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Featured Article

Queen of Halloween

Article by Karen Creason

Photography by Provided

Originally published in Franklin Lifestyle

For Franklin resident Jenna Ratliff, October brings her favorite decorating holiday - Halloween. As a youngster, her mom made it a point “to take me to do everything Fall.  It was so exciting and fun.  I just got a love for it.” 

It was on one of these shopping trips that Jenna bought a “Queen of Halloween” plaque and has been living up to that moniker ever since.  Her unique decorating ideas just come to her and she goes all out.  Why?  “Because why not?  I get to share it with people”  and that makes the hard work worth it. 

Her approach to Halloween decorating is simple “If I see it and I LOVE it, I will get it. I focus on none of the scary stuff - it’s all for fun.”  While her style has evolved over time, her love of all things Halloween has never changed.  “There is nothing that I don’t love that I do.”

Many follow Jenna on Instagram (@AtHomeWithJenna) to see her Halloween decor.  Here are a few of her favorites…

  1. The life size skeletons are Jenna’s favorite decoration.  “If I didn’t have them out, it just wouldn’t feel right.”  Jenna has one skeleton for each family member including her two dogs!  Fall themed pillows and signage complete the look. 

  2. Additional must have decor includes the large spiders which have been staged in various rooms. This year the spiders are taking up residence in the family room.  Large canvas prints, switched out seasonally, and kid friendly decor like the orange pillows, makes this a friendly Halloween gathering space.

  3. The entry hall decor is filled with seasonal signage, pillows, a collection of pumpkins and paper bats.  The low-cost, easy to hang paper bats make a huge impact in any space. 

  4. Even the smallest spaces are not overlooked. Simple and inexpensive Halloween decor can be added to any space.  The plaid rug, witch's broom, a Halloween wreath, and witch's hat transform this everyday closet space to a Halloween showcase. 

  5. Mixing everyday items with Halloween decor is yet another easy and inexpensive way Jenna decorates.  With the addition of a simple Halloween banner, foam pumpkins, fall leaves, and swapping out the framed canvas print, this dining room is ready for Halloween.

  6. The use of corn stalks, mums, and pumpkins purchased and picked locally at The Franklin Farmers market, along with skulls, tomb stones, a playful orange and black welcome mat, and seasonal wreaths, make the outside entry a sight to behold. In the evening, the candle lit jack-o-lantern luminaries and the front door orange mini lights twinkle as the family anxiously awaits trick or treaters.