The Halloween decorations in my house consist of a few carved pumpkins and some mini pumpkins that my daughters decorate in school. As an Australian, I never really celebrated Halloween so my husband is in charge of the decorations for this holiday.

This year, with the girls a little older, he decided that something more substantial than a few pumpkins was needed to decorate the house.  I offered to help but my idea of simply adding a witch hat to one of our pumpkins was quickly dismissed as “cute” but not exactly what he was looking for.

In our search for Halloween items, we found that many decorations are often too scary for smaller children. Thankfully there are people like Elizabeth Leach, freelance writer and Citibabes Scarsdale member, around to share some “Top Picks for Halloween Decorating” and make my decorating experience a lot easier.

-Tracey Frost Rensky, CEO and Co-founder, Citibabes

There is nothing I don’t love about Halloween. It’s an excuse to have a party, decorate, dress up, eat candy, eat lots of candy, eat more candy… This year, I’m taking my decorating up a small notch. Nothing crazy. Not full on Martha Stewart. But a little more stylish than my usual fake cob webs and plastic spiders. Here are a few ideas for Halloween décor that combines cool style with spooky fun. Best of all, these items are re-usable and they’re so cute you’ll want to hang them up year after year.

Downloadable Paper Halloween Party by Fantastic Toys

Download all the decorations you need for a fun party with this kit that that has a retro vibe. Download it as many times you like for only $4.

Bat Shadow Puppets by Owly Shadow Puppets

Set includes 8 durable bats made from heavy matboard. Bats have amazing details like fangs and fur. String bats together for a make your own mobile ($15).

Martha Stewart’s Clings

Leave it to Martha Stewart to design this collection of stick-on decorations for mirrors and glass. Her clings are re-usable and a definite step up from those stick on gel decorations. Collection includes spiders, witches, skeletons, and every spooky thing you can imagine (Prices range from $5 – $20).

Spooky House Decorating Kit by Twinkle Kids

Your very own haunted house comes with 70 felt decorations that stick to the house. This is both a toy and decoration. Decorate the house with endless configurations of jack-o-lanterns, ghosts, vines, tombstones and more ($59).

Skull Bunting from Acme Party Box Company

This cotton bunting is double sided and nine feet long. I love the floral skull pattern. Can be used indoors and out ($35).

I hope these decorations bring a new level of style to your Halloween decorations this year and if you’re having a party… save me a cupcake!

By Elizabeth Leach, freelance writer and Citibabes Scarsdale member

You can also find articles by Elizabeth on Cool Mom Picks, Momtrends and What Every Baby Needs.