Halloween is quickly approaching! With trick-or-treaters soon to come ringing your doorbell, it is time to make sure your house is a safe and welcoming stop on the candy route. Here are some tips to make sure your home is ready:
Clear walkways
Believe it or not, but kids tend to be clumsy. Add in a sugar rush from all the candy they are collecting and there are bound to be some wipeouts. You can help reduce the risk of an accident by making sure your walkway is clear. If you have stairs leading up to your house, be sure there are no loose boards or railings.
Boost your lighting
While it may be tempting to want to create a spooky atmosphere, it’s best to try and prevent creating any hazards that could cause a fall. By using outdoor lighting such as porch lamps, hanging lights, and other holiday-specific lighting, you are able to maintain a balance of
spooky and safety!
Round up your pets
Even if your pets are friendly, it is still best to keep them in a secured room inside or out in the backyard, because some kids are shy when it comes to pets. This preventative measure also makes sure your pet doesn’t escape from the door opening and closing throughout the evening.
Skip the candles
Having a jack-o-lantern is perfectly acceptable but use electronic lights rather than an actual candle. The last thing you want is for a trick-or-treater to accidentally knock the pumpkin over and cause a fire. Using electronic lights is also a good way to prevent a fire when you consider all the draping costumes and accessories that will be passing by the flame.
Consider your candy choices
It’s important to be mindful of allergies and ingredients so make sure you have other options than candy. Some ideas would be fruit or stickers. You could even go to your local drug store and get some inexpensive little games and toys you can find in the party favor isle!
Comb your yard
While it would be wonderful if all children stayed on sidewalks and pathways, but there may be some wanderers, so be sure to clear your yard by picking up any sticks, big rocks, or other tripping hazards.
Decorate your door
If it looks like you’re not home, Trick-or-treaters are not going to knock on your door, so be welcoming. You can be as simple or elaborate as you like. This doesn’t have to be complex; you could just have a jack-o-lantern outside (lit by an electronic light of course) and string up some fake cobwebs on your door frame. If you really love Halloween and want to get spooky, you could get some flickering lights and a scary noise box. Here are some ideas to spark some creativity!
If you are a true Halloween fan, this may be the door display for you. See how to achieve this creepy door at Woman’s Day.
This door display is a pretty simple one, but Frankenstein is a classic, and you’ll most likely already have the supplies at home! View the tutorial at Green and Gorgeous.
Going off the witch theme, this display has the perfect amount of glitz and sparkle to it! See how to create it at Good Housekeeping.
This pumpkin door hanger is a perfect way to store candy for trick-or-treaters, especially if you aren’t going to home. View the tutorial at Cherished Bliss.
This trick-or-treat garland is the easiest and most affordable idea. Sarah Hearts created a free printable, you can learn how to make this garland by visiting her blog.
Buy plenty of good candy
No one wants to be the house that runs out of candy when trick-or-treaters come knocking, so buy plenty. Another tip is to buy the variety packs of candy that come with Reese’s, Twix, Snickers, Skittles, Air Head, Nerds, etc
Wear a costume
Get into the holiday spirit yourself! Give your trick-or-treaters a surprise and dress up in a creative costume.
Have some killer tunes playing
Place a speaker near your front door so your visitors can hear the music. This adds an extra level of Halloween spirit! Here is a list to help you get your Halloween playlist started:
Monster Mash by Bobby Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers
Thriller by Michael Jackson
Ghostbusters by Ray Parker Jr.
Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon
Sympathy For The Devil by The Rolling Stones
A Nightmare on My Street by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
I Put a Spell on You by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins
Don’t Fear the Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult
No matter how you decide to celebrate Halloween, the safety of trick-or-treaters is of the utmost importance.
Wishing you a SPOOKtacular Halloween!