From adorable pumpkins (like the ones in the new HomeGoods Halloween collection) to spiderwebs and giant spiders, we love to see all the Halloween decorations. Some people prop up hilarious tombstones while others prefer ghostly sheets hanging from the trees. Then, there are the neighbors who figured out how to DIY a chicken wire ghost.
It’s a brand-new trend in Halloween decorating. And the ghoulish figures are so realistic, you’ll have trick-or-treaters running amok!
What Is This Spooky Yard Decor?
Each ghost is formed with a frightening amount of chicken wire. The reason people seem to adore them so much really comes back to how realistic they are. The chicken wire holds any shape it’s folded into, so you can make any character to haunt your front yard. And Halloween is the perfect time to showcase all the arts and crafts skills you’ve developed over the last year!
Here are DIY Halloween decorations that will take you no time at all.
How to Make a Chicken Wire Ghost
Fortunately, these ghosties really aren’t that hard to make. First things first, you’ll need to pick up a good amount of chicken wire from your local hardware or home store, depending on how many figures you intend to make.
Now, you’re probably wondering, “How do you sculpt a chicken wire ghost?”
And the answer to that is…mannequins! For people who sew or happen to have a mannequin around, this is the perfect Halloween DIY for you. Dress them up in any way you’d like (outfits, hats, accessories) and wrap the chicken wire around. Then, remove the mannequin, and either paint the chicken wire for that ghastly pale look, or add some LED or fairy lights to the bottom to give off an eerie glow.
The last step is to bake a batch of ghost cookies to match!
Ghostly Treats for After You Decorate
Ghostly Hot CocoaChocolate pudding mix is the convenient start to this clever cocoa mix. Kids of all ages get a kick out of the marshmallow ghost floating on top. —Ruby Gibson, Newton, North Carolina
Ghostly Cupcake ConesTop peanut buttery cupcakes with your favorite frosting and spirited faces to make these frightfully ghostly treats. They’ll vanish into thin air before you know it! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Ghost Shortbread CookiesPac-Man was my favorite video game when I was growing up. For a party, I decided to get creative and shape my go-to sugar cookies into the ghosts from the game. —Jamie S, Regina, Saskatchewan
"Boo"-rrific KissesThe Taste of Home Test Kitchen turned cute meringue cookies into these whimsical kisses, perfect for Halloween. With just 15 calories, each little treat can be enjoyed guilt-free! —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas
Spooky Shepherd’s PieDon't worry, these ghosts are the friendly kind. Ready-to-go veggies and gravy make this meal prep fast. —Paula Zsiray, Logan, Utah. Here are a few
Halloween potluck ideas that feed a crowd.
Boo-rito BitesHalloween is one of my favorite holidays, and entertaining is one of my favorite things to do. My entire family loves these cute apps, especially my kids, which makes the recipe extra-special. —Rachel Ruiz, Hurlburt Fld, Florida
"Boo" Berry GhostsGhoulish treats cause quite a fright, but these strawberry cakes are so yummy they won't haunt you for long! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Kid-Size Ghost PizzasThese individual pizzas are super cute and made with simple ingredients. Now that's what I call party food! —Polly Coumos, Mogadore, Ohio
Banana Ghosts and Berry GhoulsDipped bananas and berries on a stick are as fun to make as they are to eat, especially when they become little ghosts and ghouls. —Taste of Home Food Styling Team
Marshmallow GhostsKids of all ages can help prepare these easy-to-make treats. With just three ingredients that I often keep on hand, they can be put together at a moment's notice.—Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
Boo BeverageSilly spooks formed with whipped topping garnish glasses of this smooth drink made with sherbet, orange juice and bananas. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Ghostly CustardsYou'll hear shrieks of delight when these not-so-spooky pumpkin custards appear for dessert. These ghosts will be gobbled up in no time! —Suzanne Strocsher, Bothell, Washington
Ghostly Chicken & Pepper PizzaMy friendly ghost pizza won’t scare folks away from your dinner table. My family loves Halloween, so we like creating fun new recipes like this one. Fill it with whatever pizza toppings you like best.—Francine Boecher, Queensbury, New York
Ghosts to GoAre these adorable or what? Little kids would love to eat these
Halloween party treats, made colorful with food coloring and decorated with candy treats. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Quick Ghost CookiesSpruce up store-bought cookies for the holiday. These are a real hit with "goblins" of all ages. —Denise Smith, Lusk, Wyoming
Tomato Soup with Cheesy Ghost CroutonsKick off your night of trick-or-treating by making this hauntingly delicious recipe. It’s just like having grilled cheese and tomato soup. We eat it every year on Halloween.—Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Ghosts in the Graveyard CakeThis spooky cake is easy to make and fun to decorate. To save time, bake and freeze the brownies weeks in advance, then thaw at room temperature overnight before decorating.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
