Halloween Rules + Nostalgic Charm for Tabletop Fun in the Potting Shed

Follow the Halloween Rules to find the nostalgic charm and a whimsical table setting to keep the “Happy” in Halloween. Additionally, you’ll find Halloween table inspiration from 16 table stylists, ranging from spellbinding, spooky and sweet! 

Halloween Rules Sign in The Potting Shed with hanging paper fans and bittersweet vine #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Whoooooo’s ready for some Halloween fun, tricks and treats?

Owl with ghost for Halloween and bottle brush tree #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

 Halloween’s appeal for me is its combination of magic, treats and spooky fun!

Believe in the magic of Halloween #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

With Halloween three weeks away, I’m cackling with glee to be part

of a Halloween tablescape blog hop!

You can find additional Halloween table inspiration

from 16 table stylists at the bottom of this post.

This post contains affiliate links. For more information see my disclosure policy.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year #tablescape #witch #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

You’re invited to join me in The Potting Shed  for a little whimsy and tabletop fun

in celebration of most wonderful time of the year!

Vintage broom for Halloween hanging from window #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack #shed ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

🎃 🐈‍⬛ 🧹🕸️ 👻 🎃

Halloween Rules Table in the Potting Shed with hanging paper fans, brooms, and treats #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack #shed ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Festive Halloween paper fans hang from branches over the window,

along with some seasonal bittersweet vine, flanked by brooms. . .

one vintage, one new. 🧹🧹

Hanging paper fans for Halloween with bittersweet vine #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack #shed ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Follow the Halloween Rules to keep things happy:

Halloween Rules Sign in The Potting Shed and table vignette #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

🪄 Believe in the Magic 🧙‍♀️

🎉 Have Fun; Stay Up Late 🌕

🧛 Wear a Costume; Trick or Treat 😈

🎃 Carve a Pumpkin 🎃

🍬 Eat Lots of Candy 🍭

👻 Be Spooky 😱

 Jack-o’-lantern bucket filled with candy treats and Halloween table and vignette #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack #shed ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

A happy smiling Jack-o’-lantern bucket (already carved ;)

 is serving up candy treats . . .

 Jack-o’-lantern bucket filled with candy treats and Halloween table and vignette #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack #shed ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Orange and black lollipops have an old-fashioned nostalgic appeal,

and sit atop festive Halloween straws to elevate the fun!

They’re joining ghost and skellie-wrapped chocolates in a bucket of candy corn.

Halloween bottle brush tree and sorange and black paper fan #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack #shed ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

More paper fans sit on the tabletop for a festive back drop

to a forest of bottle brush trees for Halloween. . .

Halloween Rules Table and vignette in the Potting Shed with bottle brush trees, Johanna Parker and candy treats #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack #shed ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

A black feather boa lines the window shelf, decorated with beribboned white pumpkins,

bottle brush trees and a few Halloween friends.

Owl and whimsical shelf sitter with Halloween bottle brush trees #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack #shed ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Meet my whimsical friends and shelf-sitters, dressed for Halloween. . .

Whimsical shelf sitter, part jack o'lantern, part friendly ghost with Halloween bottle brush trees #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack #shed ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

‘Calvin’ is always happy, part smiling Jack, part friendly ghost,

and wearing a polka dot witch party hat.

Whimsical cat shelf sitter with Halloween bottle brush trees #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack #shed ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

‘Clarence’ the cat, has a Cheshire-grin and embodies

the mischievous spirit of Halloween.

Beware: he’s known for his tricks, rather than his treats.

Owl with ghost for Halloween and bottle brush tree #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

And ‘Ollie’ the owl, loves all things Halloween and is a snappy dresser!

He’s holding ‘Boo’, a baby ghost and sporting a ruffled collar with his suspenders.

Vintage-inspired vignette and table for Halloween with Johanna Parker characters and bottle brush trees #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack #shed ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

I’m a fan of folk artist, Johanna Parker.

Her one-of-a-kind Halloween characters were sparked

from her imagination and love of vintage;

 attributed to being born on October 31st, a spirited day of creativity.

Vintage-inspired vignette and table for Halloween with Johanna Parker character and bottle brush trees #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack #shed ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Her licensed designs of iconic Halloween characters adorn a trio of plates,

 providing some vintage charm and whimsy,

as well as smiles. . .

Vintage-inspired Halloween table with Johanna Parker plates, bottle brush trees, paper fans and Halloween treats #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack #shed ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

A Smiling Jack. . .

Black cat vintage-inspired Johanna Parker plate and Halloween table #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack #shed #treats #candy ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Black Cat

Ghost vintage-inspired Johanna Parker plate and Halloween table #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack #shed #treats #candy ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

And Ghost, who looks more scared than scary! 👻

*Boo*!

Black mugs filled with nostalgic candy treats and Halloween table and vignette #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack #candy #treats #shed ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Black mugs are filled with some nostalgic candy treats. . .

Pixy Stix, a twist pop, witch lollie, chocolate foil wrapped Jacks, skeleton,

and ghost, along with  mellocreme pumpkins and candy corn.

Halloween Rules: Eat Lots of Candy #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Black mugs filled with nostalgic candy treats and Halloween table and vignette #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack #candy #treats #shed ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Vintage-inspired table for Halloween with jack o'lantern bucket of candy treats #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack #candy #treats #shed ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Halloween Rules: Trick or Treat #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Vintage-inspired Johanna Parker jack o'lantern character and Halloween table #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack #shed #treats #candy ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Whimsical Halloween Rules Table in the Potting Shed with Joanna Parker characters, bottle brush trees and treats #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack #shed ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Table Details:

Halloween Rules Sign / Etsy

Assorted Shelf Sitters / Michaels, TJ Maxx, couple of years ago

Vintage Halloween Character Face Plates 

Black Cat Beaded Napkin Rings / MacKenzie-Childs, several years ago

Black Straw Placemats, Napkins / HomeGoods, several years ago

Jack-o’-lantern Bucket, Hanging Halloween Paper Fans / HomeGoods

Treble Clef Flatware 

‘It’s All About the Treats’ Table Runner / HomeGoods, used HERE & HERE

Halloween Bottle Brush Trees / Michaels, Target, TJ Maxx

Black and Whites Plates & Mugs / Mikasa Swirl

Brooms / Antique Mall and Grocery Store

Halloween Rules Sign in The Potting Shed with hanging paper fans and bittersweet vine #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Hanging paper fans for Halloween with bittersweet vine #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack #shed ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Halloween Rules Table in the Potting Shed with hanging paper fans, brooms, and treats #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack #shed ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Many thanks to Rita of Panoply for organizing this Halloween tablescape blog hop!

Click on the links below for more Halloween table inspiration from my blogging friends:

Panoply – There’s a Little Witch in All of Us
Home is Where the Boat Is – Halloween Rules
Hyacinths for the Soul – Pumpkin Wishes and Candy Corn Kisses
Everyday Living – A Grand(s) Halloween Party
Pandora’s Box – “Hey Pumpkin, What’s for lunch?”
The Bookish Dilettante – October Vignette: Think Pink!
Thrifting Wonderland – Dinner With Ghoulish Gourds
My Thrift Store Addiction – Elegantly Eerie Arachnophile Tea Party
Dinner at Eight – A Hauntingly Delightful Halloween
The Cats’ Whiskerz – Quoth the Raven “Nevermore”; a Halloween Tablescape
Life and Linda –  Happy Boo Tablescape
The Painted Apron –  The Witch’s Hat
Me and My Captain – Black is the New Orange
Corner of Plaid and Paisley – Broom Parking – Halloween Tablescape
Celebrate and Decorate – Black & White & Red All Over for Halloween!
Red Cottage Chronicles – Orange and Black Halloween Tablescape
My Hubbard Home – As the Crow Flies| a fun tablescape to celebrate autumn

Halloween Rules Table in the Potting Shed with hanging paper fans, brooms, and treats #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack #shed ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

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Halloween Rules Table in the Potting Shed with hanging paper fans, brooms, and treats #tablescape #halloween #vintage #retro #orangeandblack #shed ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Thank you for your visit, sharing at:

 Tablescape Thursday

  39 comments for “Halloween Rules + Nostalgic Charm for Tabletop Fun in the Potting Shed

  1. Pam
    October 10, 2023 at 7:57 am

    Mary, I love the shelf sitters Calvin, Clarence, and Ollie dressed for Halloween! I have no problem with keeping ‘eat lots of candy’ rule. I would be digging in the Jack-o’-lantern bucket with both hands, a bucket of candy corn excites me 🤣🤣 The forest of bottle brush trees is so cute along with the paper fans. The vintage character face plates are darling, my girls would love them and all of your tabletop fun in the potting shed.

    You are definitely the ‘Queen of Halloween’. I can hear you cackling now 🎃

  2. October 10, 2023 at 8:20 am

    WOW!! You have such fun halloween decor – who wouldn’t enjoy a mug of candy treats, or a cauldron filled with sweets? The napkin rings are adorable and all of your trimmings are so festive. I am heading back for another peek as I am sure I missed something! Happy Halloween!

  3. Ellen
    October 10, 2023 at 8:30 am

    That table is AWESOME!!! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! 🎃💀🧙🏻‍♀️🦹🏻‍♀️🧛🏻

  4. Rita C.
    October 10, 2023 at 8:55 am

    What a great display and collection! The Johanna Parker collection is a wonderful rabbit hole you’ve gotten into! Looks like her creativity can keep you inspired for years, and I love all the characters, especially the standing jack ‘o lantern on pumpkin head, and the scaredy ghost (boo!). The fun side of Halloween – like that neat sign – is steadily streaming its way into my being, and you’re a big reason why. That featured broom is awesome! I’ve collected whisk brooms for a number of years (you’re not surprised, are you?), and that one reminds me of something crafted in Berea KY. The M-C napkin rings are great too. Your detail with the bittersweet, fans, boa, trees and lineup of characters is great attention to details that make you want to see all the detail, up close. Luckily, you provided that too.
    Thanks so much for delivering such a fun Halloween tablescape, and for participating in this hop. xo

  5. October 10, 2023 at 9:07 am

    What could be better than a cauldron of candy! I love the shelf sitters Mary, the Halloween bottle brush trees, and the trio of plates are adorable! The window garland of paper fans, brooms, branches and berries is so festive and fun and I love the sign in the middle! I wish I could pull up a seat and have some treats!
    Jenna

  6. October 10, 2023 at 9:11 am

    I love all the vintage charm from those adorable characters, Mary!! You have such a great collection to make Halloween fun in your potting shed. I wish I could stop by in person and eat some yummy treats while I admire everything. Thanks for the inspiration!

  7. Hetty
    October 10, 2023 at 9:17 am

    Love all your posts, but Halloween is my weakness! How did you get the “Halloween Rules” canvas to hang flat? Did you back it or frame it? Also, do you save your Halloween candy for a couple of years? I’m obsessed with foil wrapped candy that picture various characters, but it seems to get more difficult locating it every year. Have a Boo-tiful Day!

    • October 10, 2023 at 12:25 pm

      Hi Hetty, The Halloween Rules canvas came framed on a stretcher. I do save candy, especially candy corn…I’d rather decorate with it than eat it. I’ve seen really cute Halloween candy at HomeGoods and TJ Maxx. Most of the time it’s in the check out line. Thank you for you visit!🎃

  8. October 10, 2023 at 9:36 am

    Oh, Mary! Your wonderful collection of Halloween folk art makes my heart sing. I didn’t have the energy to unpack my pieces this year. I miss seeing them, so this is filling the gap for me. Your Johanna Parker plates are adorable. I have a few pieces from her collections through the years, not originals, but ones produced for the general market. Her whimsical spirit is the best! I didn’t know she was a Halloween baby! Love the rules for certain, and your wonderful potting shed is always the perfect spot to set the stage for a fun party post. Thank you for taking the time and energy to create this for all of us, your readers. What an absolute treat!!!

  9. Chloe Crabtree
    October 10, 2023 at 10:09 am

    Mary, Your nostalgic Halloween table is delightful! The vintage styling of the potting shed and place settings is just perfect for the season!

  10. Rachelle
    October 10, 2023 at 10:21 am

    Cheers for a delightful Halloween table. There are many items to look at (and want for me) that is hard to pick just a few pieces. I love the look of the paper ceiling fans, the candy corn bottle brush trees and candy filled buckets & mugs.
    Happy Halloween
    Rachelle

  11. Lauren
    October 10, 2023 at 11:39 am

    What a fun and festive table! I love your cute plates and who doesn’t love a cauldron on candy? While I’ve enjoyed seeing all the creative posts on the bloghop, yours is tops! Have a spooktacular Halloween.

  12. Kim Goddard
    October 10, 2023 at 12:06 pm

    Mary, what a fun and delightful table! You have an amazing collection of Halloween goodies and have showcased them so beautifully. The Johanna Parker plates are adorable and I love the shelf-sitters. And the “Rules: sign, ceiling fans, brooms, and bottle brush trees – oh my, just so much eye candy to enjoy. Thanks for your wonderful inspiration and Happy Halloween!

  13. Melissa Bennett
    October 10, 2023 at 12:14 pm

    Love the vintage feel!

  14. Kari
    October 10, 2023 at 12:43 pm

    Mary, you are always an inspiration. I have loved the Johanna Parker characters too and have several. One thing I admire is when you add the candy because that is what Halloween is all about and you have the neatest looking candies. I want to come to your house and and trick or treat. I also envy your ability to decorate your she shed…that is where you can go all out and not have it spill over to your living area. Have a great October!
    Kari @ Me and My Captain

  15. October 10, 2023 at 2:23 pm

    Oh my, Mary–so much vintage whimsy on your darling potting shed table! It couldn’t be cuter! It is always a pleasure to pull up a chair to your charming tables. Blessings, Cecilia @ My Thrift Store Addiction

  16. October 10, 2023 at 2:35 pm

    Mary, I am always thrilled to see what is happening in your potting shed and you sure didn’t disappoint! What a wonderful collection of Halloween accessories you have! I love the rules, especially the “believe in magic” and “eat lots of candy”! The adorable plates are so fun. You would have a hard time getting me to leave :)

  17. October 10, 2023 at 3:18 pm

    Oh yes, I believe in magic, especially when you’re behind it! I love the exuberance of the paper fans and bottle trees — and who would have imagined a feather boa! What absolute fun and whimsy are provided by the Halloween figures (I’m a fan of hers as well) and those cute candies and treats. It’s a delight to hop with you!

  18. October 10, 2023 at 3:47 pm

    The vintage folk art shelf sitters are darling along with the fans and the bottle brush trees. And how about that cauldron of candy! All your candy is amazing! I really love the rules! How fun this all is! Happy Halloween!

  19. October 10, 2023 at 4:15 pm

    Mary, always a delight to fly by on my broom to see your annual Halloween table. Sorry not to participate this year, but always find ideas and inspiration from your tablescapes. I especially love your clever trick of using treats as favors, decorations and in the centerpiece.

  20. Ricki Treleaven
    October 10, 2023 at 4:46 pm

    I love your post and your vignette! When I read the title, I was wondering what you meant by Halloween Rules! ;P
    I love the vintage look of your Halloween things. I especially love the black cat plate. I had a black cat Halloween costume c. 1971, and the mask looked just like it! The hanging paper fans and Halloween bottle brush trees are so cute, and I love how you’ve layered everything. Your posts always bring me joy, Mary! Happy Halloween!

  21. October 10, 2023 at 5:22 pm

    What fun rules to follow for Halloween. Who doesn’t love magic, candy and some wonderful figurines that represent the season. Loved the combination of colors and vintage finds. The black cats hold a special place . Lovely hopping with you. Happy Halloween!
    Lynne

  22. October 10, 2023 at 5:52 pm

    Hi Mary, I want to party at your potting shed with those adorable Johanna characters. The plates are just too cute. Love the bittersweet vine, paper fans and brooms. I am totally onboard with your Halloween Rules. So fun, colorful and whimsical. The Halloween bottle brush trees are darling. Love it all. A pleasure hopping along with you.

  23. Shannon@Belle Bleu Interiors
    October 10, 2023 at 6:39 pm

    Mary, I want it come to your Halloween party! You entire setting in the potting shed is absolutely precious. I am quite smitten with Ollie the owl. He is adorable as well as his spooky friends. The plates are so sweet and look pretty with your plaid napkins. Happy October!

  24. Caitlin
    October 11, 2023 at 3:01 am

    so magical! you are mega talented.. if I ever manage to create anything half as good as your tablescapes I will have achieved greatness!!

  25. Linda L Hovgaard
    October 11, 2023 at 12:36 pm

    Just when I think you’ve done your best you take it over the top again! Wow! Halloween greatness!

  26. October 11, 2023 at 6:46 pm

    Mary, I just love your vintage flair with all of your Halloween decorating!! You have made your potting shed a sight to behold!! So much eye candy!! Love it!! It is always a pleasure to hop with you. Have a fun and safe Halloween!!

    • Clara
      October 12, 2023 at 7:46 am

      Mary, I’m behind in my reading due to work obligations. This post is adorable! It made me smile. Your various figurines are so cute! I don’t know if our stores have these but I’m going to see if they do. I love your new broom. Everything is so festive. The potting shed is ready for Halloween. I’m going to keep my eye out for some of the bottle brush trees too. Those are so colorful. Your sign and paper crafts are pretty too! You have encouraged so many of us enjoy the Halloween decorations again. I’ve gotten into the spirit of things and really enjoy dressing the house up for the occasion. Have a great Thursday! Clara❤️

  27. October 11, 2023 at 11:38 pm

    Love it all, Mary, so fun! Such an amazing display that’s so vintage looking! Your Potting Shed is a fabulous setting!

  28. Debbie
    October 12, 2023 at 2:04 pm

    Love it all!! The Halloween candies are so cute as is everything else! So much fun to see it all!

  29. October 13, 2023 at 10:53 am

    You are the queen of Halloween!

  30. October 15, 2023 at 8:07 pm

    What a wonderful party! Especially love the coordinated paper fans, the bottle brush trees, and the friendly characters all around – and who wouldn’t go for a cauldron full of treats!

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