How to Decorate a Small Patio for Halloween
Even people who live in condominiums, town houses, and apartments want to have fun on Halloween. However, they are often limited in the types of decorations that they can use within what is known as the “commons” area. That oftentimes means that all décor must be restricted to the area that is part of their rental or purchase agreement; like a small balcony or patio space. Luckily, just because a space is small, doesn’t mean that it can’t be fun to decorate. Here are some suggestions to customize a small patio for Halloween. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Paper and Pencil
- Tape
- Staple Gun and Staples
- Fake Cobwebs
- Halloween Lights
- Fall Leaves
- Fake Ghosts, Skeletons, Spiders, Bats, Bugs, and/or Snakes
- Halloween Signs
- Halloween Items of Choice
- Extension Cords
- Electrical Source
- Batteries
Instructions
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1
Decide on a “theme” for the space such as Monster Alley, The Witches Cauldron, or Ghostly Manor. Draft out on paper your beginning idea for the space. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just going through the process will help to narrow the focus and crystallize the overall plan.
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2
Determine if items already on the patio can be used as part of the décor or if they must be removed. Find a place to locate anything that must removed in order to give you the space required to execute the plan developed in Step 1.
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3
Decide the logistics of the space. If trick-or-treaters are to be welcomed into the space, make sure the floor plan allows enough room for them to enter and exit without difficulty. Be sure to allow sitting or standing space for those who will be stationed there to distribute Halloween goodies.
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4
Look for areas where decorations can be hung. Consider Halloween lighting such as specialty skeletons, jack-o-lanterns, and ghost lights. Common areas include the front of the patio, inside the roof of the patio area, railings and stairways, and the floor of the patio area. Think of areas where additional Halloween décor can be hung. For example, fake cobwebs and spiders, bats, ghosts or skeletons.
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5
Determine things that can be used for ground coverage like crunchy fall leaves, more fake cobwebs, or plastic bugs and snakes. Be careful, however, to consider safety issues, as small children may be injured.
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6
Determine other decoration requirements. For example, for Monster Alley, one might choose stuffed or animated monsters like Frankenstein, the Wolfman, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, Dracula or others. Many of the animated characters move and make spooky sounds. For The Witches Cauldron, one might choose to dress up as a witch for the evening. Add a large plastic cauldron of dry ice, cobwebs and fake spiders to create a scary effect. For Ghostly Alley, hang various types and shapes of ghosts from the ceiling and add a few fake grave markers along the floor to create the perfect scene.
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7
Decide on any other spooky atmosphere requirements like music, spooky sounds, or fog. Some fog machines on the market today provide all three effects (music, sounds, and fog) in one machine for around $29.99 dollars.
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8
Make a list of items that are needed in order to execute the decoration plan. Divide the list into things that can be made and items that must be purchased. Don’t forget to list supply requirements not already on hand for the items that will be handmade. Purchase everything needed to complete the decorative design plan.
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9
Put the patio décor together a few days before Halloween in order to make certain that it flows as planned on paper. Make any adjustments necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
Be creative.
A lot of items can be made right at home with common household items (like old sheets, craft paint, and cotton batting).
Involve children in developing the decor as well as in decorating the area. They will be helpful in determining what their friends will most enjoy.
Think safety in all parts of the decor. Make sure things are tacked down, stapled, or taped into place properly and safely.
Don't cram too much into a small area if it is to be used for trick-or-treating purposes. Instead hang things as much as possible and leave the floor area easy to traverse.
As much as possible use and choose flame retardent or flame resistant decorations.
