Categories

Deck the halls … or not

If you know your guests are staying with you to celebrate their holiday, there’s no reason you can’t deck the halls. Some will appreciate being able to enjoy a Christmas getaway without missing out on their favorite traditions.

But when you have multiple bookings coming and going, or if you aren’t sure why someone is staying with you, it can be a good idea to keep your décor more neutral. Instead of a giant Christmas tree or a menorah, for example, try a simple wreath on the door, garland around a fireplace, candles with holiday scents or snowmen.

Give a welcoming gift

No one will turn down a thoughtful gift. A welcome basket is a good idea for any time of year, but you can tailor it for holiday time. Lodgify suggests a basket of hot chocolate or cider mixes. If you’re local to your vacation rental, you could offer a plate of fresh, homemade cookies.

Offer the ultimate package

Try promoting a holiday package to potential guests. As part of their booking, offer a wine or Champaign basket, reservations to a nice restaurant for a holiday meal or tickets to a local theater production. Guests will appreciate your inside knowledge and ability to arrange the details so they don’t have to.

Provide in-home entertainment

Even if guests plan to get out of the house during the holidays, there might be some stretches where there just isn’t anywhere to go. When restaurants, museums and stores are closed for the holiday, give guests something to keep them busy. Board games, movies and books or magazines are a good start. Families might appreciate this as well as it gives them more opportunity to have fun quality time together.

Stock up with holiday supplies

Just as you might supply sunscreen and beach towels for summer guests, think about the things people need at holiday time. Maybe it’s gift wrap and extra tape. Maybe it’s extra cooking supplies like sugar, flour, roasting pans and measuring cups.

Accommodate the whole family

Holiday travelers come in all shapes. You’re likely dealing with entire families booking your rental at this time of year, so consider supplying kid-friendly accommodations like a portable crib and high chair. Use these child proofing tips while you’re at it. If you’re rental is pet-friendly, be sure to make that clear to potential guests so they know they can bring Fido instead of paying for a kennel.

Get the word out

If your holiday bookings are lagging, consider sending a newsletter to past guests letting them know that you are accepting Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s reservations. Make it extra enticing by reminding them of the fun things there are to do around town, especially if they’re holiday-specific, and include festive photography.

Take seasonal photos

Whether it’s for a newsletter or your booking site, show off the holiday ambience through photography. Stage your vacation home with festive décor, highlight an accommodating kitchen that will cater to family gatherings or capture snow-covered views. Make it easy for people to imagine themselves being cozy and spending quality time with loved ones at your vacation rental.

Help them shop

There’s always someone you never know how to shop for. Promote your rental as the perfect gift. Lodgify recommends special discounts or gift certificates for bookings to attract gift-givers.

Set a minimum stay

A three-night minimum stay is a good rule of thumb, whether you’re managing a property during less-popular holidays or during peak season. According to Rented.com, this can deter people looking to check in or out on The Day, making it harder for you to enjoy your own holiday with family.

Price appropriately

Figuring out what to charge for your vacation rental is often a tricky endeavor and the holidays are no different. If you’re in a location that caters more to the holiday crowd, you can afford to upcharge visitors a bit. Just don’t be too ambitious or they’ll look elsewhere. If Christmas or New Year’s is down-season for you, consider lowering your rates.

Managing a rental property successfully means taking care of all the details so that others enjoy their stay, return for a repeat visit and continue supporting your business. Visit the Schlage blog for more tips on managing a vacation home, including how to use smart locks to simplify home sharing and how a strong welcoming statement makes for better business.

Upcycled door knobs » Hooks

Flex your DIY muscle by repurposing old door knobs. They can be attached directly to walls or mounted for a unique coat rack. Use smaller cabinet pulls to hang things like keys and dog leashes. And don’t forget to place a few hooks closer to the ground so the kids can hang up their own coats.

Occasional table » Landing strip

That small table to drop your keys, mail and phone when you walk in the door doesn’t have to be specifically designed for an entryway. Try an end table from the living room, a nightstand from the bedroom or a narrow buffet table from the dining room. Be sure to choose one that is small enough that it doesn’t obstruct the flow of foot traffic but large enough to allow you to put out a few holiday decorations.

Bar cart » Shelves

A bar cart or this popular cart from IKEA opens a world of possibilities. Multiple shelves help keep things organized, and it’s no sweat if you need to move it around or out of the way when guests come for Thanksgiving dinner. Use it as a landing strip or place it inside a coat closet for some instant shelving.

Patio furniture » Bench

It’s always helpful to have a place to sit while removing winter boots. Consider moving patio furniture indoors, especially if you have a stylish little love seat. You can tailor it for the season by switching out the cushions or adding a throw blanket. Some of these ideas from BobVila.com will revitalize furniture, both indoors and out.

Shoe rack » Boot tray

Boot trays are great because they can keep puddles contained. But if all you have is a basic shoe rack from your closet, that will work too. Just throw a mat underneath to absorb any drips. You might not want to loan your shoe rack to the mudroom full time, but it’s a convenient quick fix for when you have company over.

T-shirt rug » Doormat or boot mat

This DIY braided T-shirt rug solves two problems at once. Purge the closet of T-shirts you never wear and turn them into a colorful mat. People can wipe their feet when they come in or you can place one under a shoe rack to protect the floor from dripping boots.

Shoe pocket organizer » Cubbies in an existing closet

Building shelves, adding lockers and installing built-in cabinetry is gorgeous, but it can be expensive. Even DIY options are a major time investment for most people. If you have a coat closet or pantry in your entryway, try an inexpensive over-the-door shoe pocket organizer instead. Then tuck hats and mittens, dog leashes and waste bags, slippers and dry socks, or keys in each slot.

Closet hanging organizer » Shelves in an existing closet

Another instant cubby option is hanging shelves often found at most organization and home improvement stores. Instead of jeans and sweaters, stash anything else you might need to get out the door quickly. You can even assign a shelf to each member of the family.

Upcycled crates » Shelves

If you’re a regular orchard-goer or crafter, you might have some spare wooden crates on hand. The smaller and lighter boxes can be mounted directly to the wall for eclectic shelving. They’re also easy to customize by painting and positioning them in unique ways. You might also find you like them stacked as a bookshelf if you’d rather not hang them.

Decorative waste basket or large planter » Umbrella stand

When autumn rains and winter snows fall, contain dripping umbrellas where they won’t leave a puddle and you can still leave them unfurled to dry. A tall container can also be used to corral hockey sticks and other sporting equipment.

Get more ideas for how to unlock the décor potential of your foyer or mudroom on the Schlage blog.

1. Prepare for landing

Think of all the items you walk in the door with: keys, phone, mail. A landing strip – usually a small table or narrow shelf – provides an organized space where you can set those items down and keep your foyer looking gorgeous. You might also have room for a bit of decoration to put a smile on your face when you come home.

2. Get organized

Once you've made it through the front door, you need a designated place for every day items. This will help you avoid leaving them cluttered all over a chair or kitchen table. Have hooks ready for jackets, coats, dog leashes, umbrellas and purses. Keep an organizer for important mail you need to follow up with and a wastebasket to recycle junk mail. A boot tray or bench can keep shoes out of the flow of traffic and puddles off the floor.

3. Clear the floor.

As you and your guests enter your home, it's important to have a clear path, especially in small entryways. This will help the entryway to appear larger and more polished, not to mention reduce annoying tripping hazards.

4. Accessorize

Don't be afraid to welcome your guests with your personal style up front. You'll also give yourself a mood boost each time you walk in the door to find your favorite flowers, rug or mirror. For more tips on styling your entryway, check out our six must-have elements to unlock your foyer’s décor potential.

5. Direct traffic

Sometimes you need to create your own entryway, like when your door opens to the entire home. Place a large plant or piece of furniture to divide this space from the rest of the space. This will help guests move through your home in a way that is welcoming and natural. Will they have to pass in front of a TV while friends are watching a big game? You may want to rethink the flow of traffic so everyone feels right at home.

6. Have a welcoming scent.

Smell is a powerful sense. Use candles, fresh flowers or a plug-in scent to create the perfect ambience for you and your guests. Try citrus scents to feel clean and invigorated, baked goods-inspired candles for something homey or cinnamon, which is thought to fight mental fatigue and improve concentration.

7. Update for the seasons

There's a big difference between storing flip flops and snow boots! Make sure your entryway is ready to change with the seasons so you don't miss a moment of family fun.

What rules do you follow in your entryway? Share your ideas with us on Instagram and Twitter.

So , your old door knob broke. Or maybe you finally noticed you’ve got bright brass hardware on your doors and satin nickel everywhere else in the house. Perhaps your front door isn’t doing anything for your curb appeal. The point is, you’ve decided to update your door hardware, you’re in the store aisle and … whoa! There are a lot of choices.
 

You may be surprised to learn there are actually a lot of different types of door knobs and levers designed for different types of doors in the home. There’s hardware for closet and hall doors that don’t need to lock, locking hardware for bedrooms and bathrooms, non-turning pulls for doors that don’t latch, keyed entry and deadbolts for exterior doors – and that’s just to name a few. So how do you know where to start?
 

Don’t worry. Schlage is here to decode your door hardware needs. Let’s start with some basic questions and drill down from there.

1. How many bore holes are in my door?

We refer to the round holes where the door lock is installed as “bore holes” (brush up on your door hardware terminology here.) Most doors have one, two or three bore hole.

If the door has no bore holes, you can simply install a non-turning or “dummy” knob or lever that serves as a decorative door pull.

2. Do I want a mechanical, electronic or smart lock?

Schlage locks, whether mechanical, electronic or smart, offer superior security and style. For our purposes here, you’ll probably want to focus on how important keyless convenience and remote access are to you as the deciding factor.

3. Would I prefer a door knob or a lever?

This is mainly a matter of aesthetic preference. With Schlage’s variety of styles and finishes, you’re sure to find a look that suits your unique taste. Do consider ease of use, too. Knobs can be difficult for children and pets to operate – sometimes a good thing if you have an escape artist – while levers can be easier for those with arthritis or when your hands are full.

4. What functionality should my mechanical lock have – keyed entry, Hall & closet or Bed & bath?

Is it an exterior door where you want extra security? If so, choose a keyed lock or deadbolt. Otherwise you’ll need either a Bed & bath lock with push-button locking or a Hall & closet knob or lever that simply turns to let you in and out.

We’ve put together a few handy decision trees to guide you through choosing the right door hardware the first time. And here’s a bonus hint for you. The function colors in the decision trees correspond to the function color on our packaging in the aisle, so you can match them up to easily find what you need.

Let’s get started with our first question: How many bore holes are in your door?

Single bore hole

A door with a single bore door is typically an interior door, although not always. Either way, you’ll need to decide whether you want a mechanical or electronic lock.

For interior doors, a mechanical lock is usually sufficient. Most people who want a locking interior door are looking for privacy more than security. When this is the case, choose a Bed & bath knob or lever. If locking is not a concern, like with kitchen pantries or laundry rooms, choose a Hall & closet knob or lever. If you can’t decide or you want to prepare for the future, consider Schlage Custom™ Combined Interior Door Hardware. This allows you to switch between locking and non-locking functionality, so when the extra bedroom becomes a nursery, you can switch from locking to non-locking without replacing the whole lock.

• Explore Schlage interior door knobs
  
• Explore Schlage interior levers

For a door – interior or exterior – where you want greater control over access, choose a mechanical keyed entry lock or an electronic lock. These are perfect for wine cellars, home offices and the door leading in from your garage. If you don’t want to carry a physical key to get to your Chardonnay, go with the electronic option. In addition to security, they provide keyless convenience. Just set an access code that you can easily change or delete if needed.

If you choose electronics, you’ll have to decide whether you want a backup key. The Schlage Touch™ Keyless Touchscreen Lever has no cylinder and, therefore, no key. If you prefer the option of a backup key, we recommend a Schlage^® keypad lever.

Double bore hole

If your door has two or three bore holes, it’s almost certainly an exterior door. In this case, you’ll likely appreciate an even greater level of security and additional convenience features.

Simply put, the top hole in a double bore hole door is for your deadbolt and the bottom is for your knob or lever. This is where smart locks come into play. When it comes to choosing your deadbolt, you’ll need to decide between mechanical, electronic or smart. Our recommendation is a smart or electronic deadbolt with a non-locking knob or lever beneath.

The same considerations for an interior electronic lock apply on exterior doors. With the Schlage Touch™ Keyless Touchscreen Deadbolt and Schlage^® keypad deadbolt, you get keyless convenience and Schlage’s reputation for security and durability. Then simply choose the knob or lever that matches your style for the bottom bore hole.

If you choose a smart lock – the Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt, Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt or Schlage Connect™ Smart Deadbolt – know that you’ll also be able to control your lock remotely from anywhere using compatible smartphone apps, find peace of mind when you can monitor the status of your lock from your phone and enjoy additional everyday convenience by pairing your lock with other smart home technology. Learn more about Schlage smart locks below or try our Get Help Deciding Tool to determine which is the best fit for your home and lifestyle.

Should you choose to go entirely mechanical on your exterior door, look for a lock with the deadbolt function. Your knob or lever can then be either locking or non-locking. Look to buy these as a set so that they are keyed the same, or if you purchase them separately, consider having a locksmith rekey them so that you aren’t carrying around multiple keys for the same door.

Triple bore hole

What if you have a triple bore hole door? That means you need a deadbolt for the top hole and a front entry handle for the two holes below it.

Like the other door setups, your deadbolt can be mechanical, electronic or smart. All the same benefits as above apply. The main difference with a triple bore hole door is your handleset options. Choose from our series of decorative handleset grips in a variety of finishes to pair with your deadbolt.

Schlage offers a variety of handlesets. One option is a 3/4 trim, where a single unit of hardware includes both the deadbolt portion and the handleset grip. There is also a two-piece trim, which, as the name implies, is two separate components – one being the deadbolt and the other being the grip – but sold together. Both the 3/4 and two-piece trims fit on standard triple bore hole doors.

We hope this guide helps you navigate the wide world of door hardware. Have more questions? Reach out to us on Facebook or Twitter, or check out our FAQs.

What is transitional style?

Transitional is the happy medium of styles, classic with an updated flair. You might see a vintage chair with contemporary wall art in the same room. Or it could be a traditional brass faucet paired with modern marble countertops. Although there’s a mix-and-match quality to it, don’t be tricked into thinking transitional style is eclectic. You still want a look where every piece of the room, from furniture and artwork to textiles and lighting fixtures, works in harmony together.

Some of the typical elements of a transitional room are minimal accessories although not so bare that it feels like a modern true-minimalist room, sophisticated furniture with gentle curves to find the middle ground between contemporary straight lines and traditional ornate flourishes, and, of course, neutral colors.

Transitional color palettes

Neutral colors is one of those elements transitional style takes from the modern end of the spectrum. Think hues that inspire calm environments: cream and ivory, beige, tan, khaki, gray and taupe. You don’t want the color palette to be distracting, which can be the case in more traditional styles such as Art Deco or Victorian. Here’s how to find the happy medium between monochromatic and eclectic.

1. Select your color scheme.

Choose a base color and then complement it with a variety of other hues in the same family. Your walls, furniture, window treatments, rugs and so on could incorporate tan, caramel, espresso and other shades of brown. You might vary your blues from ice blue to something smoky to sky blue, cobalt, then navy. Or maybe you opt for a range of greens. Stick with three to five colors from a family so you end up with a room that is neither Art Deco vibrant nor monochromatic.

2. Focus on accent pieces.

Let’s say you’ve committed to a comforting transitional gray for your walls and your furniture is similarly neutral. Kick in some color with a throw pillow, artwork, floor coverings or lighting fixtures. You probably don’t want a bright canary yellow or fire engine red, but a rich brick tone or deep hunter green can maintain the calm style found in transitional homes while still allowing you to enjoy some visual interest.

3. Consider finishes.

Capture a flash of color with hardware, plumbing fixtures and other metallic finishes. This is an obvious solution in kitchens and bathrooms where you’d find metallic elements like faucets and drawer pulls anyway. But don’t rule out metallics in other areas of the house. Pendant lighting or chandeliers (choose one with straight lines rather than those that are ornate or crystal) are an easy addition. You can also look for a coffee table with metal legs or other accents, as well as metallic vases, picture frames, candlesticks or other accessories.

4. Add some contrast.

We like this transitional kitchen highlighted at Houzz.com. For contrast with the white tilework and marble countertops, the dark green cabinets and metallic drawer pulls provide a bit of pop. It’s the green that makes this work in transitional style. Green and brown hues, even deep and rich ones, are reminiscent of colors found in nature, a common characteristic in transitional homes. Some even call green nature’s neutral.

5. Identify the details that make a statement.

It can be difficult to find places to add color in a bathroom, no matter what style your home is. And if you’ve chosen white tile for that neutral base, it can feel stark and too contemporary for your transitional tastes. Houzz says you can soften that feel and get back to transitional by using a darker grout.

Find the look that’s right for you and your home with the Schlage Style Selector Tool. Then head over to Pinterest to stock up on inspiration.

At Schlage, we know how small changes can make a big impact and that some home décor rules are meant to be broken. You don’t have to gut a kitchen to make it look amazing, your bedroom doors don’t have to be white if you prefer blue and your door knobs don’t have to be brass (or even knobs).

If you’re ready to break the rules of seasonal decorating or you dread putting up Thanksgiving décor only to take it back down for Christmas a few weeks later, we have the solution for you. Combine inspiration from from multiple crafting tutorials to create one project that’s uniquely you and simple to swap as the holidays change. Let us show you how with this basic pinecone wreath from Women’s Day.

1. Ribbon refresh

Changing the color of a wreath’s ribbon, flowers and fabrics is always a simple way to transition the look from season to season. It lets you reuse your decorations throughout the year, which is both simple and budget-friendly.

2. Bleached beauties

With this tutorial from ehow, you can have your pinecone wreath even if you’re into monochromatic design or want a neutral background to make other colors pop.

3. Glitter and glam

Not feeling the snow? Cover the pinecones with colorful glitter or just dust the tips with shine. Depending on your chosen color, your wreath could be perfect for any spring, fall or winter holiday. Or for any day!

4. Varied vegetation

Weave vegetation of other kinds among the pinecones for different shapes, textures and colors. Consider flowers, berries, cornstalks or fruit like apples or small pumpkins. In winter, try holly or evergreen branches.

5. Seasonal scents

Perfect for indoor wreaths, scented pinecones be a treat for all the senses. Dotal Anecdotes shows you how to use them to give your home that smell of cinnamon, but there’s no reason you couldn’t opt for fragrant flowers instead.

Find more front porch ideas, whether it’s seasonal décor or updated door hardware, at Schlage’s Pinterest and Instagram.

We think of spring, with deep cleaning and fresh starts, as the season for taking on home improvement tasks. But fall is an equally prime time to tackle those projects. Even Mother Nature, as she turns the leaves from green to gold, knows it’s the season for change.

You can hit the reset button on your home in many ways, but for a major impact without a major investment, try new door hardware. Updating door knobs to match your style more closely, exchanging your knobs for levers or choosing a new finish can provide that sense of transformation fall calls for.

Take advice from the experts

If you’re thinking that new door hardware is too basic a change to make a noticeable difference or are asking why you would invest any amount of time and money into something as humdrum as door hardware, check out what these interior designers and real estate professionals have to say.

• USA Today – “It's a small thing, often overlooked amid major items like furniture and paint colors when you're decorating a room. But don't underestimate the power of household hardware. These small items — doorknobs, drawer pulls, cabinet-door handles — are ‘the jewelry’ that can add style and sparkle to any space, says New York-based interior designer Young Huh. Just as the right necklace can turn a simple dress into a fashion statement, a striking new set of knobs on an old cabinet, or vintage crystal doorknobs can bring a huge dose of style to your home with minimal expense, she says.”

 

• 99 acres – “Doors are not complete without complementary hardware. An old-world brass handle on a striking, contemporary Brazilian hardwood door will be a style disaster, as would a modern steel handle on a beautifully carved door. So choosing the right companion for your doors is an important, aesthetic and integral part of giving that complete look to your home interiors.”

 

• Blue i Style – “I knew I would love this modern door hardware, but I have to admit that I was blown away buy what a major impact it actually has throughout the house. Our new door levers really are the final accessory that we needed to tie together the look of our home!”

Take inspiration from the season

Don’t be fooled into thinking that you need to update your home merely for the sake of doing something different (although that can be reinvigorating). Be inspired by some of the other symbolism of fall. Focusing on preservation means this is our chance to create a home that will comfort us through the upcoming winter months. Protection directs us to be more aware of our surroundings so that we can make them more secure. And comfort is all about creating a cozy home we can hunker down in as if we were getting ready to hibernate.

When preservation, protection and comfort are top of mind, remember Schlage’s commitment to quality and premium metal construction. Our exterior door hardware, including Schlage smart locks, is among the industry leaders in security, so you know your deadbolt will help keep you and your family safe. And, because style is great but functionality is vital, our interior door hardware is built to provide the reliability and privacy you expect.

Explore Schlage’s range of door knobs and levers at Schlage.com. Or for greater security on your home’s exterior, look into our stylish handlesets, deadbolts and smart locks. Change doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming. Embrace fall, embrace the change, embrace your new look.

Setting for Four

Sometimes matching your interior and exterior décor, no matter the season, is as simple as coordinating your color palettes. In their fall décor, Setting for Four displays pumpkins on both the mantel and the front porch, and in both locations, the color scheme incorporates white and glitter rather than traditional fall hues. It’s a great way to keep it cohesive throughout the entire home as well as stay true to your everyday décor is more glam.

Liz Marie

Liz Marie’s table scape and porch again show how complementary color schemes can keep your overall décor looking refined. It’s also a prime example of how using your favorite everyday style – in this case, shabby chic – can provide a solid anchor for your seasonal décor. We’re looking specifically at the natural wood dining table and porch chairs. What keeps this décor from getting predictable and dull is the switch from apples indoors to pumpkins outdoors. Both radiate fall without being too matchy-matchy.

StoneGable

First of all, is there anything more inviting than that porch swing? StoneGable keeps that welcoming vibe running throughout thanks to the warm fabrics both outdoors and in. Candles on the mantle and in the lantern on the porch steps, mums in matching containers, and pumpkins in both orange and white set the scene for a well-thought-out design. That being said, we also like the varied use of vegetation – corn husks, berries, leaves and pinecones – to keep the eye dancing.

Simply Southern Cottage

Fall décor for the mudroom is a bit unexpected but no less gorgeous, especially when it coordinates so well with the front porch. Pumpkins and mums are the obvious common elements, but the wreaths show just how much planning Simply Southern Cottage put into the design. We think their natural, sunburst-inspired form adds a cohesive touch. It’s also a good reminder that your wreath doesn’t have go outside. Bring it indoors and enjoy it any kind of weather.

Vintage Society Co

This one’s a little different. If you scroll through Vintage Society Co. on Instagram, you’ll see plenty of cohesive design, but what we truly appreciate is the style continuity from one season to the next. No matter how you switch up your look for the fall, remember that your home should be an expression of you. That’s why we love Vintage Society Co.’s commitment to flowers at any time of year, from the white roses coordinated with pale pumpkins in autumn to the vibrant violet hues of spring.

There are many ways to achieve a refined look in your home, no matter your personal style. For design inspiration, whether it’s for the fall or any time of year, your front porch or your favorite indoor space, find Schlage on Instagram or Pinterest.

Remove tripping hazards

It’s tempting to deck out the house in ghoulish decorations. We say go for it. Just keep your walkway and porch free of tripping hazards, including extension cords, jack-o’-lanterns and other décor. Also inspect paths and patios for cracks. Even if you can’t repair it before trick-or-treaters arrive, you can reduce risk by placing a chair, décor or something else eye-catching over the hazard.

Secure handrails

Trick-or-treaters – and their costumes – come in all shapes and sizes. Railings along your porch should be secure so youngsters can hang on when coming for their candy.

Turn on the lights

A well-lit house offers two benefits: trick-or-treaters can see where they’re going, and burglars will be turned off by lack of hiding places. Don’t merely turn on the porch light, though. Illuminate as much of the house as possible.

Light pumpkins with electric candles

Show off your carving skills but leave the traditional candles unlit. Opt for flameless, battery-operated candles for pumpkins and lanterns. This is a good idea year-round. It’s a great idea when small children with flowing costumes will be playing nearby.

Organize a neighborhood patrol

Pranks are a big part of Halloween. Even when intentions are good, things can run amok during the excitement, and vandals can use the revelry as cover for their antics. If you don’t have an official Neighborhood Watch, you can still organize a group to keep an eye on the streets and report any suspicious behavior to police. October – National Crime Prevention Month – is a great time to introduce a watch group in your community.

Lock up when you go out

Whether you’re taking the kids out for candy or going to a Halloween party, lock your doors. A smart lock like the Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt provides additional security in that you can monitor the status of your lock from anywhere and receive notifications if there is a suspected security breach at the door. When you sync it with the Ring Video Doorbell 2, you can also see activity happening on your porch from the Ring App’s Live View. Similar monitoring capabilities are available when you combine your Schlage Encode lock with Amazon Cloud Cam.

Secure other points of entry

You might think you can keep an eye on things from your front porch while handing out candy, but there are lots of fun things to be distracted by on Halloween night. Make sure your windows and other entry points to the house – back doors, fence gates – are securely locked and well-lit.

Care for your pets

Your furry family members will be happier and healthier if you keep them contained. One of the last things you want is for your cat to slip out the door or your dog to get into the chocolate.

Don’t be too scary

Smaller children especially can’t always determine what’s real and what isn’t. Not everyone loves a haunted house. Try not to be too scary so that you cause children to startle and trip or run away.

Don’t leave the candy bowl unattended

First, you’ll run out of treats super quick. But you might also attract animals and insects. You’ll regret it when they burrow into your garden or the foundation of your home.

Crime prevention is a year-round effort, especially during the holidays. For more tips on seasonal security, visit our blog archive. And don’t be afraid to share your own safety tricks – or photos of your ghoulish get-ups – with us on Instagram.

Stranger Things

Break out the Christmas lights early and make a wall Ouija board, which could be especially striking as a party photo backdrop. Add dead matter – paper mache and cobwebs will create the effect if you don’t like the idea of actual decaying vegetation indoors – to re-create the Upside Down. If you’re feeling really ambitious, do this all over your house. Or contain it to one area and add a hole in the wall with construction paper or a decal. Then sit back and enjoy a nice waffle.

Hocus Pocus

You don’t have to toil and trouble yourself over this décor. Hocus Pocus, or anything with witches, is a solid go-to for your Halloween décor. Stay true to the movie with this Binx wreath from PopSugar, or take some creative license and include your own favorite black cat, bats or spiders in a door wreath.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Say “season’s greetings” by turning your door into a giant Jack Skellington. If your door is already white, all you need is the free printable facial features, making this one of our simplest tricks that also makes a statement.

Coco

If Día de los Muertos is more your celebratory style, we have three DIY projects inspired by Coco that are great for the whole family. Disney Family’s papel picado banners add tons of vibrant color in any room, on mantels or even as bunting along tables. Or you can make your own calaveras –decorative skulls – with this tutorial from Moms and Munchkins.

Monsters Inc. and Monsters University

We know they aren’t technically Halloween movies, but … monsters! If you’re looking for a no-carve pumpkin idea, try painting your gourd green and add a giant eye for your own Mike Wazowski. Keep the Mike theme going, especially if you’re low on time or energy, with this balloon monster.

Decorating any time of the year should be fun. Find more seasonal décor tips by following Schlage on Instagram or Pinterest.