How to create the ultimate spooky smart home this Halloween

Decorating starts with the entryway—it’s the first impression for guests and, of course, it’s where you greet trick-or-treaters, so consider how you’re setting the tone. This year, I created a festive Halloween scene with a variety of pumpkins and florals, and some creepy accents. I also gave my Ring Doorbell a makeover with a festive seasonal faceplate and set up a “scream” Chime Tone for when guests ring the doorbell—bats, ghosts, howls, and spooky organ tones are some of the other options.

I love over-the-top decor like larger-than-life animatronics, humanlike characters, and glowing pumpkins. At my house, I have a life-size dragon, skeleton, zombie, clown—the list goes on. And now, my electronic decor is connected with Amazon Smart Plugs, so I can just ask Alexa to turn them on. Halloween is a time to go all out, and let’s face it, I want you to be scared.

I love to mix unique vintage pieces from local shops with new finds from Amazon. Since Blue Stone Manor was built in 1902, I pair vintage pieces that match the bones of the house with some modern touches that make the old new, and the new scary. Everyone knows that I love a themed dinner table, and my Halloween table includes glassware and decor fit for Dracula—that’s the theme this year for Blue Stone Manor.

Lighting sets the scene and makes you feel like you’re in a real haunted house. On my dining room table and throughout the house, I mix different styles of candles, candelabras, and smart lighting to create a spooky ambiance.

And of course, what would Halloween be without a Halloween costume? When decorating, imagine a great photo moment in your favorite Halloween costume and decorate accordingly. I love taking photos near my floral-dressed mannequin, or simply decking out the mantel with pumpkins and ghosts. Black-and-white decor also helps create the perfect dramatic setup for a photo.

I love my Echo Show 10 and have been testing out Halloween utterances and Alexa Skills in preparation for my Halloween dinner party, like “Alexa, start Spooky Halloween Sounds” and “Alexa, tell me a zombie joke.” I also use it to find inspiration for new recipes, like my annual Halloween punch.