Halloween Day 19: Outdoor Decor - Frog Prince Paperie

Growing up, I always wished that our house could be the one on our block that always went all out with Halloween decorating. As it was, I think I always pretty readily settled for gutting a pumpkin the day before Halloween, carving a crooked smile into its face, and unceremoniously plopping it on the front porch. And I’m sure as my small children grow older, they will be thoroughly embarrassed to walk into a house decorated to excess instead of reveling in it as I would have. I’ve collected a few ideas to help embarrass your kids or just make things a little more fun for you.

So onto the decorating! There are many simple things you can do to create a festive air for the front of your home. Collections of pumpkins, mums, and a few well placed ribbons can make an impact. Of course, a darling wreath never hurts! Southern Living has at tutorial on how to make this beautiful wreath out of miniature pumpkins.

And for those that have a bit of a sense of humor, Southern Living also has instructions for tiny pumpkin stakes for the flowerbeds an flower boxes!

And how cool will the trick-or-treaters think you are with a whole yard full of jack-o-lanterns??

If you want more of an eerie effect for your outside, Martha Stewart has quite a few inventive ideas on how to spook your friends and neighbors! There’s this creepy graveyard

Or a chilling set of witchy silhouettes just for starters. Templates are available for both on her site!

But you really don’t have to go overboard to be festive. A simple touch or two is sometimes all it takes to satisfy your inner child. I love this super easy-to-make witch doorbell cover.