Halloween decoration ideas for the office

By Alexandra Kerr

If you find yourself spending more time at your desk than on your couch, there's no reason you can't celebrate the Halloween season in your office, and use these fun and festive décor ideas to liven up your work space. Depending on your particular office's policies on decorations, add anything from a light touch of autumn, to a full Halloween display, and show your love of seasonal décor.

The Office Environment

Before deciding on a décor theme, as well as how many decorations you would like to add to your desk and work area, it is always a good idea to confirm with your employer how much (if any) you are allowed to decorate. Your seasonal display should be pleasing to you and your coworkers, so avoiding disagreements over decorations is the first step in a great Halloween display.

Subtle Autumn Color

Whether your tastes are simple, or you are restricted by your employer's work decoration policies, adding subtle touches of autumn to your desk is a great way to add a hint of the season without going overboard.

- Purchase a fall leaf garland from a craft store or home improvement store, and drape it around the edge of your desk. From rich oranges and reds, to bright yellows, many leaf garlands beautifully mimic the vibrant colors of autumn, and are a one-step way to instantly add a seasonal touch to your desk or work area.

- Garlands or wreaths made of twigs are also a great way to decorate for fall, and provide a more subtle appearance than bright leaves. Purchase one with small red or orange berries for a small pop of color while remaining understated.

- Set one (or several) small, fake pumpkins around your desk, in areas that do not obstruct your view or reach of the computer, or other office equipment. Do no purchase real pumpkins, as they can start to rot, and result in sanitary issues within the office.

- Purchase a vase of faux flowers in bright autumn colors like orange, red and yellow. Autumn leaves are also a great replacement for typical green foliage filler, making your floral display a great way to brighten up your work space, while celebrating the season. Again, do not purchase real flowers, as they can rot, and may also give off a scent that is unpleasant (or even allergy-inducing) to some coworkers.

- Similarly, vases of twigs and leaves are another great way to add a small and easily moved fall display. Fill a clear vase with dried twigs, orange or red berries and autumn leaves for beautiful autumn décor on your desk.

- Never use candles, even un-lit, at your desk. Fire hazards aside, some scents may be pleasing to you, but coworkers may not enjoy them as much as you do, and can even have allergic reactions. Prevent any unnecessary hassles and skip the candles and scented décor completely.

Festive Halloween Décor

If you are allowed to have some fun with your office decorations, try setting up a Halloween display, complete with spooky décor and autumn pumpkins. Again, keep your decorations appropriate and professional, and be sure to skip anything scented to avoid irritating coworkers.

- Packages of synthetic spider web are an easy and inexpensive way to add a creepy Halloween theme to your desk and work area. Spread the webbing across the top of computer monitors, on the corners of desks, around shelves and across plants.

- Slip small plastic spiders, rats and other pests into the webbing for an even more frightening effect.

- Use fake pumpkins in various colors including orange, black and white to decorate your desk area, and arrange on either side or computers and shelving. Do not set pumpkins on the ground, as they can easily trip a passerby or rolling chair.

- Purchase small Halloween candy bowls to use as holders for pens, paperclips, pushpins and other office supplies.

- Cover your chair in a black sheet for an ominous look, or a white sheet to playfully resemble a ghost.

- Cover any books you keep at your desk with orange, black and white paper. Write Halloween themed titles on their spines and display as functional Halloween décor.

- If you are allowed to hang decorations from the ceiling, try hanging paper bats or autumn leaves on clear string.

- If you would like the look of candles, purchase flameless and scentless tea lights or candles. Set them in Halloween themed candleholders or fake jack-o-lanterns for an authentic Halloween look.

- Avoid using Halloween décor that would be considered gory or inappropriate. It's always best to use discretion when decorating to avoid offending or upsetting coworkers.

- Don't use any decorations that are extremely small and could scatter easily like hay, glitter or confetti. Your décor should be easily contained to your work space.

This article was originally posted on IdealHomeGarden.com

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