Luxury Halloween Decor Ideas | Home Tips

As October settles in, it’s time to embrace spooky season—but with style. Forget plastic spiders and neon orange lights. Luxury Halloween decor blends the drama of the season with elevated design. Think rich textures, dark color palettes, and artful nods to the macabre. Whether you’re hosting a stylish gathering or simply want to update your interiors, these refined Halloween decor ideas will set the tone for a sophisticated and seasonal home.

1. Velvet Pumpkins and Textured Accents

Swap plastic pumpkins for plush velvet ones in deep shades like plum, emerald, or black. These chic Halloween decor alternatives add a soft, luxurious texture to coffee tables, mantels, or entryway consoles. Complement the look with gold or brass candle holders, matte black trays, and marble accents to create a high-contrast, layered aesthetic.

2. Moody Florals and Dried Arrangements

Elevate your Halloween decor centerpiece with a dramatic floral arrangement. Use deep burgundy dahlias, black calla lilies, and dried eucalyptus or amaranthus for a hauntingly beautiful vibe. Place the arrangement in a sculptural vase or vintage urn for a striking effect. These florals work well on dining tables, cocktail bars, or fireplaces.

3. Elegant Candlelight and Ambient Lighting

Luxury Halloween decor is all about atmosphere. Incorporate tall taper candles in black, aubergine, or metallic holders to cast a warm, flickering glow. Cluster them in odd numbers across surfaces to enhance depth. Dim your overhead lights and let the candlelight take center stage for a moody, upscale setting.

4. Gothic-Inspired Table Settings

For dinner parties or Halloween night dining, set the table with rich velvet runners, dark dishware, and crystal glassware. Add gold flatware for a pop of shimmer. Name cards in script fonts or black wax seals offer a refined finish. Incorporate small skulls, antique keys, or black feathers for a subtle nod to the gothic theme.

5. Luxe Throw Blankets and Pillows

Bring seasonal comfort to your living space with cozy, elevated textiles. Add faux fur throws, moody-toned cashmere blankets, and velvet pillows in fall hues. Patterns like subtle spiderwebs, damask, or baroque prints can hint at Halloween without being overtly themed.

6. Statement Wreaths and Entry Decor

Create a grand entrance with a wreath made of black feathers, dried flowers, or metallic leaves. Swap your standard doormat for one with a minimalist Halloween design in black and ivory tones. Add lanterns with flameless candles to flank your front door for an elegant welcome.

7. Subtle Spooky Touches

Luxury Halloween decor doesn’t need to be obvious. A crystal decanter filled with dark red wine, a bookshelf styled with vintage horror novels, or a cloche with faux butterflies or bones can all subtly play into the theme while keeping your decor refined.

Spirited Thoughts…

This October, let your Halloween decor reflect your elevated taste. With the right mix of texture, lighting, and moody elements, you can create a festive atmosphere that’s both sophisticated and seasonal. Embrace the dark side—but do it in style.

Economic Update | Week Ending October 18, 2025

Weekly Economic Update; WEU
Jobs report and CPI report delayed due to government shutdown – The September jobs report was not released last Friday as scheduled, and the September CPI report that was expected to be released on Wednesday was also delayed due to the government shutdown. These reports are essential to determine the strength of the economy and for important decision making by the Federal Reserve, who have an interest rate meeting on October 28 and 29. The CPI report is also needed to calculate increases in Social Security benefits. It was announced last week that some workers were called back to work at the Bureau of Labor and Statics to get the CPI report done. Nevertheless, it was not ready on Wednesday as planned and an announcement was made that the government was shooting for Friday, October 24th to release the CPI report. No announcement was made regarding the jobs report.

Stock Markets recovered from last Friday’s sell-off – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 46,190.61, up 1.6% from 45,478.60 last week. Year-to-date, it is up 3.7% from 44,544.66 on December 31, 2024. The S&P 500 closed the week at 6,664.01, up 1.7% from 6,552.51 last week. Year-to-date, the S&P is up 10.3% from 6,040.53 on December 31, 2024. The Nasdaq closed the week at 22,679.98, up 2.1% from 22,204.43 last week. Year-to-date, it is up 15.6% from 19,627.44 on December 31, 2024.

U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.02%, down slightly from 4.05% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.60% down slightly from 4.63% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.

Mortgage rates – Every Thursday, Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of October 16, 2025, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.27%, down slightly from 6.3% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.52%, nearly unchanged from 5.53% last week.

The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.
Freddie Mac was chartered by Congress in 1970 to keep money flowing to mortgage lenders in support of homeownership and rental housing. Their mandate is to provide liquidity, stability, and affordability to the U.S.

September home sales – This week, the California Association of Realtors released its September 2025 home sales report. You can run a report on your city or zip code with the same data at RodeoRe.com.

California existing-home sales – The California Association of Realtors reported that existing-home sales totaled 277,410 on an annualized basis in September, up 5% from 264,240 in August. Year-over-year sales were up 6.6% from a revised 260,340 in September 2024. The statewide median price paid for a home was $883,640 in September, down 1.7% from $899,130 in August and up 1.8% from $868,150 in September 2024. The unsold inventory index showed that there was a 3.6-month supply of homes for sale in September.

The graph below shows CAR sales data by county for Southern California.

Have a Great Weekend!

Mortgage Rate Update | October 16, 2025

MRU

Mortgage rates – Every Thursday, Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of October 16, 2025, were as follows:

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.27%, down slightly from 6.3% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.52%, nearly unchanged from 5.53% last week.

The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.

Freddie Mac was chartered by Congress in 1970 to keep money flowing to mortgage lenders in support of homeownership and rental housing. Their mandate is to provide liquidity, stability, and affordability to the U.S.

From the iPad’s M5 Chip Upgrade to Google Veo and More! | Tech News

Stay connected with what’s happening in the world of technology. From the iPad’s M5 Chip Upgrade to Google Veo and more, we have you covered on the headlining tech news of the week. Check out the major news of the week below!

Apple’s iPad Pro gains an M5 chip and faster internals

Apple updated the iPad Pro with the new M5 chip. Likewise, the addition of the M5 chip positions the tablet as an even stronger laptop alternative for creatives and pros. The M5 chip, will, of course, help those who need heavy AI and video work. Apple claims the M5 brings up to ~3.5× AI performance versus last year’s chip. Storage and memory throughput were bumped, and the device supports faster charging. These additions are helpful for power users who rely on quick top-ups between sessions. Pricing for the iPad Pro with the M5 chip starts at $999 for the 11-inch and $1,299 for the 13-inch. Units will become available for preorder and shipping in late October. For users on older iPads, the M5 is a meaningful upgrade; owners of last year’s M4 models will see more incremental gains. 

Google’s Veo 3.1 improves image-to-video editing and audio controls

Google’s Veo 3.1 update tightens image-to-video generation with smarter editing tools and new audio features that make short motion clips far easier to produce from a phone’s camera roll. The update adds Flow audio controls that help sync motion with sound and gives creators more explicit handles for timing, transitions, and trimming inside the generated clips. It’s aimed at rapid prototyping and social clips rather than feature-film work, so the convenience tradeoff is clear: speed and accessibility over studio polish. For marketers and casual creators, Veo 3.1 significantly shortens the path from idea to shareable motion. Expect continued iteration as Google refines artifacts and extends quota limits for pro users. 

Threads introduces group chats to broaden conversation styles

Threads expanded from broadcast-style posts to include group chats, letting people form persistent, private conversations inside the app and share posts, links, and media without switching platforms. The feature brings core messaging affordances — threaded replies, member invites, and moderation controls — that make Threads more useful for close-knit communities and real-time coordination. For creators and small groups, it reduces context switching and keeps discussion where the audience already lives; for Meta, it’s another push to blend public posting with private messaging. The rollout is gradual, and we’ll likely see added admin tools and integrations as Threads matures into a hybrid social/messaging hub. Overall, group chats make Threads a more complete social product. 

Honor teases a “robot phone” with a fold-out camera arm

Honor teased a striking robot-phone concept that unfolds a mechanical camera arm from the chassis, hinting at new photo/video form factors that mix mobility with articulated imaging hardware. The reveal is mostly a design concept for now, but it showcases how manufacturers are experimenting with mechanical modules to unlock fresh creative possibilities—selfie rigs, cinematic gimbals, or extended optical arrays without massive thickness. Honor’s teaser positions the device as a bridge between handheld phones and dedicated imaging tools, though practical concerns—durability, battery drain, and software polish—will be decisive if it ships. For photographers and creators, the idea is exciting; for mainstream users, it will depend on execution and price. Expect more details at Honor’s upcoming announcement. 

Samsung teases Project Moohan and an Android XR launch window

Samsung officially teased its Project Moohan Android XR headset with a launch event on the horizon, signaling another major OEM pushing into spatial computing with Android XR compatibility. Early hints emphasize comfortable wear, mobile-grade optics, and close integration with Android tools—features meant to attract developers and lower the barrier for XR app targets. If Samsung hits the mark on comfort and platform parity, Moohan could broaden the XR ecosystem and make it easier for creators to build once and deploy across more headsets. Real-world success will hinge on battery life, developer support, and whether Samsung can differentiate on ergonomics and price. The event next week should clarify specs and availability. 

Nvidia’s Spark personal AI supercomputer aims at desktop-scale model work

Nvidia launched Spark, a “personal AI supercomputer” designed to bring heavy local model training and inference into prosumer and small-team setups, with availability starting mid-October. Spark packages dense acceleration and memory bandwidth in a compact form so creators, researchers, and studios can prototype large models or run demanding multimodal workloads without constant cloud bills. The product represents Nvidia’s bet that at least some AI workflows will live on-premise for latency, privacy, or cost reasons—complementing cloud offerings rather than replacing them. For buyers, Spark offers impressive local horsepower, but it also requires planning for power, cooling, and model ops that enterprises typically shoulder. Expect Spark to appeal to teams that need repeatable, low-latency experimentation outside of cloud constraints.  

Weekend Events | October 17 – October 19

Your weekend fun has arrived right on time! Enjoy all that October has to offer, from Broadway hits to spooky frights and more! Check out what’s happening in your neighborhood from October 17 through October 19.

Los Angeles Weekend Events | October 17 – October 19 

Tarantino Live: Pulp Rock Extravaganza

When: Until November 16 

Where: CineVita | Inglewood

What: For the Record is back with its most ambitious show yet: Tarantino Live returns inside CineVita, the world’s largest Spiegeltent, now home to FTR at Hollywood Park next to SoFi Stadium. The high-octane production honors 30 years of Pulp Fiction and reimagines unforgettable scenes and musical numbers from Quentin Tarantino’s iconic films, like Kill Bill, to Django Unchained. Expect a dazzling, immersive blend of theater, film, and concert that celebrates the legendary director’s cinematic universe.

Les Misérables

When: Until October 19 

Where: Hollywood

What: The world’s most beloved musical returns to Hollywood in a “reimagined” production of Les Misérables at the Pantages Theatre. The epic tale of justice, redemption, and revolution hits the road once again, packed with all the iconic moments you know and love. Expect soaring vocals, barricade battles, and enough French angst to make your revolutionary heart sing.

Santa Anita Park’s Oktoberfest

When: Until October 19

Where: Pasadena

What: Santa Anita Park’s Oktoberfest celebration returns for two weekends, October 11–12 and 18–19, blending the thrill of horse racing with Bavarian festivities. Enjoy stein-holding and costume contests, corn hole, musical chairs, keg rolling, pretzels, and plenty of beer. General admission is $38 and includes a mini tasting stein, eight three-ounce tastings, a $5 betting voucher, a tip sheet, and grandstand seating, while VIP group tickets ($75 per person, three-person minimum) offer picnic table seating and a $20 food voucher.

Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events |  October 17 – October 19

Angel City Jazz Festival

When: Until October 19 

Where: Culver City

What: The Angel City Jazz Festival returns with two weeks of genre-defying performances across multiple L.A. venues. Celebrated for spotlighting boundary-pushing artists, this year’s lineup features both international icons and emerging local talent with a focus on the West Coast’s experimental jazz scene. Expect everything from avant-garde to traditional styles, with select free shows and ticketed events ranging from $20 to $48.rts.

Dark Harbor

When: Until November 2 

Where: Long Beach

What: Step aboard the Queen Mary for Dark Harbor: Summoned by the Seas, a haunted attraction that uses the ship’s own eerie history as its backdrop. Explore new and reimagined mazes in the vessel’s pool, kitchen, and staterooms, all while navigating fog, monsters, and narrow staircases. Between scares, you can sip cocktails in hidden speakeasies, catch live entertainment, or take a spin on the carnival rides.

South Coast Botanic Garden’s Dogtoberfest

When: Until October 26 

Where: Palos Verdes

What: South Coast Botanic Garden’s Dogtoberfest is back—and this time, your pup gets weekend privileges all month long. Every Saturday and Sunday in October, dogs are welcome to join you for scenic strolls through the garden’s lush walking paths. Humans can enjoy an Oktoberfest-style pub crawl with beer samples at four themed stations (full pours, pretzels, and bratwurst available for purchase), while pups can party it up with a “dance pawty” and navigate a tail-wagging obstacle course.

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events |  October 17 – October 19  

Urban Death Tour of Terror

When: Until November 1 

Where: North Hollywood

What: Now celebrating its 20th spine-tingling season, Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group presents Urban Death: Tour of Terror, a flashlight-guided haunted theatre experience in North Hollywood. Likewise, guests navigate a pitch-black maze and witness a chilling sequence of avant-garde vignettes, each more unsettling than the last. Frequently named one of the scariest Halloween haunts in the country, this experimental show promises 40 minutes of bone-chilling suspense and deeply disturbing thrills—perfect for horror fans craving something truly unique.

Neil Sedaka at The Velvet Martini Lounge

When: October 19 

Where: The Velvet Martini Lounge | 4349 Tujunga Avenue

What: Back by popular demand, music legend Neil Sedaka returns to The Velvet Martini Lounge for an unforgettable evening of iconic hits and storytelling in an intimate supper club setting. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, dinner, and a live performance of favorites like “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” and “Calendar Girl.” VIP guests can enhance their experience with a meet & greet and exclusive gift bag.

Halloween Horror Nights

When: Until November 2, 2025

Where: Universal Studios | Universal City

What: Universal Studios Hollywood kicks off Halloween Horror Nights on September 4, transforming the park into a scream-filled spectacle with themed haunted houses and mazes. Highlights include a Fallout-inspired post-apocalyptic wasteland, the chilling Jason Universe celebrating 45 years of Friday the 13th, and a terrifying Five Nights at Freddy’s maze. Of course, the Terror Tram returns with creepy encounters featuring Blumhouse villains like M3GAN.

Conejo Valley Weekend Events |  October 17 – October 19   

Walk to End Alzheimer’s Conejo Valley

When: October 18 

Where: The Promenade at Westlake

What: Join the fight to end Alzheimer’s at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, October 18, at The Promenade at Westlake. This inspiring community event raises critical funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research, with a morning program beginning at 10:00 AM and the walk kicking off at 10:30 AM. Participation is free, and teams of all ages and abilities are welcome.

Boo at the Zoo Event

When: October 18 – October 19 and October 25 – October 26 

Where: The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College

What: Celebrate Halloween at the Teaching Zoo’s annual Boo at the Zoo event at Moorpark College, taking place October 18–19 and 25–26, 2025, from 11am to 4:30pm. Enjoy animal shows, trick-or-treating, a scavenger hunt, crafts, food trucks, and close encounters with over 100 animals. This family-friendly event is held at Ventura County’s only zoo and supports the college’s Exotic Animal Training and Management Program.

Fall Harvest Festival at Underwood Farms

When: Until October 31 

Where: 3370 Sunset Valley Rd | Moorpark

What: Celebrate the season at Underwood’s 28th Annual Fall Harvest Festival, featuring a massive pumpkin patch, live entertainment, games, rides, themed weekends, and tons of photo ops. Your admission includes access to attractions like wagon rides, a corn maze, a pumpkin house, an animal center, giant spiders, slides, and weekend-only events like pig races and live music. Weekday tickets are $16 at the gate; weekend tickets range from $25–$36 and must be purchased online (kids under 2 and parking are free).

Top South Asian Food Around Town | L.A. Eats

Los Angeles is a melting pot of South Asian flavors, and whether you’re hunting for dosa, biryani, kottu roti, or a bold Indo-fusion mash-up, the city delivers. Below are ten must-visit spots across the region, each listed with its address and the dishes that make it worth the trip.

Tulsi Indian Eatery

Location: 19535 Nordhoff Street, Suite 50, Northridge, CA 91324, USA

Tulsi’s fast-casual formula blends Northern and Southern Indian approaches into reliable, modern regional fare. Don’t miss the Gujarati khaman dhokla or undhiyu, and be sure to try playful riffs like the loaded makhani fries – comfort food with bold, familiar spices.

Baja Subs Market & Deli

Location: 8801 Reseda Boulevard, Suite A, Northridge, CA 91324, USA

This neighborhood shop quietly doubled as a Sri Lankan tuck shop, evolving into one of LA’s sleeper hits for Sri Lankan specialties. Popular plates include lamb kottu roti, egg hoppers, and fragrant chicken biryani; all served alongside the convenience-store staples that give the spot its charm.

Namaste Spiceland

Location: 821 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360, USA

Part market, part cafeteria, Namaste Spiceland is perfect for stocking staples and digging into Bombay street food. The dosas are a standout, and the chaat, vada pav, and pav bhaji provide great, spicy snacking that’s ideal before filling a grocery bag for the month.

All India Cafe

Location: 316 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale, CA 91203

A long-running local favorite, All India Cafe turns out faithful north- and south-Indian classics in a colorful setting. Expect dependable masala dosa, crisp samosas, layered biryanis, and tandoori favorites, great for groups and steady takeout.

Pijja Palace

Location: 2711 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026, USA

This lively Indian sports-bar hybrid serves confident Indo-American fusion with big personality. Try the malai rigatoni, saag pizza, or garam masala wings; it’s fun, loud, and perfect for a night out with a crowd and a menu that keeps surprising.

Biriyani Kabob House

Location: 3525 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90020, USA

Tucked north of Koreatown in Little Bangladesh, this no-frills spot delivers hefty plates of biryani and classic curries. The lamb biryani is a neighborhood legend with its aromatic, spiced rice with tender meat. Likewise, the menu’s other staples run the gamut of South Asian flavors from kebabs to channa masala.

Badmaash

Location: 108 W 2nd Street, Suite 104, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA

Badmaash brings downtown swagger and playful Indo-Canadian riffs: chicken tikka poutine, chili-cheese naan, and a spicy lamb vindaloo with ghost-chile heat. It’s lively, creative, and a great pick for adventurous diners who want familiar textures with a South Asian punch.

Annapurna Cuisine

Location: 10200 Venice Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90232, USA

Annapurna is a vegetarian South Indian haven where dosa, idli, uttapam, and vada shine alongside soul-soothing sambar. The rava dosa and navaratan korma are especially satisfying, and the spot is a dependable pit stop for hearty, meat-free comfort food.

Fitoor

Location: 1755 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401, US

Sleek and modern, Fitoor elevates Indian dining with inventive plates and polished presentation. Highlights include Peshawari seekh kebab, coastal flame scallops, Hyderabadi biryani, and creative starters like burrata chaat — an elegant night out with contemporary South Asian flair.

Kurrypinch

Location: 5051 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90027

This cult-favorite Sri Lankan kitchen (now on Hollywood Blvd.) is known for kottu roti, lamprais, and string hoppers. Of course, when it comes to South Asian flavors, Kurrypich hits with authentic spice and texture. Pair a plate with a tamarind michelada or a creamy aligetapera for a vivid taste of Sri Lanka in LA.

Discover something new…

Whether you’re craving street-food chaat, a convivial Indo-fusion meal, or a sit-down celebration biryani, these spots showcase the breadth of South Asian cuisine across Greater Los Angeles. Ready to eat? Start plotting your route.

October’s Halloween Happenings | Out & About

If you’re hunting for scares, laughs, or family-friendly fall fun, these Halloween happenings around town have something for every kind of thrill-seeker. Below are the city’s top picks, each with a short description so you can match your mood to the night — blockbuster scare mazes, immersive theatre, sea-bound hauntings, outdoor cinema among the graves, and pumpkin-patch comfort for the little ones.

Universal Studios — Halloween Horror Nights

Of course, Hollywood’s famed studio is the place for Halloween happenings that serve as the event of the season. Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights transforms the theme park into a multi-maze, high-production scarefest. Expect movie- and game-inspired haunted mazes (think major IP tie-ins), scare zones, and late-night shows that push the limits of theatrical horror. Best for adrenaline junkies who want big sets, intense actors, and showy effects.

Delusion — Delusion: Harrowing of Hell (DTLA)

Considerably one of DTLA’s top Halloween Happenings, Delusion is immersive theater turned up to 11. Staged in an atmospheric downtown venue, this story-driven experience drags audiences into a ritualistic, Dante-inspired nightmare where you’re not just watching — you’re part of the action. If you like theatrical scares and narrative-first frights, this event is for you.

LA Haunted Hayride — Griffith Park

Equal parts spooky and playful, the LA Haunted Hayride sends visitors through the eerie town of Midnight Falls. The attraction blends themed walk-throughs, costumed characters, and a retro-horror carnival vibe; daytime sessions and family-friendly options make it a great choice for mixed-age groups.

Dark Harbor at the Queen Mary — Long Beach

Board the legendary ship for Dark Harbor’s nautical nightmares. Long Beach’s best Halloween happenings take place seaside with maze sequences, haunting installations, and moody performance art aboard the Queen Mary. The set design is cinematic, the actors committed, and the whole experience feels like a ghost story come to life on the water.

Cinespia — Hollywood Forever Cemetery Screenings

Cinespia keeps tradition alive with outdoor film screenings among tombstones. From Rocky Horror to classic horror staples and cult favorites, these nights pair movie fandom with costume pageantry and a uniquely L.A. cemetery atmosphere — perfect for film lovers who like their scares with scenery.

Hollywood Bowl — Tim Burton & Danny Elfman events

For theatrical, family-friendly Halloween happenings, you won’t want to miss the Hollywood Bowl’s spin on spooky season. Look for live-orchestra film nights featuring Tim Burton classics, often with Danny Elfman performing. These events blend music, sing-alongs, and costume fun under the stars.

Million Dollar Theater & Local GhostWalks

Smaller-scale offerings like historic GhostWalks and curated screening programs at venues such as the Million Dollar Theater provide atmospheric local lore and film pairings for those who prefer story and ambiance over jump scares.

Family-friendly picks

Pumpkin patches, daytime haunted houses, trick-or-treat villages, and kid-focused festivals abound across the region — check schedules for family sessions and age recommendations.

Tips from the Crypt…

Save yourself the scare of a sold-out fare! Buy tickets early, check age and mask rules, and dress in layers for cool evenings. Whether you crave over-the-top production or cozy community haunts, the city is never short on frights. Enjoy all of the Halloween happenings the season has to offer for a hauntingly fun time!

Styling Your Coffee Table for Fall | Home Tips

As the seasons shift, autumn invites a fresh perspective on home styling. One of the most impactful places to start is your coffee table. Often the centerpiece of a living room or entryway, a well-styled coffee table sets the tone for your entire space. With a few intentional updates, you can create a warm, inviting look that reflects the richness of fall—all while maintaining a luxury aesthetic. Here are designer-approved ways to elevate your coffee table styling this season.

1. Start with a Seasonal Color Palette

Autumn is all about warmth and depth. Choose a color palette that blends earthy tones like terracotta, amber, deep olive, and burnt sienna. These rich hues pair beautifully with neutral base tones and can be woven throughout your display via candles, coasters, or small decorative accents.

2. Layer with Luxurious Coffee Table Books

A stack of textured, high-quality coffee table books adds instant sophistication. Look for covers in seasonal tones or those featuring interior design, architecture, or travel. Choose two to three books in varying sizes and stack them to create visual interest. Bonus tip: top the stack with a small decorative object, like a brass magnifying glass or stone sculpture.

3. Incorporate Seasonal Florals and Foliage

Replace summer blooms with fall-forward arrangements. Think dahlias, ranunculus, or dried grasses in rich, moody tones. A minimalist ceramic or stoneware vase will add a grounded feel, while a cluster of smaller bud vases offers a more curated, designer look.

4. Use Natural Materials and Stoneware

Fall styling is best when it feels organic. Consider incorporating handcrafted stoneware bowls, wooden beads, or alabaster trays to add texture and subtle luxury. These pieces serve as both functional catchalls and beautiful design elements.

5. Add Sculptural Elements

To create a gallery-like composition, add one sculptural decor item to your coffee table. This could be a hand-carved object, a small bust, or an abstract piece in marble or resin. Sculptural pieces add a sense of artistry and elevate the space.

6. Don’t Forget a Fall Candle

No autumn coffee table is complete without a luxe seasonal candle. Choose elevated brands with refined packaging and warm fall scents like smoked vanilla, cedarwood, cardamom, or fig. Nest, Diptyque, and Byredo are go-to labels for chic fragrance and design-forward vessels.

7. Embrace Asymmetry and Negative Space

While layering is key, avoid overcrowding. Use the rule of three to create vignettes and leave space for the eye to rest. This kind of asymmetry adds visual intrigue and keeps your table from feeling too staged.

Final Styling Note

Styling your coffee table for fall doesn’t require a full design overhaul—just a thoughtful mix of textures, tones, and curated accents. With these designer-approved ideas, you can craft a warm and sophisticated focal point that reflects the cozy, collected feeling of the season. Perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying a quiet night in, your fall-styled coffee table will be a reflection of the luxury lifestyle you live.

Economic Update | Week Ending October 11, 2025

Weekly Economic Update; WEU

Stock markets tanked on Friday, and interest rates dropped – Stock markets had their worst day since President Trump announced his tariff plan in April, after he announced an additional 100% tariff on all imports from China. This was in response to China’s announcement that it would limit the exports of raw materials. The Dow, which has seen a great rise in recent weeks and was near its all-time high, dropped 879 points, a 1.9% one-day loss. The S&P fell 2.7% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq fell 3.6% on Friday. It was a dreadful day for investors, but it’s completely possible that another deal will be worked out with China by Trump’s November 1st deadline, and the additional 100% tariffs will never take place. On the positive side, when investors sell stocks, they often flock to the safety of U.S. Treasury bonds. They did, and bond yields hit their lowest levels of the year. This drove down mortgage rates on Friday to their lowest levels since last September as well.

Government shutdown – The government shutdown will enter its third week next week. Hopefully, we will see a deal to reopen the government soon. For some reason, this has not affected stock prices and interest rates. While many government employees have been furloughed, the administration called the Bureau of Statistics employees back to work so that they could tabulate the September CPI numbers and release them on October 15. That was a welcome surprise to investors after last week’s jobs report was not released due to the shutdown. All eyes are on the labor market and the inflation rate because the Fed’s mandate is to control inflation and maintain full employment. With the unemployment rate rising, last month they made their first interest rate cut of the year. The rate of inflation that peaked at 9.1% in June of 2022 had worked its way down to 2.3% in April, but has risen steadily since tariffs were increased and had risen to 2.9% in August. The Fed felt that addressing the deteriorating labor market was more important at this time than controlling inflation. The Fed has another meeting on the 28th and 29th of October. Knowing the unemployment rate and the inflation rate will give investors insight into whether the Fed will cut interest rates again at the October meeting.

Stock Markets – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 45,478.60, down 2.7% from 46,758.28 last week. Year-to-date, it is up 2.8% from 44,544.66 on December 31, 2024. The S&P 500 closed the week at 6,552.51, down 2.4% from 6,715.79 last week. Year-to-date, the S&P is up 8.5% from 6,040.53 on December 31, 2024. The Nasdaq closed the week at 22,204.43, down 3.5% from 22,780.51 last week. Year-to-date, it is up 13.1% from 19,627.44 on December 31, 2024.

U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year Treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.05%, down from 4.13% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.63% down from 4.71% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.

Mortgage rates – Every Thursday, Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of October 9, 2025, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.3%, down from 6.34% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.53%, nearly unchanged from 5.55% last week. The 30-year was closer to 6% at the end of the day on Friday. We would not be surprised to see the stock market correct and mortgage rates rise on Monday. It just seems like the giant one-day drop in stocks and interest rates was an overreaction.

The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.

Freddie Mac was chartered by Congress in 1970 to keep money flowing to mortgage lenders in support of homeownership and rental housing. Their mandate is to provide liquidity, stability, and affordability to the U.S.

Have a Great Weekend!

Mortgage Rate Update | October 9, 2025

MRU

Mortgage rates – Every Thursday, Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of October 9, 2025, were as follows:

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.3%, down from 6.34% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.53%, nearly unchanged from 5.55% last week.

The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.

Freddie Mac was chartered by Congress in 1970 to keep money flowing to mortgage lenders in support of homeownership and rental housing. Their mandate is to provide liquidity, stability, and affordability to the U.S.