explain why and some of my work arounds. First, I'd like to point out that my large vertical wooden sign is the most expensive single thing I purchased. However, I view it as a great value and only $10 per holiday because it is double sided! The other side has a Thanksgiving message on it. Perfect for two months worth of decor!

Next, my Hocus Pocus sign wasn't actually a sign until I made it one. I believe Target was marketing it as a tray or something you would lay flat on a table. I was able to attach a picture hanger to the back and then hang it to the wall, making it very cheap wall decor.

My fall chair "blanket" is actually a scarf being sold in the Target dollar section for $7. However, when you unfold it, it is definitely big enough to use as a throw for one person.

My $5 "mug" with the adorable phrase on it is tall enough to be used as a vase so that's what is happening.

The dollar section was carrying quite a few faux floral pieces ranging from $1-$3 each. I wanted to challenge myself to sticking to all $1 pieces, but the $3 pieces were the ones to add a pop of color. When all is said and done, I spent about $12 on my faux flowers, but they look great.

I cannot wait to re-use all of this decor for years to come and items like the blanket, candle, floral arrangement, and double sided sign will be used through November. I'm more than satisfied with my purchases. Have you ever bought your decor from Target's dollar spot? Have you ever used pieces for other purposes than they were initially intended?

xx Ashley