Anthropologie's Halloween Special
If I Only Had a Heart...ed Product
For years, I railed against the quickening of the seasons. “Back to School” commercials in July? Christmas wreaths in October? Blasphemy! Oppression! Invasion of my privacy! And then, I grew up. However, I was recently in CVS on a hot day earlier this month. I’d seen the Halloween decorations and candy come out shortly after Independence Day, then bought my B-Complex vitamins and cotton balls.
Yet that day, the dam broke. Candy corn, perhaps one of the most divisive sweets on the American market. It was piled on shelves as I waited for the self-checkout. Like having a hot pumpkin spice latte on an 85°F day, something about being presented with candy corn while buying a coconut water to stay extra hydrated just felt wrong.
Similarly, I try to resist the urge to buy Halloween decorations before October. This might be a bit easier for me as I’m frequently surrounded by spooky things. Have I missed out on some cool stuff? Yes. Have I scored some serious deals at the post-Halloween sales? Also yes. As a thrifty witch, I usually settle for a good old Samhain pumpkin carving, last year’s decorations, or repurposing antique or vintage objects.
Dear reader, this season I have been broadsided. For those of you unfamiliar with anthropologie, it’s an American retail chain that’s part of the URBN organization, parented by Urban Outfitters. Like that ubiquitous trend hole, each retail location is exactly the same, down to the red currant candle scent. It’s also more upmarket than UO, offering products mostly targeted toward female-identifying people, as well as home furnishings.
For teen suburbanites like I was, anthro was a boho vision despite the $300-$500 dress range. I found some great statement pieces there over the years, rarely outside the cramped sale closet, but my attention was mostly rapt by the decor in their catalogue spreads. I still dream of owning both the Beast’s Feast soup tureen and serving bowl… maybe someday I’ll get lucky on eBay.
As my wardrobe became more refined and mostly vintage, anthropologie became a rare, pleasant reminder of youth. It’s rare that I find myself in a mall these days, but when I do it’s always fun to have a look there in case anything stands out… again, preferably with clearance prices. Well, they got me where I live.
Brought to my attention by a pesky Instagram ad, anthropologie’s Halloween collection knocks this season out of the park. I don’t know when they first started offering seasonal decorations besides ornaments at Christmas (my favorite is still the Great Scot Snail), but boy have they come around. And oh it has me browsing. Not buying, but certainly “hearting.” Let me show you some of my favorites, and I promise they’re not paying me, but they should.
The Coffin Beverage Tub was the first product that Instagram pushed at me, and I was shocked to discover who was selling it. Tabletop coolers are unsung party heroes, and this would certainly be a conversation starter. What I like most about it is the color; the aluminum isn’t brushed black, so I could use this all year around. If anyone representing anthro is reading this, I’d gladly accept this tub for my reviews.
In the high goth clothing shop The Ossuary of Salem, there’s a highly detailed pair of miniature gravestones sticking out of faux moss in a terrarium display. They’ve been there since it was the first Die With Your Boots On location, and I’ve accidentally pulled them out of the moss at least twice to look for a price. Sadly they’re not for sale, but these galvanized iron tombstone sets might stand up better to the soil of my houseplants, anyway. The Concordville Spooky Village Covered Bridge is also tempting, but I already have my grandmother’s Christmas Village to inherit.
I have a thing about hands, and I love functional objects that look as though they’re only decorative. This Florence Balducci Bottle Opener is just that, and an exclusive design to anthropologie’s Halloween 2024 collection. It’s not brass but stainless steel, and an elegant solution to the usually inelegant action of taking the top off a glass bottle. A runner-up is the Palmistry Stoneware Service Platter, which would be basic if it was a trinket dish, but is made interesting by its “serving” size.
Aside from conservation, I don’t usually go in for bats due to their inflexibility as seasonal decor. However, these and a few other pieces might change my mind. Choosing between the Palmistry platter and the Bat Stoneware Serving Platter would be a difficult task. The Flying Bat Wreath Hanger is a shoe-in because, again, it’s functional. As for the Rattan Bats, I just love their look. They come in three different sizes, and would make the cut for holiday-specific decoration.
One of my favorite anthro sale closet finds are the cast iron Talon Candlesticks, which I use frequently and are sitting on my cabinet as I type. These three would worthy additions: the Tree Candle Holder, Gold Pumpkin Candle Holder, and Crow Taper Candle Holder. Each are presentable from September to July; the Tree and Crow candle holders could even be used year-round. Both of these come in different sizes, if you can handle asymmetry on your table or altar.
Arachnophobes, look away! Acquisition of the Spider Leg design depends on how creepy you’re willing to be for the entire year. The Candy Bowl and Marble Cake stand are the most practical; they could be used for plants, offerings, snacks… the list goes on. Candlesticks are candlesticks, most witches can never get enough. Though these are a peculiar taste, their bronze finish and good materials are more of a hint at the spooky than a jump scare.
It’s always been my opinion that a healthy dose of fear is good for children. It cautions them against danger, teaches lessons, and helps them explore their own boundaries. What I don’t believe in is terrifying children to the point of traumatization. Halloween should be fun, even with the heavy pagan origins in mind. How can a mite be scared clutching Violet the Bat or the Mon Ami Haunted House? (The latter is an unusual concept, but I’ll allow it.) The Concordville Halloween Advent calendar might be a bit pricey, but seems worth it for years and probably generations of use. How fun would it be to alternate the drawers with tricks like rocks and empty wrappers as well as treats?
So there you have it, you all know what to send me for Halloween! Just kidding… unless? A few decorations or more mundane items didn’t make the list, but I’d be happy to share them if someone’s interested. What do you think of anthropologie Halloween ‘24? What are your favorites, what are some duds? I left the latter out for the sake of positivity, but there is some chaff in there. More Halloween content to come as the season ramps up, so let me know in the comments if there are any topics you’d like me to cover.
I have been quietly pining over the rattan bats and Spookyville! So great