Halloween doesn’t have to mean miles of stretchy fake spiderwebs and a yard full of fake tombstones — unless, of course, you’re into that. There are quite a few ways to add a bit of October cheer to your own abode, without the killer effort.

For a striking outdoor display, eHow tells you how to make polka-dot pumpkins using a drill. After using a drill on that composter recently, I think this would be a super-easy way to get a great effect. There are more great ideas on this theme, including a monogrammed jack-o-lantern, plus photos at Eddie Ross.

Just $24.95 will get you the Z Gallerie Metallic Skull (via Casa Sugar), a knockoff of a diamond-encrusted skull by Damien Hirst for about $100 million less. Casa Sugar also has a DIY black ribbon wreath that could lend a dark, elegant touch to a doorway any time of year.

If glittery skulls aren’t your thing, what about glitter pumpkins? iVillage has a slideshow with details along with a lot of other decorating ideas.

Guest blogger Rachel Denbow at sfgirlbybay shares her spooky spirit with easy, spray-painted branches and a bit of vintage Halloween cheer. Easily one of the simplest and greatest looking Halloween display ideas.

And for seasonal displays, of course we can’t leave out Martha Stewart. Her simple approach to planters, top photo, and scary silhouette window clings, $9.99, are two perennial favorites. –Mary T.

This entry was posted on Monday, October 20th, 2008 at 6:00 am and is filed under crafting, decorating, holidays. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.