I LOVE most holidays but lack time (and lets face it - inclination) to make the holidays really special.  But alas, I have devised these really easy Halloween tips to make your fall days festive with little fuss.

Also - you should know that I HATE waste.  So everything I buy/do/use needs to be reusable or a multi-tasker (serve more than 1 purpose).

Last year just before Halloween I did a blog featuring lots of pumpkin tips.  You can find that here!

Here are the highlights:


PUMPKIN CARVING - (without the carving)

Decorate your pumpkin WITHOUT carving it!

Thumb tacks!

Decorating tape

Construction Paper Face

Spooky pumpkin

Potato Head Pumpkin

When you're all done with your pumpkin, cook him down in your crockpot and make a pie!

Crock Pot Pumpkin!

I have a truly FAB pumpkin pie from fresh pumpkin recipe here!  (It's at the bottom on the post).



COSTUMES (that are usable after Halloween)

My kids can't wear costumes to school - it's against the rules.  Instead I buy Halloween themed graphic tees

Super Hero teenager

My teenage son wears this shirt over and over again!  It works on Halloween but it also works for a regular school day!

Skeleton sweatsuit for toddlers

 When the kids were younger I always got Halloween themed sweatsuits.  They're cute and festive and are GREAT as winter pajamas.  Also - they're safe for Halloween since the face isn't covered!

Skeleton with a belly full of candy

Fun pumpkin

Spooky Skull

The Children's Place is my favorite resource for Halloween shirts but Target has them as well!

The other option is to make or buy a hat.  These easy Mario Brothers hats are SUPER easy to make and make a nice addition to the dress up pile!  Directions for sewing the hat are here!



Our dog Daisy likes to get in on the action too!  She has this cute daisy dress that I made from fabric scraps.  It also has a harness so I can use it with her leash.

Daisy napping in her harness dress

 Chilly mornings sometimes require her to wear her little jogging suit.  This looks cute, keeps her warm and works as a costume.

Jogging suit Daisy!

DESSERTS (great for a Fall party of any time of year)

Last but certainly not least, what's Halloween without a little cake! You've GOT to have a little pumpkin cake.  Here's an easy recipe!

Pumpkin Cake