Autumn Card Ideas

Autumn card ideas: Halloween, Bonfire Night and the run-up to Christmas

Autumn packs three card moments into six weeks: Halloween on 31 October, Bonfire Night on 5 November, then the first Christmas post in the last week of the month. This page walks through what to send when, with wording for each one.

Everything here is designed in house and printed in the UK, posted first class with a kraft envelope. If you get organised in October, December stops being a panic.

Late October: Halloween

• Happy Halloween. Try not to eat all the sweets before the first knock.
• Wishing you a properly spooky one. Mind the driveway.
• You've had the decorations up since August. Enjoy your night.
• Happy Halloween to the scariest person I know, and I mean that fondly.

5 November: Bonfire Night

• Remember, remember — bring gloves, the fireworks start at seven.
• Bonfire Night at ours. Sparklers provided, sensible shoes are your problem.
• Hope the fireworks are loud and the toffee apples hold together.
• Thinking of you and the dog tonight. Curtains shut, telly up.

Mid November: the bridge weeks

• Dark by four, so here's something cheerful through the letterbox.
• No occasion, just checking in now the clocks have gone back.
• Consider this your official reminder that Christmas is closer than you think.

Late November: first Christmas post

• Getting in early this year, mostly so I can be smug about it.
• First Christmas card of the year, and it's yours. You're welcome.
• Merry Christmas from all of us — posted in November, which is a personal best.

Halloween cards

For 31 October and the people who take it seriously.

Christmas cards

Buy them in November and December looks after itself.

Where to shop next

• Halloween cards
• Halloween card messages
• Bonfire Night card messages
• Autumn cards
• Christmas cards
• Christmas card messages
• Black Friday
• Planning the party? Birthday party ideas
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas
• Gifts to make someone smile
• Thinking of you gifts

Frequently asked questions

When should I send autumn cards?

Halloween cards go out around 28 October, Bonfire Night invites two weeks before 5 November, and Christmas cards from the last week of November onwards.

Do people send Bonfire Night cards?

Rarely as cards, often as invitations. Most people use a card to invite friends to a bonfire or fireworks night rather than to mark the date itself.

When is the best time to buy Christmas cards?

Late November, around Black Friday. You get the pick of the designs and beat the December post.