Make a Trick-or-Treat Tree

A trick-or-treat tree is a delightful decoration decked out in Halloween candies and colors. This project will look good enough to eat and is a fun project to do alone or with the help of children. It is inexpensive and can be adapted to use your favorite treats or novelty candy that you might be inspired by. Please note that the number of sticks and about of candy needed to create this tree are dependent on the size of the pumpkin and your personal preference so I did not offer exact numbers in supplies. I suggest picking out your pumpkin first, then deciding on the amounts you think appropriate for your decor. Remember, any extra goodies can be used in future decorating, handing out on Halloween night or for your personal snack stash. Therefore, there is no harm in picking up a little extra candy just in case.

You will need:
Candy in Halloween colors
Candy Worms
Dental Floss
Pumpkin
Drill
Needle
Long Sticks
Clear spray varnish
Small decorated bags or popcorn or mini popcorn balls wrapped in cellophane

Instructions:
1. Clean the sticks and let them dry completely.
2. Spray the sticks with the clear varnish and let them dry completely. Please remember to work with the spray in a well-ventilated area.
3. Drill a small hole into the pumpkin in each location that you would like to place a stick.
4. Push each stick into its respective hole. Make sure that each stick is firmly in place.
5. To make a candy garland to decorate your new tree you will need to start by threading your needle with dental floss.
6. Thread candy onto the threaded floss as desired. As you complete each thread, knot then securely at the ends. Be as simple or creative as you want with your garland. Alternating colors, shapes or several simple monochromatic strands can work well.
7. Hang completed garlands on the tree. Drape the candy worms on random branches and around the pumpkin base. Hang the cellophane wrapped popcorn on the tree with ribbon or more dental floss.

This is a simple, fun, and inexpensive decoration that the whole family can take part in making. Do not let your imagination end here, with these simple instructions. You can take this a step further by painting the pumpkin, adding cobwebs or other decorations to the tree, or putting a completely new twist on this simple project. Have fun, be creative, and have a happy Halloween.