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Nestled beneath mature oak trees, yet set high on a hill, our home is – how shall I say? Oozing with haunted vibes. For Halloween this year I felt it was only appropriate to turn our front walk, and the adjoining front yard, into a haunted graveyard scene. Matching the haunted aesthetic our home already lends itself to during the holiday season. I did all my Halloween decor shopping online this year. The Home Depot had everything I needed to create the spookiest haunted graveyard.

Setting the Scene With a Ghostly Welcome

To reach our front door, you must take a winding path covered in oak trees and dogwoods. Which leads to the front porch and front yard. I wanted to set the haunted scene right from the beginning of the walk. So I added a ghostly animated doll to greet our guests, beckoning them to play hide and seek with among the oaks.

Guests who do stay and play must disregard the warning signs to turn back, because no trespassing is allowed. The warning signs are made from old pallet wood with hand painted letters using red paint. An oversized spider web is the backdrop of our ghostly setting, with scattered pumpkins, lanterns and hay bales completing the Halloween scene.

As guests continue up the path, a haunted hound barks at a frightened skeleton who hides behind a tree for safety. To create the skeleton, I used extra bones from my bag of bones, and secured them to the tree using screws as ledges.

The Haunted Cemetery

Our courageous guests will continue to follow the path of pumpkins. They will be led past our front porch and directly into the haunted graveyard. Upon arriving, they’ll be greeted by the ghastly gravedigger. Warning that trouble lies ahead for those continue to wander through his grounds.

Past the gravedigger, an awakened skeleton bursts through his crypt. Ready to join the rest of the awakened dead lurking through the graveyard.

Behind the crypt and mausoleum stands the regal cemetery statue, hourglass in hand, counting down the hours of the lives of those he watches.

Deeper in the woods, three floating reapers join together, raising the spirits of the dead with their chanting incantations.

Our haunted graveyard was an absolute blast to put together. With just a few easy steps, we’ve created a scene to frighten even the stoutest of souls. A big thank you to The Home Depot for sponsoring this project. All of these fantastic Halloween decorations can be found in store or online at The Home Depot. The Home Depot has everything you need to style your home or party this Halloween! For more decor ideas, come visit me at House on a Sugar Hill. 

Creating a Spooky Carnival Porch Display for Halloween

As soon as the clock strikes September, I start feeling the Halloween spirit in the air. Since this infamous night of trickery looks a little different this year, it’s time to get extra creative with the festivities. I’m a DIY-er at heart, so when The Home Depot reached out to me to participate in their Halloween Style Challenge with their new clown decor, I knew I had to create something extra spooky.

Creating the Carnival

When it comes to Halloween, I love to go big. I do not have a home of my own just yet, so traveling back to my roots and decorating my parents’ house for Halloween is one of my favorite traditions. Growing up, I remember the ‘theme’ of each house in our neighborhood year after year, and loved the tradition of going back to see how they added to their display.

When The Home Depot asked to take on the theme of clowns – I was a little wary. After all, clowns are scary. However, what is better than a carnival – especially on Halloween? To create the entrance, I created this homemade sign with cardboard and spray paint. By creating a little punny sign and setting up this towering 6 ft clown, trick-or-treaters can experience the fun of what’s to come when walking down to your porch!

Creating an Experience

Halloween shouldn’t only be a time to stock up on sweet treats, but also a time for fun, interactive experiences. I love that this clown, as well these clown lawn lights, are motion activated. When the trick-or-treaters walk down the path they are greeted by a spooky surprise. The teeth on these lights rattle and giggle into the chilly night air as Mr. Clown greets you upon entering!

When setting up this display, we also attracted some attention from the neighbor. Who, upon hearing the clown’s booming voice, came over to give him a high five!

Include a Few Fun Games

If you have a larger yard space, setting up games would be a magical addition. For example, setting up ring toss or cornhole would be a great way to create an interactive, fun experience. Additionally, this is a great way to decrease the fear factor for friends who may be a little scared. The best part? After completing the game you are given a delicious prize!

Utilize Reusable Decor

I love creating a new display for Halloween every year. I know these skeletons, who are dressed up for the spooky carnival, will be a staple in my decor every year. My mom and I are even brainstorming some fun ways to dress these boney friends up for her Zoom classes (she is a teacher) in order to inspire some classroom fun!

I also love using decor that I can utilize after the season is over. For example, these patio lights are great for creating the perfect ambience on your patio or adding to your winter holiday display. Additionally, the curtains are made from two drop cloths. We plan to use them for curtains since the material has a great drape and durability. The rich texture also makes them the perfect addition to any farmhouse theme.

Porch Decor After Dark

Make the decor entertaining in all types of lighting. While this spooky carnival display is definitely eye catching in the light of day, it gets even spookier when the sun goes down. All of these products – the clown, the lights, and the skeletons – illuminate in the night. Walking down the driveway to collect your candy has never been a cooler experience!