Halloween is a time for carving pumpkins, watching horror movies, and dressing up in costumes. If you really want to get into the Halloween spirit and let trick or treaters know they’re welcome, you can use decorations to turn your home into a haunted house. Here are five tips to help you:

Halloween Lights

Halloween lights are a great way to create an eerie atmosphere in your home. Check discount stores such as Poundland in the run-up to Halloween, a specialist party store, or online. Hang them around doorways, windows, and anywhere else you want to create a spooky effect. Dark blue and purple lights are especially effective, and if they flash, even better! Children love seeing the lights, and it's one of the most important things to making a truly haunted house.

Hang Fake Spiders and Cobwebs

One of the simplest and most effective ways to create a haunted house atmosphere is to hang fake spiders and cobwebs. Once again, discount homeware stores, party specialists or the internet are your go-to places to source these spooky decorations. Alternatively, you can make your own with cotton wool balls or gauze and use pipe cleaners to make spiders. Hang them in doorways, windows, and from lights, to give guests a fright. 

Put a Fog Machine in the Living Room

Set up a fog machine in the living room to create an eerie mist that will make it seem like ghosts are floating around the room. Just be sure to keep it away from any open flames. A fog machine is a favourite with children, and a great way to get a truly creepy atmosphere.

Play Spooky Music in the Background

No haunted house is complete without some spooky music playing in the background. You can find Halloween-themed music online or create your own playlist. Kids love choosing the music, and it's a great way to get them into the Halloween spirit. There are also many sound effects that you can download to play in between songs and create a truly scary atmosphere. Just make sure the music is not too loud so that people can still talk and enjoy themselves.

Buy a Life-Size Skeleton or Zombie to put in your Front Garden

A life-size skeleton is a great way to freak out your guests as they approach your house. Position them so that they're visible from the street and ensure they're securely fastened, so they don't blow away in the wind. You can also hang signs around them that say things like "Beware" or "Enter at your own risk". Bones or fake gravestones poking out of flowerbeds or the lawn will give that spooky graveyard feel.

These are just a few ideas for turning your home into a haunted house. Get creative and have fun with it! Remember, the goal is to make it fun for everyone, including the children. Let them help you with the decorations and make it a family affair.

Once you've created your spooky haunted house, why not invite friends and family round for a party?

Photo by cottonbro studio