book review: spooky & bright

The other day I stepped into Pottery Barn. It was actually the first time in a long time since I had been there, and I really liked their displays for Halloween. They felt like something Martha Stewart would do...classy, but spooky. Then I came home and flipped through a new book I received and found that all of the tips, ideas and instructions for creating a similar look were right there in Spooky & Bright.

This sweet little book (its dimensions are smaller than your average book) is filled with 101 ideas for Halloween, brought to you by Country Living magazine. I've said it before: Country Living is not presenting "down on the farm" country style. It's modern and fresh with some classic country house flair. And their style is perfect for creating a spooky look!



In the spiral-bound pages you'll find beautiful pumpkin carving ideas...



...instructions for making these delightfully spooky plates...



...plenty of ways to add eery elements to your everyday decor...



...tips for enhancing decorations to make them extra special...



...easy projects to bring halloween to your table...



...and even some recipes for spookalicious foods!



Spooky & Bright is primarily an idea book, meaning you won't find step by step instructions for every single one of the 101 things shown. But many of the items do explain exactly what you need to do, and some even have templates at the back (others give ideas for artwork sources, including clip art books, copying lace, etc.). Overall, you'll find a lot of inspiration in these pages.

Coming from a house that enjoys Halloween without the really scary stuff, this book is just right. I think I need to start draping cheesecloth around and bring some spook to the Johanson abode!

Thanks to Hearst and Sterling for sending me this copy for review!