Ideas to Decorate for an Abandoned House Theme on Halloween

Are you planning a huge bash for Halloween this year? An abandoned house is the perfect setting for a spooky get-together on the scariest night of the year. While it may not be a good idea to plan your party at the neighborhood's actual abandoned house, you can decorate your own home to look like one. It's relatively inexpensive and easy to do. There are various ways you can decorate for an abandoned house theme on Halloween. Here are a few ideas.

Cover your windows with tattered curtains. Black sheers or tulle will give the house a dark vibe, while being lightweight enough to move in the breeze. Remove your existing curtains and hang the black ones from the existing rod. Cut a zig-zag pattern at the bottom (don't worry about being neat!) and cut or tear holes in random places.

Create a spooky atmosphere with dim lighting. Dim the lights if you can, or replace your existing bulbs with dark ones. Light the house with clusters of candles throughout. They don't all necessarily have to be the same; mix used candles with new ones. Cluster a few on black or silver platters in various areas of the house. Make sure there is enough light so your guests are able to see -- and keep the candles in safe places while lit. A tragic house fire would be the ultimate Halloween horror.

Cover your furniture with sheets to achieve an abandoned look. Black or white (no bright colors or patterns, please) will look spooky and very realistic. Further the abandoned house theme by sprinkling talcum powder over the sheets to simulate a layer of dust. Just be aware that the powder might stick to your guests' clothes when they sit down on the furniture.

Decorate with cobwebs and dead foliage. Fake webs are fun to hang -- and they stick really well to rough surfaces, such as brick. Place them in corners, and basically anywhere you might find a real cobweb in an abandoned house. A few strategically placed plastic spiders will complete the look. Replace fresh flowers with branches and dried plants, or even dead flowers that have dried out. And flickering tea lights inside a couple jack-o-lanterns will add to the spooky Halloween atmosphere.

Create a sense of foreboding with a fog machine. This is the finishing touch at any 'abandoned house' Halloween party. A low-lying layer of fog will float throughout the house to conceal things that could be scampering and slithering around unseen. Fog machines are easy to use, but depending on the model you choose, they can cost anywhere from $40 to $300.

Have fun spooking your party guests, and enjoy a very haunted Halloween.

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How to Decorate Your Basement for a Halloween Party
Decorating for a Horror Movie Halloween Party Theme
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