Today, I’m sharing a roundup of 40 Halloween ideas from the many posts I’ve published. Can’t believe I’m about to celebrate my sixth anniversary of blogging! Many thanks to those who have followed along and “chatted” through comments.
There are both spooktacular and not-so-scary holiday decorations, crafts, tablescapes and seasonal activities. Plenty of Halloween ideas to appeal to both family and friends — and, kids of all ages!
You’ll find lots of DIY projects to craft wreaths, decorate pumpkins, hand paint glasses, repurpose photos of costumed trick or treaters, and more.
There’s also table settings galore, with themes including; witches, skeletons, bats, ghosts, and mummies — in traditional colors of black and orange, or purple and green schemes. Some are silly and one is over-the-top glam! Most carry the theme from tabletop to ceiling with a decorated chandelier or light fixture. There are neat tricks to fold a napkin into a witch hat, femur bone, bat or mummy. And, fun guest favors and serving presentations too!
Finally, travel with me virtually to Sleepy Hollow for the most amazing carved pumpkin display ever! And, if you can’t make it there, consider playing a retro game of Green Ghost and reading not-so-scary stories to the kiddos!
Things That Go Bump in the Night
Just click on any of the links or photos below to view a Halloween post in its entirety. Each is fully-illustrated and narrated with detailed DIY instructions or element descriptions.
Halloween Wreath Roundup
Welcoming trick or treaters and guests starts at the front door with a festive holiday wreath.
#1 Craft a Mesh & Ribbon Wreath
Six years ago this October, I published Debbee’s Buzz first post, Bewitching DIY Halloween Wreath. It includes a step-by-step tutorial on how to make a deco mesh wreath.
It was also the first wreath sold through my then Etsy Shop, DebbeesBuzzBoutique. Unfortunately, between pandemic supply chain issues and the cost of shipping, I elected to close the shop in mid-2020. Instead, I show you how to craft your own Halloween wreath.
#2 Add Texture With Mesh Tubing
Next, I combined leftover ribbon from the Bewitching Wreath, with new spider and candy corn decorated ribbon, bright-color spider and pumpkin picks, and deco mesh tubing.
All of it was built on a foundation of wide, neon green mesh which made the DIY Trick or Treat Halloween Wreath really pop.
#3 Use a “Wow” Element to Carry a Theme
Both styles of wreath quickly sold out in my Etsy shop, and I was left without a new wreath for my own front door! Fortunately, I still had plenty of ribbon and mesh leftover in my craft stash to create the Gonna Need a New Broom, Witch Wreath.
So, I picked up this pair of witch legs and bloomers to build a wreath to decorate our home. It shows how by using different combinations of the same mesh and ribbons you can create a unique look.
After adding a broom and pair of bloodshot eyeball eye ornaments, the wreath had the appearance a witch had crashed into the door lol!
#4 Think Out-of-the-Box for Unique Themes
Living on the water in Charleston, Sistah B asked me to make another DIY Nautical Sailboat theme wreath for her home. For Halloween, however, she wanted a pirate ship — blimey! Initially, it was a creative and craft supply stumper, but I persevered to make the Sunken Shipwreck Pirate Wreath.
Instead of a mesh foundation, this wreath was built on a black grapevine wreath. Mesh, however, was used to create the watery waves. For the ship, I painted an unfinished birdhouse. What do you think? I confess to being pretty proud of how I rose to the challenge lol! Don’t you think it also would make a great decoration for a pirate theme birthday party?
Halloween Ideas to Elevate a Table Setting
As much as I love to craft wreaths, my favorite thing is to style a Halloween theme tablescape! So far, I’ve come up with six different scenes. Most have been set on the small, round glass table in the kitchen, while several others have been in the formal dinning room.
I also regularly participate in the Halloween Tablescape Blog Hop, where you have the opportunity to see more settings conjured up by many talented stylists.
#5 Share, Showcase the Candy
On my first anniversary of blogging, I shared the Spooky Spellbound Halloween Centerpiece & Table.
Another of my favorite Halloween table treats is to include a fun favor at each setting. It was one of several Halloween theme tables set with my favorite black and white Wiccan dishes. This tablescape was more silly sweet fun than scary.
But, you don’t have to use Halloween specific tableware for a festive setting. Just add a guest favor made with inexpensive candies or treats tucked into gift bags or mini plastic pails to each place setting.
#6 Decorate the Light Fixture
Flying overhead, Hilda the witch had crashed into the chandelier. I blamed it on the errant fumes rising from the “smoky” cauldron centerpiece lol!
Quick and easy to do, I just wrapped seasonal garlands around the light figure and added inexpensive Halloween embellishments like witch legs, a broom, and black roses with eyeballs from Dollar Tree. Decorating the chandelier carried the tablescape theme vertically.
#7 -9 Create an Adult Dinner Setting
However, in the dinning room, I styled a more adult, dark theme with the Haunted Halloween Hallows Tablescape. I did it by gathering a wide assortment of Halloween decor, candles, and even garden figures, and placed them on top of a lacy spider tablerunner.
Scene stealers were a trio of mummy ghouls in a table length centerpiece that included tombstones, skulls, spiders, bats, ravens, and gargoyles.
Rather then using a cloth or place mats, I laid lengths of mossy gauze down the table — to tie-in (unintended pun!) with the mummy wrappings in the centerpiece. It also allowed me to show off the underlying mahogany table.
Using Halloween gauze — perhaps layered over a white or other color tablecloth — saves the more expensive option of purchasing Halloween-specific linens.
While overhead, more gauze was draped on the chandelier arms. A pair of skeletal hands “climbed” the mummy-wrapped fixture. An easy way to decorate the dining room with a haunting look that coordinated with the table. And, the gauze can be packed away for other Halloween costume or decorative uses.
# 10-13 Skeletons at the Feast Halloween Ideas
The following season, I hosted a Spooktacular Skeleton at the Feast Halloween Table party. This tablescape included four different Halloween ideas — place settings, guest favor, napkin fold, and decorated chandelier.
Another table styling utilizing Wiccan Halloween plates, it was set on a black printed tablecloth. I mixed the plates with inexpensive black-handle flatware and smoky skeleton goblets from Dollar Tree. Don’t have Halloween tableware or linens? There’s nothing wrong with using plastic and paper products — especially for the kiddos!
Plastic gloves, filled with popcorn and candy corn fingernails, served as a festive favor treat. I’d previously filled a large plastic cauldron with the hands as elementary classroom Halloween treats.
To add to the bone-rattling fun, I folded a napkin into the shape of a femur bone! It was the first of several napkin fold Halloween ideas I’ve shared over the years. This one is so quick and easy, you’ll wonder why you never tried it before!
Overhead, was a Jaw Dropping Halloween Chandelier where I sat a three-foot skeleton figure! Not only is it the most over-the-top decorated light fixture I’ve ever styled, but it’s one of the blog’s most pinned Halloween ideas.
#14-17 Elegant Entertaining Halloween Ideas
My next idea is to surprise guests with a unique, attention-grabbing centerpiece. That’s what happened when another skeleton took center stage at the Halloween Gothic Glam Table — by “bathing” in my gorgeous silver punchbowl!
Set in the dining room, the table-length centerpiece and tableware featured some of my best bone china, silver, and crystal. None of it was Halloween tableware. You can do the same, by using everyday or elegant tableware with linens in a Halloween color scheme or print — like the lacy spider runner shown above.
Later that October, I shared several other Silly Skeleton Poses for creating a unique Halloween centerpiece.
Mix lux tableware with inexpensive Dollar Tree Halloween decorations (skull heads, black eye-ball roses, spiders and snakes) to create an elegant, haunting tablescape.
Strings of pearls and large diamonds were originally used to decorate the Breakfast at Tiffany’s Theme Brunch. Yes ladies, I’m a pack rack! I had tucked them away for future bridal shower or wedding decorations. Because you never know what may find another life lol!
One of several other Halloween ideas you’ll find on the table, is this skeleton or mummy napkin fold.
#18 -22 Batty & Purple Halloween Ideas
After that, I went completely batty with the Gone Batty: Black, White & Purple Halloween Table. There, you’ll find a fun color scheme and multiple Halloween ideas for decorating and table setting. All Halloween tables and decorations don’t have to be black and orange. Instead, get a spooky, dramatic look mixing purple with black, or neon green.
Start overhead by decorating the light fixture with purple boas and these easy-to-make pipe cleaner and feather hanging bats.
Next, conjure up a haunting centerpiece by gathering together a collection of pumpkins, candles, LED string lights, ornament balls, and deco mesh netting and tubing.
Don’t already have purple pumpkins? Learn how to Craft Marbleized Pumpkins Using Nail Polish to make your own decor.
A cheap purple plastic tablecloth was covered by a lacy black topper. Then, for more purple punch, I created feathery “placemats” using more lengths of cheap purple boas (Dollar Tree).
Finally, I added a bat-shaped napkin fold in black. Or you could use purple napkins for the fold too. No Halloween tableware? Just layer the bat napkins on plain white, orange or black dinner plates.
#23 -26 Spellbound Halloween Ideas
More Halloween ideas for entertaining are included in the Spooky Spellbound Centerpiece & Table. Here, I conjured up a witch’s hat napkin fold. Like the bat, bone and mummies, the napkin folds can be used without specialty, seasonal tableware. Each hat was topped with a plastic spider ring — a little favor on a children’s table.
Since I used oval Halloween oval plates from my collection, the napkin was placed in the upper left of each place setting. In place of a tablecloth, I reused that mummy-like gauze wrapping from my Halloween stash. I keep orange plastic bins in the attic full of stuff to “shop” and reuse.
Another of my favorite Halloween tricks is to use spider web to create the illusion of a smoky brew. Often, I place it in glasses or the punch bowl seen earlier. Here, I tucked wisps into little plastic cauldrons (filled with candy corn) and used them to hold place cards.
The centerpiece was a witch’s collection of oddities for casting spells and enhancements, inspired by a cheap spell book (Dollar Tree). However, I used mostly Halloween elements and clear glassware I already had to style the new look.
And I always suggest having a string of LED lights to add a sense of enchantment! They also come in handy to accent a magical Christmas, or romantic Valentine’s Day centerpiece.
As usual, I went “vertical,” extending the tablescape scene overhead into the decorated chandelier. Here, a trio of owls is spellbound by some errant magic. Garlands of black branches and leaves create their nest. Who knows “howl” I’ll reimagine using these Halloween elements next lol!
More DIY Halloween Ideas & Crafts
In addition to the wreaths, I’ve shared many handcrafted Halloween decorations and party favors, along with tutorials to make your own.
#27 Hand Painted Glasses
To compliment the Gone Batty: Black, White & Purple Halloween Table, I created these DIY Spooky Dollar Tree Painted Glasses.
See how to transform the inexpensive smoky black stems into the moonlit scene above, or create your own design. Maybe even have the kids paint their own special Halloween glass?
#28 – 29 Gothic Pumpkins & Shopping Clearance Sales
Looking for more Halloween ideas for decor? How about embellishing pumpkins with odds and ends to fit a spooky theme or color scheme?
Originally, I created these DIY Eerie, Elegant Black Pumpkins to compliment the grand piano in the formal living room. The pair of pumpkins were later incorporated into the centerpiece of the Halloween Gothic Glam Table with Skeleton Napkin Fold.
Most of the embellishments were more odds and ends from my craft or Halloween stash. But the pumpkins were purchased on clearance at 75% off the year before. Other than Dollar Tree items (which need to be snatched up early in the season), most of my Halloween tableware, linens, decorations, and craft supplies were bought during post-holiday sales. Stores rush to fill the shelves with Christmas items and price Halloween stuff super cheap.
I’ve taken readers with me on several trips to Favorite Halloween and Fall Decor Shopping destinations for ideas, inspiration and stuff! Sometimes, I spot things I’d love to have and return, hoping to find them on sale.
That includes these witches that are part of my coven collection of figures. Visit for a spell to see them as part of the Not-So-Scary Halloween Decor Home Tour.
#30 – 31 Serial Skeleton & Witch’s Cauldron
Remember they skeleton hanging from the light fixture in Jaw Dropping Halloween Chandelier, and later sitting in the silver punchbowl? Well, he has lived several incarnations as a recycled Halloween decoration over the years.
First, he was the central figure in this large DIY Halloween Skeleton Decor: It’s a Scream for a party. Most often, the arrangement alternated between the fireplace hearth, or entry hall.
Over the years, the large plastic cauldron base has also been a great investment. Its had multiple uses as either a Halloween punchbowl, or filled with candy for trick or treaters (with yours truly dressed as a friendly witch).
And the rat in his lap, has crashed several seasonal centerpieces, including both the Halloween Gothic Glam Table (wearing a “diamond” earring”), or most recently in the Spooky Spellbound Halloween Centerpiece.
My Halloween decorating mantra is buy cheap or on sale, save and store, then reuse, reimagine what you have.
#32 -35 Go Nostalgic with Costumes, Art & Photos
My favorite Halloween decorations are those that evoke happy memories. That’s why I pulled my kids’ seasonal artwork out of boxes and folders and hung them on the wall!
Halloween decorations made by my sons when they were little are part of a seasonal rotation in the How to Create a Kid Keepsakes Gallery.
I’m a sentimental rat pack and it was only after the guys went off to college did it occur to me to display their artwork. Someday, I hope to add grandkid art as I receive it. If your kids are still young, you could create a display on a wall in their bedroom.
I also love to Decorate with Halloween Costume Photos of family members wearing the Halloween costumes my mother (and later I) made. At Christmas and Easter I display other treasured seasonal photographs from years past.
And, some of those favorite costume photographs of my sons, I’ve turned into tabletop decorations. See details on how to make your own cutouts at, Decorate with Halloween Costume Photos, Artwork.
Here are the boys as two different versions of Frankenstein. Almost all of their costumes were handmade, and are a combination of sewing and crafting. Rather than wearing masks, I used wigs, headwear and makeup to complete the look.
It was a yearly joy to collaborate with the boys and sometimes my mother to put together the Halloween costumes. After sharing them with younger cousins, it probably won’t surprise you to know I’ve saved them in a cedar closet for the next generation.
Fun, Family-Friendly Activities
Over the years, I’ve also shared a number of Halloween ideas for activities and outings.
#36 -38 Play Games, Read Stories & Watch Movies
Speaking of nostalgia, one of my favorite games growing up was, Retro Green Ghost Game Night. Back then, it was unique in that it glowed in the dark. My sisters and I would sit in a closet with flashlights and play it together. One year, youngest sister found it on eBay and gave it to me as a gift.
It’s a family-friendly game to play, and perfectly paired with reading not-so-scary Halloween stories. When the boys were growing up, I’d buy them a new book every year. Most often, purchased at a post holiday clearance sale and tucked away until the following Halloween.
Young or old always enjoy watching a fun or campy Halloween movie or show on the TV. For teen and adult parties, I often have classic old movies looping on the TV. Or, the movie itself could be the main event of the evening. One Halloween we watched episodes of the original Munsters and Adams Family series. Another year, it was the Halloween episodes of classic TV comedy shows.
#39 – 40 Visit a Haunted House or Pumpkin Patch
And how fun is it to go and pick a pumpkin at a farm? I still love going on the hunt for the perfect pumpkins! Even though dear hubby and I no longer carve pumpkins, I still love to display them inside and out — especially the ones covered with warts lol!
Although I don’t appreciate the gore or scare level of most haunted houses, I do enjoy an evening hay ride through a darken wood. When I was in college, our annual Halloween hayride and costume parties were favorites. Maybe because I always won prizes for the best theme costumes thanks to my mom!
Just last year, we attended the granddaddy of all pumpkin festivals in Sleepy Hollow, NY. The Blaze: Jack O’ Lantern Carved Pumpkin Festival is simply not to be missed! Put it on your bucket list! But, you need to plan ahead to purchase the timed-tickets online; before they sell out.
Planning Ahead
I do scare up some less-than-frightening outdoor decorations every year. Trick or treaters love this circle of ghosts dancing around the tree, and the blinking eyeballs tucked into bushes. Another favorite are the seven handmade I’d Go Back If Eye Were You paper bag luminaries lining the sidewalk to the front door.
But this year, I’ll be limiting the amount of Halloween decorations both inside and out as I’m in a time crunch. First, this summer’s Updated Curb Appeal: Landscape, Front Pad & Sidewalk eliminated some of the larger, overgrown bushes. And like the landscape, some of the outdoor decorations are pretty worn and need replaced. I’m rethinking the display and already searching for new stuff to purchase for next Halloween!
And, Mr. Buzz and I just recently returned from two weeks in France, celebrating our 40th anniversary. Unfortunately, I brought home a nasty sinus infection as a souvenir that’s kept me under the weather for over a week now. Meanwhile, I’m still regrouping from our eldest’s Labor Day weekend wedding, there’s hubby running in the New York City Marathon early next month, and the holidays fast approaching.
Today is the annual Halloween Tablescape Blog Hop and I miss participating. But, I’ll be heading over to see what the ladies have each conjured up, as inspiration for next year.
What have you got planned?
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Link Parties
I regularly participate in: Metamorphous Monday, Share Your Style, Tablescape Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Saturday Sparks, Happiness is Homemade, and Love Your Creativity.
Love all your Halloween decorations! Your kids must have been so proud of you when they bought friends home during different holidays! So awesome! I love love love your keepsake wall! I gave my kids most of the stuff they made but now am wishing I did not! I am a pack rat too and love this, will go home and see what I still have of theirs! One throws everything out! One keeps only what she likes and one is sentimental like me! Love your ideas!
Nothing better than hearing you’ve inspired someone to create a project of their own Karen! Hope you are successful of finding or retrieving some of your kids’ artwork.
Poof ! My comment disappeared. Debbee, you win the creativity award by sheer volume. You should have owned a brick and motar store.
How were your Evenings in Paris aka second honeymoon ?
Sorry you have been under the weather. My allergies have been acting up too .
Sorry you lost your comment Myrna, and I appreciate the time and effort you took to try again. I would have loved to have a shop or party planner. I did get to do events on a grand scale during my career, but they were mostly conventions and conferences. We were on a river cruise on the Rhone thru Provence and then three days in Burgundy region out of Dijon. Had spectacular weather! Lovely way to celebrate our anniversary.
At least this time, we don’t have to check back with you in June. LOL So glad you had a great time. You deserve it after all the weddings and planning and creating.
Debbee, this is a fantastic post!!! There are so many creative ideas here that my head is spinning – you are one creative lady! I love the feather boas (anywhere), the bone napkin rings, and of course, silly skeleton in her pearls in the silver punchbowl. Did you name her Stella or am I misremembering? Love the skeleton in the cauldron and on the chandy too. Oh, and love that black owl too – I can see a future for similar here. Thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful creativity and inspiration. Love it all! So glad that you had a fantastic time in France for your 40th and that you are feeling better.
You’re always so generous in your comments Kim — thank you! I did name her Stella! She’s gonna have to haunt my attic this year since I am minimizing my Halloween decorations to stuff not packed up there. France with hubby was lovely and we had great weather. Still trying to rid myself of this sinus stuff, but small potatoes in the scale of things. Hope you have a happy Halloween — boo!
Loved the recap, Debbee. The ghosts encircled are adorable.
Thanks Rita! Unfortunately, the ghosts were “retired” this year. They had taken a beaten over the years. I’ve been searching everywhere and online to replace them. So far, only black witches. I’m thinking of making my own as I still have the hardware.
Love all your creative displays.
Happy Anniversary
Love you
Thanks Auntie D! I just realized the number of Halloween ideas and years married is the same! Wonder what that means lol?