There’s something about decorating for Halloween that brings out my inner kid — the part of me that gets giddy over skeletons on the lawn, hanging witch hats that seem to float midair, and spiders so big they make the mailman hesitate for a second. This year, I leaned into a witchy-meets-haunted-forest vibe for our front porch and exterior. I wanted something that looked dramatic from the street but still fun and inviting up close. The result? A scene that has neighbors slowing down their cars to take a peek — and my kids grinning every time they walk up to the door.
Let’s break it down so you can recreate the look, too!
Faux Florals and Oversized Skulls
If you read my Faux Fall Florals Front Porch post from a couple weeks ago, I talked about cutting down a large branch off my willow tree and zip tying it to my front porch post. It’s the perfect base to then use inexpensive faux florals to create a beautiful, colorful assortment of flowers in a dramatic height. No more plain jane mums on the porch. I wanted to make it bold and eye-catching, and height is the perfect way to do that!
For Halloween, I took down the faux florals that were the oranges and blues, and replaced them with deep purples, reds, and blacks along that willow tree branch. Almost all of these florals were purchased at the Dollar Tree and Michaels. No need to spend a fortune on these! I didn’t need much here because the absolute star of the show are these Oversized Skulls! I purchased two to adorn the tree branch, and then tossed in small skulls around the remainder of the branch.
Floating Witch Hats & Spooky Porch Entry
One of the most magical touches are the floating witch hats hanging from the porch ceiling. A little fishing line and mini Command hooks are all it takes to make them look like they’re suspended midair. I paired these with black taper candles on fishing line for a simple but super effective haunted entry.
On the porch floor, I added classic orange pumpkins, potted fall mums, and planters layered with trailing spanish moss. A bit of faux spiderwebbing pulled everything together with that “abandoned but beautiful” vibe.
Statement Wreath & Door Decor
On the front door, I hung a simple Halloween wreath that I DIYed years ago. I took a basic wheat wreath and pushed in pampas grass, black feathers, and a touch of purple for that witchy pop. A small “Boo” sign in the center adds just the right amount of whimsy.
To finish off the door, I scattered 3D black bats across the wood panels and let them “fly” up the wall — this is one of my favorite tricks. It gives your door height and movement without spending much at all. I continued the 3D bat decorations up and across the front of the house to create the illusion of a swarm flying toward the roofline. It’s such a simple, affordable element but it’s what gives the entire exterior that big impact. To save your paint, I ditch the included adhesives and I use this museum putty instead. Works great even through our windy falls here in the Midwest!
Skeletons & Creepy Crawlers
What’s Halloween without a few bones? I purchased 3 inexpensive skeletons from Walmart and unscrewed their hip and leg bones. In my front garden beds, I tucked three skeleton figures “emerging” from the ground, each holding a candle for an eerie nighttime glow. Against the white siding, they really pop.
Then I added my kid’s favorite feature: the giant black spiders crawling across the house. These always steal the show. I just use a heavy-duty stapler and staple a couple legs onto window frames. I have two baby spiders following behind their mamas and I was able to find those for just a dollar at Dollar Tree last season. The last I checked, they’re still in stock at my store so you will probably have some luck!
Ghost Spotlights
At night, a surprising and inexpensive addition was to add these corrugated ghost cutouts to our front lawn that project on our house when the solar spotlights kick on after dark. These spotlights last almost all night long and require zero effort, no battery replacements, and no fear of turning them off at nighttime. I got this idea from the wildly talented Jenna Sue Designs.
As soon as I saw this last season, I knew it would be perfect to add to our traditional white Colonial this year.
Layering & Repetition = High Impact
When decorating outside, I love repeating a few elements to create rhythm — like bats, hats, and spiders. It keeps the whole design cohesive instead of cluttered. I also mix textures: natural elements like pumpkins and mums next to plastic bats and faux webs. That blend makes the decorations feel more thoughtful and layered.
Get the Look
Here’s a quick list of what I used so you can shop the look for your own porch this Halloween:
- Floating Witch Hats
- Black Taper Candles with Magic Wand
- 3D Black Bats
- Oversized Skeleton Skulls
- Mini Skulls
- Skeletons
- Corrugated Ghosts
- Solar Spotlights
- Outdoor Battery-Operated Candles
- Giant Black Spiders
- Classic Orange String Lights
- Orange C9 lights
- Spanish Moss
- Fishing Line to hang candles and hats
- Museum Putty to stick bats without ruining paint
- Mini Command Hooks for Witch Hats
This setup took me just a few hours to pull together — proof that you don’t need a massive budget or a ton of time to make a big Halloween statement. Sometimes, it’s all about a few key pieces and a lot of creativity. 🖤
If you don’t follow me yet on socials, let’s be friends @growingupkemper on Instagram, YouTube shorts, and TikTok. And be sure to sign up to receive my weekly newsletter packed with a little inspiration, storytelling, and a lot of smiles.
DIY Halloween Wreath
Glow in the Dark Cement Pumpkins
Favorite Halloween Finds to Kick Off the Season!
Red, White, and Blue Decor to Kick Off Your Summer Parties
Leave a Reply