How to Make a Halloween Altar

Use jack-o'-lanterns as altar decorations.

Altars can be spooky Halloween decorations, either for a commercial haunted house or a costume party. Drape yours in dark, rich fabrics such as velvet in burgundy, black or deep purple.

Things You'll Need

• Coffee table or other low table
• Ladder
• Dark fabric for draping
• Thumb tacks
• Garlands
• Candles
• Skulls (optional)
• Gargoyle figurines (optional)

Instructions

1. Select a room for the altar and put the table in it. Put the ladder behind the table, preferably against a wall to keep the ladder from tipping.

2. Drape fabric over the table to cover it.

3. Tack another piece of fabric behind the top of the ladder. Spread out the fabric behind the ladder and tack its sides to the wall where needed to create a triangular shape. Place garlands or roses at the top of the ladder. Choose garlands with cascading pieces for extra dramatic effect.

4. Decorate the altar with candles, skulls, gargoyle figurines, knives, flowers or any other Halloween decorations. Place skulls on the ladder steps. Add other embellishments you like.

Tips & Warnings

• Books of spells and pentagrams are also options for altar decorations.

• Keep plates of fruit and small baskets of flowers around the altar as "offerings."

References

• Flickr: Halloween Altar Building
• Halloween, Harvest and October Fun: How to Make a Day of the Dead Altar