![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-hero.jpg)
![Danielle Driscoll contributorImage](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/danielle-driscoll-headshot.jpg)
A Note From The Home Depot
Danielle Driscoll of Finding Silver Pennies has always loved celebrating Halloween. As a part of the Halloween/Harvest Style Challenge, we sent Danielle classic Halloween decor and let her make it her own.
Read on to find out how Danielle achieved a classic Halloween look that is also family friendly.
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-1.jpg)
Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. When I was a little girl my mom used to make me the most elaborate costumes – a mermaid, a wicked witch with a green face mask (ouch! It tightened on my face as I trick or treated around the neighborhood), a bride, Michael Jackson. I was always so excited to get dressed up and go out that I didn’t even want to eat dinner.
Fast forward a few decades and I still feel exactly the same way about Halloween. It’s rubbed off on my boys. They love getting dressed up and decorating our home.
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-2.jpg)
They played a huge role helping decorate our home in this challenge. In fact, our oldest drew the witch that we used to create the silhouette.
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-3.jpg)
We live in a coastal town and everyone here is crazy for Halloween. The main street in the harbor is shut off to traffic and the merchants fling open their doors for early trick or treating. Once it gets dark, people come up our hill to continue Halloween!
For The Home Depot Halloween Style Challenge I knew I wanted to focus on classic Halloween decor to go with our historic home. I also didn’t want to make it look too scary or gory.
When the surprise box from The Home Depot arrived, I was so excited because it came with amazingly realistic 36 in. LED Tombstone Assortment (Set of 4), a fog machine, fog machine liquid and a fog tube accessory kit.
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-4.jpg)
My boys were so excited about the fog machine, as was I, because it instantly adds a creepy, Halloween vibe. We had so much fun playing with it and the gravestones. The gravestones light up, which is fun at night, too.
We got busy planning out our haunted front yard.
DIY Witch Silhouette
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-5.jpg)
We created a witch based on our son’s sketch. In his sketch he included a cat and a cauldron.
Step 1
First, sketch out some ideas on paper. We all were drawing witches and cats. Then we enlarged the sketch using a photocopier. In order to scale the drawing for a large silhouette we created a grid on the drawing.
Step 2
Second, enlarge the drawing onto plywood. We used pressure treated wood because we thought it would last longer in the elements. We used ¾-in. plywood because it’s sturdier. Create a grid on the plywood to match your grid on the paper. Draw image in chalk.
Step 3
Third, go over the chalk with a sharpie pen. Once you start cutting out the silhouette the motion of the saw might shake off your chalk. Sharpie is also easier to see while you’re cutting.
Step 4
Fourth, use a jigsaw to cut out the silhouette.
Step 5
Fifth, paint the silhouette with black spray paint, we used Rustoleum’s All Surface Satin Black with Paint and Primer in one. I love this spray paint because of the specialty designed nozzle – my finger doesn’t get tired and I don’t get paint all over my hands. Allow it to dry.
Step 6
Finally, build a support (see below for step-by-step instructions).
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-6.jpg)
Isn’t she spooky! We love her nose!
How to Build a Support for the Witch
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-7.jpg)
Step 1
First, sketch out some ideas on paper. Then enlarge the sketch using a photocopier. In order to scale the drawing for a large silhouette, create a grid on the drawing.
Step 2
Second, enlarge the drawing onto plywood. We used pressure treated wood because we thought it would last longer in the elements. We used ¾-in. plywood because it’s sturdier. Create a grid on the plywood to match your grid on the paper. Draw image in chalk.
Step 3
Third, go over the chalk with a sharpie pen. Once you start cutting out the silhouette the motion of the saw might shake off your chalk. Sharpie is also easier to see while you’re cutting.
Step 4
Fourth, use a jigsaw to cut out the silhouette.
Step 5
Fifth, paint the silhouette with black spray paint, we used Rustoleum’s All Surface Satin Black with Paint and Primer in one. I love this spray paint because of the specialty designed nozzle – my finger doesn’t get tired and I don’t get paint all over my hands. Allow it to dry.
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-8.jpg)
The fog machine adds to the effect as does the gravestones.
Next up we thought it would be fun to make paper lanterns to line our brick walkway to lead the way up to our front door. These were so easy to make and didn’t cost much at all.
DIY Paper Lanterns
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-9.jpg)
The Home Depot has really cute Halloween stencils that are miniature and great for smaller projects. They’d be cute on treat bags for a halloween party, banners, pillows or lanterns as we created. I picked up some paper lunch bags to stencil.
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-10.jpg)
It’s more fun with a little ninja helper, too!
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-11.jpg)
Here you can see the pretty lanterns lining our walkway to greet trick or treaters.
DIY Nature-Inspired Fall Wreath
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-12.jpg)
The other DIY project we did was a wreath for the front door. I wanted to do something inspired by nature and I had a branch wreath down in the basement.
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-13.jpg)
Here is a closer look at the wreath.
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-14.jpg)
Here it is on the door.
Front Door Spiders
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-15.jpg)
You’ll notice we added some spiders to our door. We wanted to give the appearance of spiders crawling across it.
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-16.jpg)
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-17.jpg)
We used WallPOP’s little spiders. We stuck them to the door and painted the trim surrounding it. They were so easy to apply, remove and reposition where needed. This is a great job for little ones to help with. My little Conor (the ninja) loved helping put the spiders on.
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-18.jpg)
I wish you could hear him giggling as he did it. It was so sweet.
Add More Halloween Decor
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-19.jpg)
Here’s a look at our yard decorated for Halloween.
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-20.jpg)
We added a bag of bones in front of the gravestones. This set was great and came with an assortment of may different kind of bones, even some dinosaur bones! The kids were excited about that. I think each set is different. This skeleton’s eyes light up and are so creepy. I’ll show you them lit up a bit later on.
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-21.jpg)
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-22.jpg)
Our front steps are decorated with pumpkins and some fun lanterns from The Home Depot. These LED lanterns are battery operated. They give a spooky look once lit. They also look cute during the day. We used ones with spiders and witches to match our DIY witch.
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-23.jpg)
Ferns and potato vines in our planters add softness to the overall look.
Each fall we carve pumpkins, but if you’re very busy and have a lot going on, The Home Depot has a few already cut, like this one. It is easy to plug in and gave lots of light without the worry of candles.
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-24.jpg)
I also placed a caged raven on an old vintage stool. He talks and is so life-like.
Final Reveal
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-25.jpg)
We enjoyed celebrating Halloween a tad earlier this year. It made it twice as fun!
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-26.jpg)
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-27.jpg)
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-28.jpg)
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-29.jpg)
The fog machine really adds to the ambience. I have a feeling we’re going to be using it a lot leading up to Halloween.
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-30.jpg)
Here’s a look at some nighttime shots our new Halloween decor lit up.
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-31.jpg)
See how eerie it looks at night with the red eyes on the skeleton and gravestone.
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-32.jpg)
Add a little fog.
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-33.jpg)
And DIY lanterns to light the way to lots of treats!
![Family Friendly Halloween Decor Family Friendly Halloween Decor](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/family-friendly-halloween-decor-image-34.jpg)
We can’t wait for Halloween now that all our DIY is done! I hope this gave you a few ideas of fun ways you can make your front yard more festive with your kids.
A huge thank you to The Home Depot for inviting me to take part in the Style Challenge. I had so much fun with my boys creating a spooky and classic Halloween front porch. Happy Halloween, everyone!
For more DIY Halloween and harvest ideas, see other articles in our Halloween Style Challenge series, and follow our Halloween Style Challenge board on Pinterest.
Visit The Home Depot’s online Halloween Decor Department for everything you need to decorate your home for Halloween and fall. Check out other scary skeleton decorations at The Home Depot.