aesthetic on a budget

This $12 Halloween Find Is a Surprising Twist on Seasonal Decor (It’s Giving Coastal Chic!)

Isabel Petrou
Isabel Petrou
Isabel is an incoming sophomore at the University of Vermont. She is studying public communication. She grew up in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, where she frequented the beach often during the summer. Even though her heart belongs to the ocean, the mountains are becoming a close…read more
published Aug 15, 2025
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Fort Myers, FL, / USA 3/11/20 : Michaels' store entrance to one of their locations in Cape Coral Florida; Michaels is a retail chain of stores specializing in arts and crafts
Credit: Sadie Mantell/Shutterstock

Before I get into this, let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room. Yes, I know it’s still only August, but in my mind it’s time to start preparing for fall (aka the best season of the year, IMO). I’m fully craving the coziness that comes along with pumpkins, cardigans, and color-shifting leaves. Plus, as a college student, Halloween is a major deal. My roommates and I love to decorate our apartment to get into the spirit.

That being said, Halloween decor doesn’t have to mean going all-in on orange, or decking out every inch of your place with witches and jack-o’-lanterns. 

How to Lean into a Coastal Grandma Theme This Halloween

If your aesthetic leans more toward a coastal grandma vibe (think: elevated beach decor paired with cozy, natural materials), Michaels is stocking some seriously cute pumpkin plates that feel festive while still delivering a classic stripe that screams “nautical.” 

These ceramic plates are retailing for $11.89 a piece, and they come in various black and white striped designs. They’re the perfect size for a plate of Halloween cookies (although take note that these are hand-wash only; they shouldn’t go in your dishwasher or microwave).

These plates are a great way to get in the seasonal spirit without being too loud. The simple yet preppy look radiates that timeless and cozy Nancy Meyers vibe that coastal grandma devotees love. The stripes are a classic, but the neutral colors make it easy to match any home decor. 

Find More Coastal Halloween Decor That Fits Your Aesthetic 

If you’re fully leaning into an elevated, beachy Halloween vibe this year, these subtly spooky decor items will leave all your guests raving about your space.

Nothing is more cozy than a pillow, and this cream faux-fur pumpkin option is perfect. I love its quiet yet still autumnal design.

This adorable Halloween figurine is delivering Victorian vintage vibes, and I adore it. It also stays within that black and white theme.

Beachy with a spooky twist. The ghost rocks are super fun and festive, and the driftwood hanger makes it perfect for a coastal space.

This post was a collaboration between Dorm Therapy and Apartment Therapy and originally appeared on Apartment Therapy. See it there: The $12 Halloween Kitchen Gem You’ll Use All Season (It’s Giving Coastal Grandma!)

Isabel Petrou

Contributor

Isabel is an incoming sophomore at the University of Vermont. She is studying public communication. She grew up in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, where she frequented the beach often during the summer. Even though her heart belongs to the ocean, the mountains are becoming a close contender. Her favorite part of living in Burlington, Vermont, for college is its unique coffee shops. Her perfect day would consist of going to a cute café in the morning, then spending the day at the beach swimming and reading, then ending the day by shopping and getting dressed up for a nice dinner downtown. Through Dorm Therapy, Isabel is excited to be a voice for young adults embarking on their college journeys and she hopes to make this big transition of life more comfortable for others in the same place as her.

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SchoolUniversity of Vermont '26
MajorPublic Communication
FavesShopping, the beach, TV/movies, walks, reading, Taylor Swift
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