How to Decorate for Halloween, According to Real-Life Witches

Halloween decorating often leans into oversized skeletons, spooky inflatables and haunted house props—but according to real-life witches, some of the most meaningful Halloween decor is rooted in centuries-old traditions. While Hollywood has certainly shaped the way many people decorate for spooky season, there are also symbols and practices with genuine historical ties to witchcraft and harvest celebrations.

“A lot of Halloween decor is pure horror-movie invention, but some of it comes straight out of real folk practice. The pieces with actual history behind them tend to be a bit more subtle than plastic skeletons,” says Cassidy Claspell, the traditional witch and mystic behind @veilandaltar. 

Celeste Mott, the writer and professional witch behind @celestemott, agrees, adding, “Black cats, magical sigils, and keys all feature in my witchy halloween decor.”

Meet the Real-Life Witches

How to Decorate for Halloween, According to Real-Life Witches

1. Create an Ancestor Altar

One decorating tradition many witches embrace is creating an ancestor altar to honor loved ones who have passed away.

“Many witches decorate with photos of deceased relatives because Halloween’s roots trace back to Samhain, a harvest festival many pagans and folk practitioners still mark as the point when the veil between the living and the dead is thinnest. Try setting up a small table with photos, a candle, and a favorite food or drink of someone who’s passed,” says Cassidy.

2. Decorate With Candles Instead of String Lights

Candles have long played an important role in seasonal traditions, making them a meaningful alternative to standard Halloween string lights.

“Witches often lean on candlelight instead of string lights because fire has long been used in folk practice to mark liminal nights and hold back the dark. Try lining a windowsill with black or white taper candles instead of the usual orange twinkle lights,” Cassidy says.

Celeste also recommends incorporating candles into your Halloween decor: “You can’t go wrong with a good candle! Fire safety notwithstanding, candle magic is some of the most potent (but simple) spellwork you can do, and halloween is a great time to make an aesthetic candle display to guide good spirits toward your home and bad spirits away from your threshold.”

3. Display Apples as Seasonal Decor

Pumpkins may steal the spotlight each October, but apples have their own rich history in fall traditions.

“Apples are tied to older harvest festivals and divination games, like apple bobbing or peel-tossing, that predate the holiday’s spookier branding. Try piling apples in a bowl with cinnamon sticks instead of reaching for plastic decor,” Cassidy says.

The arrangement doubles as both a festive centerpiece and a subtle nod to Halloween’s historical roots.

4. Add Black Cat Decor

Black cats have become one of Halloween’s most recognizable symbols, but for many witches, they represent much more than spooky season.

“Black cats are iconic at halloween time. The spirit of the black cat is extremely lucky and considered a protective familiar for those who practice witchcraft. Even if you’re not a cat person, any image of a black cat can be used to call forth that protective spirit into your home,” says Celeste.

Whether it’s a figurine, black cat artwork—like this vintage-inspired design from Grandin Road—or a simple silhouette, black cat decor can easily be incorporated into almost any Halloween decorating style.

5. Skip Fake Spiderwebs—DIY Your Own Instead

Instead of stretching synthetic spiderwebs across your porch, Celeste recommends a more intentional approach.

“Fake spiderwebs are popular halloween decor, but they can be detrimental to local wildlife—ironically, even actual spiders! Instead, witches can weave their own spiderwebs from cord or ribbon, and speak intentions into the web as they craft,” Celeste explain. “Hang them up inside for a spooky look that’s also active, effective spellwork.”

It’s a creative alternative that adds handmade charm while avoiding the environmental concerns associated with traditional fake spiderwebs.