I would imagine that if paparazzi get away with the horrid stuff they pull, then some benign, non-invasive, non-identifying photos of Halloween decorations would be fine. But the editor would be the one to ask, and you passed that test. Congratulations!
A couple of years ago, a friend called me at work to tell me that, in Hyde Park here in Sydney (obviously not in the US), there was a giant photo - as in three by five METERS - of my wife. It was an entry in an annual citywide exhibition and contest. It was surprise to me and certainly to my wife.
No permission had been asked or given. But I followed up with the festival organisers to get the photographer's name so I could order a print. Because it was my wife in the photo, she gave me a deal on the print, and that was it.
The photo placed third in the contest. My wife won't have it framed or hung.