Ghosts of Halloween Past
The Retro Ghoul’s Guide to Halloween!
It’s July 23rd and the Haunted 100 has officially begun! At Fest we are counting down 100 glorious, ghostly days to Halloween, and there’s no better way to start than by stepping back in time. Join us as we celebrate the golden age of the season—when decorations were handmade, parties came with popcorn balls and costumes were sewn with care (& a little “magic” glue). Whether you're a longtime vintage-lover or just now falling under its spell, this blog is your guide to celebrating Halloween with retro style.
The Spook-tacular History of Halloween
Halloween as we know it today is a spirited blend of ancient tradition, immigrant influence, and Americana flair. Its roots trace back over 2,000 years to the Celtic festival of Samhain, when people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off wandering spirits as summer turned to fall. When Irish and Scottish immigrants brought their customs to America in the 1800s, those traditions mingled with colonial harvest festivals and Native American autumn rituals.
By the early 20th century, Halloween began to shift from spooky superstition to community celebration, with parties, parades, and a focus on fall fun. Trick-or-treating gained popularity in the 1920s and 30s, inspired by old-world “souling” and mumming traditions. It really took off after World War II—when sugar rations lifted and baby boomers were ready to roam the neighborhoods in costume.
Today, Halloween is a billion-dollar holiday in the U.S., blending folklore, fun, and fright into one magical night of costumes, candy, and community. From porch pumpkins to pillowcases full of sweets, Halloween in America is a nostalgic celebration of imagination, transformation, and just the right amount of spooky.
Create Haunted Style with Retro Charm
Kick off your 100-day countdown with a vintage-inspired Halloween table-scape or shelf display. Picture timeworn black lace, layered heirloom-style linens, flickering candles nestled in milk glass or brass holders, and the soft glow of grinning paper Jack-o’-lanterns. Whether you’re planning a spooky supper or a cozy coven gathering, a haunted table sets the perfect scene for celebrating the season in nostalgic style.
Looking for more ways to dress up your Halloween table? InspiredByCharm has you covered with timeless vintage flair!
A Bite of Halloween Past: Popcorn Ball Recipe
Looking for a classic treat with a spooky twist? We’re sharing this fun and festive Halloween Popcorn Ball recipe from the amazing Hip Mama’s Place—perfect for party favors, trick-or-treat snacks, or a nostalgic movie night bite!
These sweet, sticky spheres of joy are easy to make and even easier to devour. Bonus points if you wrap them in wax paper and tie them with twine for that perfect vintage vibe. 🧡🕸️
🎃 Grab the full recipe HERE
Vintage Halloween Parade Lanterns
Bring on the vintage charm with a classic Halloween DIY—make your own vintage-style Halloween parade lantern! We're casting a warm, flickering glow on this frightfully fun craft that’s sure to light up your spooky season.
This spooktacular craft and video tutorial is brought to you by the incredibly talented Sean Parker (@restoring_sean), who’s truly conjured some Halloween magic with this nostalgic project. Watch the full tutorial HERE
Craft your own, light it up, and tag us @festholidayshop so we can see your ghoulish glow!
Books & Movies to Get You in the Spirit
Looking for that warm, candlelit feeling of Halloweens gone by? Curl up with these nostalgic picks that capture the golden glow of crepe paper cats, friendly ghosts, and October enchantment.
Vintage Movie Night-
Halloweentown (1998) – A Halloween must-watch, full of whimsical witches, glowing pumpkins, and small-town magic.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966) – Timeless and heartwarming with vintage animation and heartfelt trick-or-treating.
Vintage Book Club-
The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury – A poetic, mysterious journey through Halloween’s origins—perfect for adults and older kids.
Trick or Treat: A History of Halloween by Lisa Morton – For those who love diving into the real history behind the haunt.
What’s Lurking in our Trick-or Treat Bag?
Our Vintage Halloween Top 10 Must-Haves of course-a curated collection of spooky nostalgia and handmade charm, because some treats are timeless.
Handmade Felt Mask or Costume Accessory
A nod to DIY costumes of yesteryear—think simple black cat ears, a ghost mask, or a little pointed witch hat.Paper Mâché Jack-o'-Lantern or Black Cat
The ultimate vintage Halloween décor piece. Perfect for tabletops, mantels, or spooky shelves.Crepe Paper Streamer Sample Roll (Orange + Black)
A roll of classic festooning for party decorating or just twirling around the banister like it’s 1952.Old-Fashioned Candy Sticks or Taffy
Add that sweet, nostalgic crunch. Bonus: candy corn optional but encouraged.Wax Paper–Wrapped Popcorn Ball or Caramel Apple Pop
Handmade if possible—or a wrapped version that evokes homemade charm.Honeycomb Pumpkin
Classic party decor you can reuse year after year.Vintage-Style Halloween Postcard
Perfect for pinning to a bulletin board or sending to your favorite ghoul.Vintage Halloween Party Game (Printable or Mini Kit)
Includes classic fun like Witch Hat Ring Toss, Apple Bobbing tokens, or a Fortune-Telling Spinner—an old-fashioned way to keep the party spirited.Vintage Halloween Soundtrack
A curated playlist of creaky doors, howling wind, spooky 1950s Halloween songs, and haunted house vinyl effects. Perfect for setting the tone while you decorate, craft, or dance under the full moon.Vintage-Style Halloween Candles
Think beeswax tapers, pumpkin-shaped votives, or black cat and skull candle figurines—perfect for tablescapes, mantels, or spellcasting corners.
Looking for even more haunting ideas? Watch this whimsical video from Practical Peculiarities and don’t forget to shop our vintage Halloween goodies!
