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Holiday Season 2026 Goth, Dark Academia, Dark Cottage Core Style
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items Im bringing dark academia/goth cottage core back to my home. The whimsical, elegant patterns and mysterious figures that once made Victorian holidays the events of the season make my heart happy. Yule logs and mistletoe meet Krampus. Let's bring holi...
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Cleaning, The New Old Modern Way
Happy Spooky Halloween 2026
Elegant Thanksgiving Tableware
Cleaning, The New Old Modern Way
I know this seems out of place. My home is an utter disaster, not as bad as it was, but still pretty rough around the edges after many years of just not having the energy to do more than basic stuff.. If I want to host big parties and gatherings like...
This is by far my favorite vaccum. It picks up everything ( a little too well sometimes) and I can get into hard to reach places with the crevice too. I like that it's bagless and has a large dust cup. It also has swivel steering so it's easier to manuever as well.
Shark Navigator® Lift-Away® Deluxe Upright Vacuum with Large Dust Cup Capacity, HEPA Filter, Swivel Steering, Upholstery Tool & Crevice Tool & Reviews
I have 2 one hundred plus pound dogs who shed like something crazy. This dog lint roller is the best thing I have ever had in taking care of the pet hair sticking to everything.
Evercare Reusable Washable Gel Lint Roller with T-Handle for Pets, Clothing, and Furniture
As I clean my house and get back on my feet, Clorox Heavy Duty Bathroom Foam cleaner has become my go to for everything, sinks, tub, shower, even the stove. It's that good and the fresh clean lavendar scent makes it feel even more like a clean home s...
Clorox Heavy Duty Bathroom Foamer Soap Scum Remover, Lavender Clean, 20 Ounces
There's cleaning rags, then there's THESE cleaning rags. For tough stubborn, stuck stuff I use non scratch metal dish cloths. They do their job and they do it well. I've started keeping extras around because I use them so much.
20 Pcs 3-Layer Metal Dish Cloth 7.87x7.87
I keep these around for quick clean up AND for my husband to use when he's been working on his car so h e doesn't wipe greasy hands on my nicer wash cloths and towels. they can be tossed in the washer for a quick clean too.
Arkwright Premium Cotton T-Shirt Rags, 5 lb Box
I LOVE THIS STUFF. Spray it on lit it sit a minute or two and your pots and pans will be much easier to clean. It comes in a couple of different scents and you can buy refills, so that's a plus
Dawn Powerwash Spray, Dish Soap, Fresh, 1 Starter Kit, 16 fl oz
Mrs Meyers products are in my favorites too because they smell so good. These products are my general cleaning go to when I just need to wipe something down as I clean.
MRS. MEYER'S CLEAN DAY Lemon Verbena Spray 3 Pack
I just discovered this scent 2 weeks ago. I really like the after smell that even survives the dryer. I've used Simply Tide Unscented for a while, but this one is easy on the sinuses and it's comforting to snuggle into lightly scented bedding at nigh...
Tide Simply Clean & Fresh Laundry Detergent, Berry Blossom, 138 Loads
Did I mention I have huge dogs? We recently decided to try Bounce Pet Hair Lint Guard. It has significantly cut the surviving hair out of the laundry. I am so happy. I figure as long as I keep using this and the pet lint roller I'll get back ahead of...
tmp Bounce Fresh Scent Pet Hair Lint Guard Dryer Sheets 2x80
This thing is a lifesaver! Hard to reach cobwebs, ceiling fan blades, blinds, pretty much anything that is hard to reach when you're vertically challenged.
FEIYAN 20 Count Heavy Duty Duster Refill For Swiffer Duster, Ceiling Fan Cleaner Duster With 5.5FT Extension Pole, Disposable Long Extendable Handle Feather Dusters Kit For Ceiling Fan Blades, Wall, Cobweb
We have hard water and sometimes the lime and rust starts building up. This stuff will take care of it. No problem.
Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner Clinging Gel, Lime & Rust Remover, Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner and Toilet Bowl Stain Remover, 24 fl oz
Odoban is by far my favorite odor killing disinfectant. You can use it in your laundry, in your mop water, spay your curtains and furniture or anywhere you have an odor that won't go away.
OdoBan Odor Eliminator and Disinfectant, Original Eucalyptus Scent (1 Gallon Concentrate / 32 oz. Ready-to-Use Spray)
It's a bit loud. It's a little clumsy (or maybe it's me) but I use this mini leaf blower to get stuff out from the furtherest reaches under my sofa, to blow spider webs off my porch, and dust bunnies from under my bed.
Arlmont & Co. 21V 100CFM 2-in-1 Cordless Blower and Vacuum, 160 MPH Lightweight Electric Leaf Blower for Shop, Garage, Leaves and Dust Cleaning
I was skeptical at first but this mop system works pretty well for me. It separates the dirty and clean water and I don't have to squeese the mop head with my hands
O-Cedar RinseClean Spin Mop & Bucket System
CLean water. I decided to ditch all those bottles of water in favor of something to reduce waste.
Brita Elite Advanced White, Faucet Water Filter System, 1 Replacement Filter, Reduces Lead
Whole House water filter we're having installed. We could probably install it, but then again, our insurance would probably prefer my husband NOT work on the water here again. Don't ask, lol.
iSpring Whole House Water Filter System, Reduce 99% Chlorine, Chemical, Sediment, Taste & Odor, SGS-Tested 5-Layer Whole House Filter System, 10” x 4.5” Filters,1” Inlet/Outlet, Model: WGB21B
Happy Spooky Halloween 2026
I'm busily getting my home back to being the place where family and friends love to gather. I let if go to ruin the last ten years so I hope you'll join me as I learn to redecorate and celebrate life instead of hiding away from the world.
We grabbed a couple of these because they don't look too ‘Halloweeny’ and can be used at fall gatherings and Thanksgiving. They fit in my whimsical dark cottagecore theme nicely.
Way to Celebrate Halloween Orange Acrylic Pumpkin Beverage Dispenser, 1.5 gal
You have got to be kidding me! How adorable are these silicone ‘cauldron’ cups? We grabbed a couple of these as well. One can never have too many silicone cauldron baking cups around, especially when littles are afoot.
Way To Celebrate 4-Piece Silicone Cauldron Baking Cup Set, Black
Safety first, cool gothcore second. These flameless flickering led candles are up to the task of spooky vibes for your Halloween decor.
Battery-Operated LED Flickering Votives, Black, 4 Count, Halloween by Way To Celebrate
More spooky lighting. We put these out on both front and back porch to add to the fun that our house is becoming.
Uncahome LED Flickering Flame Light Bulb, 4 Modes Fire Flame Light Bulbs with Upside Down Effect,E26 Base, Halloween Christmas Party Porch Indoor Outdoor Decor(4 Pack)
It's not truly Halloween til you add some spooky, ghostly draping across doors and entry ways. We draped it across the front porch with some flameless candles.
Cyantor Halloween Creepy Cloth Black 80x400in
Imagine my surprise when looking through the ColdWater Creek website and seeing these 2 amazing crows. They are perfection and on their way to live on my front porch.
Antique Black Iron Crows, Set of 2
I added this spooky table runner to my new to me French Provincial Dining room table. It's so perfect!
Spiderweb Lace Table Runner, 72X13
Yes I did. I got the placemats to match the table runner. Wait til you see the plates to go with it.
Spider Web Placemat, 18"
These are just the most stunning dessert plates for having the spooky vibes girls over for a day of crafting and enjoying a glass of wine and dessert afterward.
Lenox Vintage Halloween 4-Piece Dessert Plate Set & Reviews
We also got 2 sets of these to go with the more simple design in this list. I love these dishes.
The Holiday Aisle® Hartsdale Dinner Plates, Set Of 4, Service For 4
All matchy matchy. They perfectly complement the other 2 sets for the perfect dark cottagecore theme I"m so in love with right now.
Lenox Lenox Vintage Halloween Haunted Accent Plates, Set of 4
Imagine setting your halloween/gothic table with these dramatic chargers, the flickering flameless candles and listening to your guests delighted gasps when they see what you've done. I'll let you now how it goes. I've missed decorating and entertain...
13 Inch Crown Plate Chargers 6 Pack BPA-Free
You can't have a dessert without a wineglass. This wineglass is stemless and has dancing skeletons on it too. They're so cute!
The Holiday Aisle® Sedgley 4 Piece 19 oz. Stemless Wine Glass Set
Add the high bll glasses to your Halloween glassware for your table. These are perfect for guests who prefer tea or some other drink. No one wants to drink soda out of a wineglass. That truly would be spooky.
Susquehanna Glass Dance of the Dead 4 Piece 15 oz. Highball Glass Set & Reviews
Oh! I found my favorite artwork all in one place. Gothic/Dark Cottagecore. I don't mind that they're not framed because I can find special frames for them that match their vibe better. A teen who is into goth would probably love these too.
97 Decor Vintage Halloween Ghost & Witch Posters
I put this set on my fireplace mantle with black ribbon tied to them. Elegant. Still Goth, and Cottagecore aesthetic. I love them so much
Hurricane Glass Vintage Taper Candle Holder
These scales are also sitting on my fireplace mantle with candles in them. They pull the Dark Academia look together quite well.
Owlgift Vintage Metal Libra Jewelry Tray Bronze
I have this cute typewriter pen holder on my office desk. I never can keep up with pens. It's currently empty.
Vintage Typewriter Pencil Holder - 4.5" Retro Desk Organizer
I love crows. this little candle holder will look right at home on my bookshelf when it gets here. Do you know any crow lovers?
Gothic Crow Lamp Tealight Candle Holder
Make sure you've got the best candy bowl and candy in town and all over your house if you're having a party.
HOMELEX Halloween Cauldron Candy Bowl with LED Skeleton
I have this one on my front porch. It's waiting patiently for Halloween night.
Ghost Candy Bowl Large Halloween Decor
Elegant Thanksgiving Tableware
I love the simplicty and elegance of this dish set that I found, of all places, Home Depot. I can't wait for them to get here so I can see what they look like with my table cloth and placemats, candles, and floral arrangements. Oranges, browns and yellows, are my favorites for fall and Thanksgiving.
Certified International Harvest Splash 16-Piece Country/Cottage Multi-Colored Earthenware Dinnerware Set (Service for 4) 89040RM
Beautiful soup bowls. I know they don't match the main dinnerware, but I didn't want it to. I like the look of mismatched, but same theme tableware. It feels more home like but still elegant. My grandmothers' didn't have all matchy matchy but holiday...
Certified International Autumn Breeze 4-pc. Earthenware Soup Bowl, Color: Beige
We've always had either peach cobbler or blackberry cobbler, sometimes apple cobbler, from fruits and berries home canned, for Thanksgiving and or Christmas. I thought these bowls, since I'm sticking with the pumpkin theme were perfect for steamy hot...
Certified International Harvest Fields 24oz Ceramic Ice Cream Bowls – Set of 4 Rustic Farmhouse Bowls with Autumn Pumpkin Designs – Perfect for Cereal, Soup, Snacks & Desserts – Microwave & Dishwasher Safe
Ok. You gotta have a turkey platter for a Thanksgiving Turkey. It's just that simple. This one does have pumpkins on it so it still fits my theme. It's a gorgeous platter with a stunning gobbler surrounded by the traditional fruits and veggies of Tha...
Certified International Platter & Reviews
I chose a simple white napkin to go with my colorful, delightfully whimsical, mismatched tableware so that it doesn't overwhelm the senses. they have words of Thanks on them. Sometimes a splash of simple is just the right thing for a tablescape that ...
Ebern Designs Aveneet 100% Cotton Harvest Sentiments Embroidered Square Napkin & Reviews
Again, going with simple and understated while also slightly mismatched for the perfectly imperfect elegant Thanksgiving tablescape that feels like home (to me anyway) There are several options available if plain isn't your cup of tea.
Highland Dunes Seagrass Border Placemat Set
I chose another neutral color that pulls the gold and beige out of the Thanksgiving pumpkin theme. I have a massive dining room table that seats 10 so there aren't a lot of affordable options out there for me. I got it at an estate sale so I got it f...
Ophelia & Co. Burchfield Solid Floral Jacquard Damask Polyester Tablecloth & Reviews
It simply wasn't Thanksgiving dinner until my grandma set the butter dish, that looked a lot like this one, on the table for bread and potatoes or whatever else you wanted to put butter on. I love this one. That green sets off the table so well that ...
Butter Bell - The Original Butter Bell Crock - Antique Collection & Reviews
And who could forget the gravy boat with that thick rich gravy inside? Passing it along the table as each person added just enough gravy to cover…well pretty much everything. This gravy boat is bigger and deeper so it should last longer between refil...
Noritake Colorwave Gravy Boat, 20 oz. & Reviews
I picked some old fashioned “fancy” looking 12 oz drinking glasses to kind of offset the plates and serving pieces. Plus they look like something that was in my great grandma's house when we visited during the holidays. they come in different colors ...
Bungalow Rose Marqueeta 12.5 Oz. Vintage Textured Smoke Glass & Reviews
Every Thanksgiving cook needs an adorable apron while cooking and serving. Where else are you going to wipe your hands? (lol) This apron even has pockets and light ruffles. It's a classic look that calls back to home when I was a little girl.
Alilang Unisex Floral Print Kitchen Apron with Ruffled Trim Adjustable Waist Ties and Front Pockets
This is just something simple, floral, for the table centerpiece. You can grab those glass pumpkins from the Halloween list and add them on either side of this floral to make the table more interesting.
The Holiday Aisle® Artificial Mixed Floral Arrangement & Reviews
I love this soft blue plate with a reminder to be thankful. There are lovely hues of fall tht go with Thanksgiving so well. It will be great displayed on your mantle or a side table as part of your fall holiday decor.
The Holiday Aisle® Kambelle Solid + Manufactured Wood Decorative Plate 1
Where has this idea been these last 50 years? I love this punch bowl with a serving tray that wraps around the base for hor's d'uerves. I plan on using it for Christmas as well. It's so convenient and takes up less table space,
Libbey Selene 6-in-1 Multiuse Glass Server, Punch Bowl, Chip and Dip Bowl, Cake Stand & Reviews
Oh! Look at this adorable lantern. It's so perfect for Thanksgiving either on the mantle or a side table, maybe even on the dining table itself.
Holiday Living 13-in Harvest Tabletop decoration