Idea #2
You can carve some truly beautiful and artistic pumpkins freehand, but if you want to create really detailed carvings you'll want to use a pumpkin carving pattern. If you've never carved a pumpkin this way before, you may be a bit intimidated, but don't worry, its easier than you think and you'll love the results. For more information about pumpkin carving, visit the Pumpkin Carving 101 web site.

For the best selection of pumpkin carving patterns online, SpookMaster is the place to go! With over two-hundred unique designs, including many new patterns added every year, you have a great selection and their pumpkin carving patterns are top-rate. They even have free patterns, so you can try-before-you-buy. You simply subscribe online and download all patterns you want directly to your computer and print them out for use. All at one great price!

Idea #3
Add the effect of lightning to your haunted house, yard haunt or Halloween party with the Lightning Machine from Haunted Creations. This unit realistically simulates the effects of both thunder and lightning! Read a review about this Halloween special effects unit in the lighting section at: The Yard Haunter.

Originally designed for the haunted attraction industry, the Lightning Machine is now available to the public. Since the flash of light from real lightning is seen before we hear the thunder, the method of simulating it must be capable of synchronizing the sound of the thunder and the flash of light generated by a strobe unit. This unit does just that! Sold exclusively at the Halloween Connection.

Idea #3
Black lights add quite a stunning effect to any Halloween decor! Using black lights, fog machines and other light effects can really have an impact on the way your Halloween party, haunt or decorations look. You can find ideas on using black lights by going to Black Light Magic - Halloween Magazine

Finding one place where you can purchase all of your lighting needs on line is hard to do but we found one! They carry black lights, strobes and many other types of SFX lighting. They also have a full range of fog machines, bubble machines and snow machines as well as party supplies and props. Stop by HalloweenEffects.us for all of your Halloween and party needs!

Idea #4
Here's something we've been doing for years. Ask each of your Halloween party guests to bring a carved pumpkin to the party. Set up a special table with a Halloween design tablecloth to display all of the Jack O' Lanterns for all to see. Old tree trunks or cut sections of thick limbs make great stands for your Jack O' Lanterns. This will also enhance your party décor! Give a prize for the best one.

Idea #5
If planning a menu for your Halloween party try and think of creative ways to serve and display the food. You can use a small, shallow pumpkin, hollowed out, to serve fresh veggies. Cut a large hole in the top and clean it out. Cut a jagged edge for decoration. You can line it with plastic wrap, add some ice to the bottom and cover with more plastic wrap then add the fresh veggies. It will keep them chilled during the party. You can also use mini pumpkins to hold dips! If a dip needs to be chilled, follow the same directions above but put the dip in a bowl to set inside the pumpkin.

Idea #8
Make candle holders for long tapered candles or votive candles using cored out apples! Choose small, round apples with a flat bottom that will sit stable on a flat surface. Remove the stems and cut a small round hole in the top of each apple - deep and wide enough to securely hold a taper candle. You can use a plate to make an arrangement of different candle heights. Carve out a larger hole to use for taller votive candles. You can find many types with Autumn scents and of varying sizes.

Idea #9
Treating your kids to a spooky Halloween dinner will make them less likely to eat the candy they collect before you have a chance to check it for them. Start a Halloween tradition dinner to have every Halloween. Our family always had homemade Sloppy Joe's and French fries before we could go out trick or treating. Check here for some recipes for main dishes, some of them using pumpkins!

Idea #10
Create creepy autumn displays by filling vases with dried flowers, brown leaves, and empty branches. Tie a black ribbon bow around each vase. You can make a table centerpiece using the same type items, either real or using silk types from a craft store. Using sprigs of Autumn leaves, cattails, pussy willow and other Fall flora. Use a wide shallow basket and arrange. Set in the center of your dinner table for some Fall color!