Halloween and Fall Inspired Decorations for your Home

Ghost Next Door

Get your guests in the Halloween mood before they even walk through the door with this eerie ghost canopy. To re-create the look, paint an assortment of acorn squash to resemble spooky spirits, then hang them around your doorframe or attach to a bundle of branches.

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Spooky Spiders

These adorable mini-pumpkin spiders will add Halloween flair to any arrangement -- from a table centerpiece to a backyard pumpkin patch. Kids can help make these googly-eyed spiders using black acrylic paint and chenille stems.

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Going Batty Pumpkins

Transform white pumpkins into harvest moons using cardstock stencils. Just spray the pumpkins with a sealer, trace the pattern, and then fill in the outlines with black paint. Bonus: No carving required!

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Joke-o'-Lanterns

Who says jack-o'-lantern faces have to look scary? Go for a goofy pumpkin (or a whole slew of them). Let the kids brainstorm silly ideas and expressions. Then make multiple eyes, ears, and mouths using leftover craft materials -- like a Halloween version of Mr. Potato Head.

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Glowing Gourds

Light up your entryway with pumpkin tiki torches. Start by carving your pumpkin as usual, then poke a bamboo garden stake through the bottom of each pumpkin. Pie pumpkins (like the thick-fleshed "Wee Be Little" and "Sugar Pie" varieties) are perfect for this project.

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Owl Pumpkins

Whooo could resist such a cool pumpkin creation? To make these wide-eyed owls, begin like you would for a classic jack-o'-lantern -- simply carve out the beak and eye holes. Then, use hot-glue to affix sunflower seeds around the eyes, ears and feet (both constructed with craft sticks).

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Flower Jack-o-lantern

Bring fall's most popular decoration out to the garden. Try carving a bold floral pattern in lieu of a scary face. That way, you can show off your pretty pumpkin during Halloween and beyond.

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Fabulous Foliage

The best part about fall decorations is that they don't have to be complicated to look great. This no-fuss combination of orange pumpkins and golden leafed branches can create a cheery glow around any entryway.

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DIY Leaf Mantle Masterpiece

For this easy mantle decoration idea, start with a bright red, yellow, or orange frame. (If you don't have one on hand, you can spray paint a used frame from a thrift store.) Then, help your little ones gather a rainbow of leaves and attach them to a thin ribbon. Hang the streamer from two nails on either side of the frame to create a one-of-a-kind work of art.

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Pint-Sized Scarecrows

Put your baby's too-small overalls and onesies to good use with this mini-scarecrow centerpiece. Stuff the outfit with fresh straw and create a head out of a burlap sack. Then, let it stand guard to protect against candy corn snatchers.

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Spell It Out

Celebrate the season with this cheery sign, spelled out using acorns, cinnamon sticks, and twigs. For simple set up, string the finished version onto a length of twine or ribbon.

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Gourd-eous Wreath

Give a twig wreath extra personality by adding a spray of wheat or berries and a spookily carved gourd.

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Pumpkin Patch Scarecrow

What do you get when you combine a jack-o'-lantern with a scarecrow? An easy-to-make fall decoration that kids will love!

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Add a Pop of Color

Try mixing unexpected colors (like cranberry) into your outdoor decorating this fall. Looking to add a more autumnal feel? White pumpkins seamlessly coordinate with any palette and keep things looking fresh.

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Alphabet Door Decoration

Create a customized door design for the fall season by using your monogram as the outline for a leaf-covered hanging accent.

Copyright © 2010 Meredith Corporation.

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