Easy DIY Halloween Decorations to Make at Home

Make a paper bat display

You’ll need: Black paper or card, scissors and removable tape.

Draw a few bat shapes on the paper and cut them out. Fold each one gently down the middle to give the wings a little shape, then arrange them on a wall or window. Check the tape instructions first and test it somewhere discreet.

Turn jars into glowing lanterns

You’ll need: Clean glass jars, coloured tissue paper, glue and LED tealights.

Tear the tissue paper into small pieces and stick them around the outside of each jar. Let the glue dry, then pop an LED tealight inside. Put your lanterns on a table or windowsill where they won’t get knocked over.

Make a ghost garland

You’ll need: White paper or card, a black pen, string and tape or small pegs.

Cut out a row of ghost shapes, then draw a face on each one. Attach them to a length of string with tape or small pegs and hang your garland across a window or mantelpiece.

Give a pumpkin its own look

You’ll need: A small pumpkin and felt-tip pens or washable paint.

Instead of carving, draw a funny face or pattern straight onto the pumpkin. It’s a simple option for younger children, and there’s no need to handle a carving knife. If you do carve a pumpkin, ask an adult to do the cutting and use an LED light inside.

Once Halloween is over, the paper decorations are easy to take down. You can keep your pumpkins and autumn colours out to enjoy for a little longer.