Save some money and help out the environment this Halloween with these amazingly easy upcycled candle holders.
Halloween season means scary movies, trick-or-treating and spooky decorations. Beyond a pack of faux spider webs and few carved pumpkins, Halloween decorations to can get expensive, especially since they’re only up for a few weeks out of the year. DIY-ing a few frightening decorations is an easy way to save some money and add a unique touch when turning your home into a bona fide haunted house. These dripping wax candle holders do just that by creating a spooky atmosphere while putting leftover wine bottle to work. If drinking wine isn’t really your thing, check out these recipes that will help empty a bottle or two. Keep reading for the step-by-step instructions on how to make this easy decoration.
Taper candle (make sure it isn’t a dripless candle)
Step 1: Prep the bottle
Thoroughly wash the inside and outside of the wine bottle. If the bottle’s label isn’t peeling off, let the bottle first soak in a sink full of warm water, a cup of white vinegar, ¼ cup of baking powder and a tablespoon of dish soap for about 30 minutes or so. The label should then come off cleanly, just rinse and let dry completely.
Step 2: Start Dripping
Alternating colors, squeeze paint down the inside neck of the bottle. To get the paint farther down and create some texture, insert a straw into the bottle and gently blow the paint down, or carefully shake the bottle. When you’ve achieved your desired coverage and texture, allow the paint to dry completely.
Tip: You can use any color of paint you’d like. If you’re throwing a witch themed party, consider using purple, black and green. Or have your bottle resemble candy corn with an orange, yellow and white paint scheme.
Step 3: Prep the candle
Carefully, trim the last inch and a half of the candle so that it will tightly fit in the wine bottle’s opening. Be sure to keep the candle on your work surface as you cut away from your body.
Step 4: Get melting
When the bottle is completely dry, insert the trimmed candle into the opening, light it and allow the wax to drip down the sides. If you’d like to speed the dripping process up, or want a lot of wax on your bottle, hold another lit candle to the side of the bottle, letting the excess wax drip down the candle and bottle.
Thrill partygoers with this bone-chilling Halloween potluck idea. The mayonnaise-filled bites are one of my favorite apps, so I had fun creating a Halloween version. —Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
So-Easy-It's-Spooky Bat CakeThis gorgeous dessert starts with a boxed cake mix. Then it’s an easy and magical trick to make the bat silhouette with cocoa. —Crystal Schlueter, Babbitt, Minnesota
Pumpkin Sloppy JoesWhen my oldest granddaughter gave me eight of the 50 pumpkins she grew in her backyard, I didn't know how I'd use them all up! Then I remembered this recipe from a dear friend—I'm glad I tried it. I froze some of the pumpkin to use in this and other recipes, and also froze some of the sloppy joe mixture to enjoy later.—Eleanor McReynolds, Scott City, Kansas
Cake EyeballsCustomize these cake balls to your liking with the flavors of your choice. They're a perfect Halloween potluck idea! — Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Spooky Pretzel BonesI hosted a party one Halloween and wanted to make pretzels to go with my beer cheese dip. Considering the holiday, I shaped the dough into bones. —Courtney Lentz, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Ghoul PunchI make this Halloween punch recipe for my son's birthday party every year. It's always a hit with the kids—they just love it—and there's never any left! —Katheryn Sipos, Canon City, Colorado
Candy Corn CookiesGet a head start on these buttery cookies by shaping and chilling the homemade dough ahead of time. When you're ready, just slice and bake the tricolor treats. The make-ahead nature of this Halloween potluck idea lets you spend less time in the kitchen and more time trick-or-treating. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Slithering Snake RollThere’s nothing sinister about this snake. It’s filled with meat, sweet red pepper and cheese. You can paint the pizza dough any color or leave it plain.—Jaclyn Scanlan, Dayton, Ohio
Mummy CupcakesThese Halloween mummy cupcakes are not scary at all! Their bright blue eyes and cute little smiles will enchant your party guests. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Witches’ FingersYou don't need a cauldron to conjure these frightening fingers. This Halloween potluck idea is a sweet-and-salty treat that's spookily easy to make. —Beth Tomkiw, Chief Content Officer, Taste of Home
Mummy-Wrapped BrieYou can assemble our baked Brie appetizer in advance and bake it right before the party. —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon. Keep your guests cozy with these delicious Halloween soup recipes.
Witches' BrewStir up some Halloween beverages that are as bewitching as the rest of your menu. Omit the vodka for a nonalcoholic version so the kids can have some, too! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Roasted Pumpkin NachosI had previously made this dish with black beans and corn off the cob in the summer. Wanting to try it with fresh fall ingredients, I replaced the corn with roasted pumpkin—yum! It's a great Halloween potluck idea. —Lesle Harwood, Douglassville, Pennsylvania
Sugar Ghost CupcakesI had 10 neighborhood kids stop by to help me make these ghost cupcakes for a bake sale, though I have no doubt that most of the treats never made it that far! —Mysie Sabin, Franklin, Wisconsin
Mad Scientist PunchOur home economists concocted this "potion" with kitchen staples such as juice concentrate, soft drink mix, soda and sherbet. This Halloween potluck idea appeals to kids of all ages! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Confetti Corn QuesadillasThis easy and convenient meal is easily changed to fit any family's picky eaters. You can even sneak in protein, dairy and veggies and the kids will never know this is relatively good for them. I try to keep a batch in the fridge for a quick and hearty lunch. —Carey Hunt, Portland, Oregon
Halloween Sugar CookiesI've been making these Halloween sugar cookies for about 40 years—first for my children and now my grandchildren and all their friends, too. I make about 20 trays a year to give away to trick-or-treaters. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Candy Bar Apple SaladThis creamy, sweet salad with crisp apple crunch is a real people-pleaser. This Halloween potluck idea makes a lot, which is good, because it will go fast! —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa
Jack-o’-Lantern Cream PuffsThese jack-o'-lanterns may look spooky on the outside, but inside is a creamy, sweet treat. The classic flavor of pumpkin pie spice will have all your ghosts and goblins screaming for more!
Karalee Helminak, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Skewered EyeballsSomeone is watching! These stuffed mushrooms are awfully tasty. The toothpicks look threatening, but they help folks grab their share of the finger food.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mummy PoppersI wrapped these spicy jalapeno poppers in puff pastry like a mummy. You can tame the heat of this Halloween potluck idea by adjusting the amount of chipotle peppers.—Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Day of the Dead CookiesI make these cookies for all occasions. In the spring, I cut them in flower shapes and insert a lollipop stick in each to make a bouquet. Using candies, food coloring and a wild imagination, try your hand at this Day of the Dead version. —Kristine Fossmeyer, Huntley, Illinois
Halloween Pumpkin BarsMy family loves the warm pumpkin fragrance that wafts through our kitchen on cool fall afternoons when I make these bars. Jack-o'-lantern faces make them a fun Halloween potluck idea. —Karla Johnson, East Helena, Montana
Halloween Monster CookiesDon't be surprised if all the monsters come out of hiding when you assemble these fun and easy treats. My kids and I made them for a Halloween potluck one year. Their friends loved them, and it's now a tradition to make them every year. —Dina Crowell, Fredericksburg, Virginia
Roasted Autumn Vegetable SoupRoasting sweet potatoes, carrots and parsnips brings out their best features. Blend them, and you have a warm, healthy soup for a cool fall night. —Stephanie Flaming, Woodland, California
Mummy BrowniesThe grave couldn't hold these mummified treats for long! Watch these fudgy brownies pull a disappearing act at your Halloween get-together. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Bewitched ChiliOne pot and thirty minutes—yes, please. Kids and grown-ups love this warm-you-up Halloween potluck idea after trick-or-treating. —Janice Westmoreland, Brooksville, Florida
Party FranksThese tiny, tangy appetizers have broad appeal. I prepare them often for holiday gatherings, weddings and family reunions. They're convenient to serve at parties since the sauce can be made ahead and then reheated with the franks before serving. —Lucille Howell, Portland, Oregon. Looking for more? Try these vintage Halloween party treats.
Jack-o’-Lantern CakeI pieced two fluted tube pan cakes together to make this gap-toothed grinner that will make the best-ever centerpiece at your Halloween potluck. —Julianne Johnson, Grove City, Minnesota
Broccoli Boo SaladThere's nothing scary about the recipe for this popular salad—it's delightfully easy to put together. The mandarin oranges also look nice with the colors in other foods and decorations for my theme.—Vicki Schlechter, Davis, California
Caramel Apple CupcakesTake these extra special cupcakes to your next event and watch how quickly they disappear! With a caramel topping and spice cake base, they're the perfect mix of two fall-favorite treats. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Jumbo Jack-o’-Lantern CookiesEvery Halloween, I'd have a batch of these cookies waiting for my kids when they came home from school so they could decorate their own. Eventually, they started bringing friends home to join in the fun. They're a festive Halloween potluck idea, too!
Baked Pumpkin Goat Cheese Alfredo with BaconThis is a unique and delicious pasta, perfect for fall. I made this for my girlfriends, and everyone asked for the recipe! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Snakewich with Venom SauceOur Halloween party is so big, I hold it in the street. This sandwich shaped like a snake is tasty and a scary good centerpiece. —Suzanne Clark, Phoenix, Arizona
FrankenguacPlay the mad scientist this year and bring a monster to life. This Halloween potluck idea is frightfully fun and delicious! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pumpkin Pie DipI came up with this rich, creamy pumpkin dip when I had a small amount of canned pumpkin left in the fridge after my holiday baking. It's also great served with sliced pears and apples, or as a spread on zucchini bread. —Laurie LaClair, North Richland Hills, Texas
Scary EyeballsKids will squeal with delight at the sight of this Halloween potluck idea. But the peanut butter flavor is the best part! —Shannon Blatchley, Ludlow, Massachusetts
Kiss from a Vampire CookiesRaspberry jam eerily oozes from these soft butter cookies. One bite, and you'll have a hard time stopping! Despite their appearance, these cookies are still an easy Halloween potluck idea. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Ham 'n' Cheese SpidersThese creepy sandwiches are sure to scare up some fun at Halloween time! Kids really enjoy eating the spider-shaped sandwiches. —Kendra Barclay, De Kalb, Illinois
Crazy Halloween BlondiesI have a real sweet tooth, so Halloween is my favorite holiday. I came up with these bars for my kids, but I think I like them even more than they do! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Haunted Antipasto SaladEven grown-up salads can be dressed up for Halloween night. Spookify each serving with ghost-shaped cheese slices and all your Halloween potluck ideas will have that festive flair. —Cynthia M. Bent, Newark, Delaware
Purple People Eater PunchThis colorful Halloween punch tastes just like grape sparkling wine. Watch it disappear from your next spooky buffet.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Jack-o'-Lantern PizzasSet out a variety of toppings and let the kids decorate their pumpkin-head pizzas. It will be so much fun that they won't realize that they're eating their veggies! —Rachel DeVault, Grove City, Ohio
Festive Pumpkin DipPumpkin adds a sweet element to this Halloween potluck idea. It's a chunky, satisfying snack for fall. —Evelyn Kennell, Roanoke, Illinois
Pumpkin Pie ShotsGrown-up treats that feature canned pumpkin and butterscotch schnapps will lure guests back for more. The gelatin shots are made ahead, so they're a great party starter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Halloween Peanut Spider CookiesThese cute spider cookies are so easy. They'll be the star at your next Halloween party! —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Vampire MouthsSink your teeth into this handheld Halloween potluck idea. Using refrigerated pie pastry speeds up prep so you'll have time to carve your pumpkins, too. If you can't find walnut butter, try using natural peanut butter instead. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Creamy Pumpkin HummusI love to serve this pumpkin hummus with sliced apples, pears and pita chips. Top it with toasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of pumpkin oil and even fried sage leaves. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
Goblin BitesUse vegetable scraps to create ghoulish monster faces on each wonton dip cup. Cut leftover wontons into fun Halloween shapes with small cutters and bake until lightly browned. —Betty Huddleston, Liberty, Indiana
Witch-in-the-Moonlight CheesecakeMake this ominous cheesecake the highlight of your Halloween potluck. Guests will love what is hidden inside: a fudgy filling. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Spider SlidersWe're always trying to do fun things with food to make meals memorable. Better grab one of these sandwiches before it walks away! —Frank Millard, Edgerton, Wisconsin
Martian MarshmallowsWrap leftovers in cellophane and hand them out as favors-if they haven't all disappeared by the end of the party.—Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Cute Halloween SandwichesI make these for my Halloween potluck. You can change the cutter shape and food coloring to suit any occasion, but this is a surefire trick-or-treat winner! —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
Creepy Candied CornI couldn't stop eating this popcorn when I first tried it at a friend's party. My generous pal offered the recipe, and now I often take it to gatherings. Color your corn an eerie green hue to add a spooky effect at Halloween. —Courtney Wilson, Fresno, California
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
Slithering Hummus BitesFriends often ask me to make my hummus dip for Halloween potlucks. One year, I decided to take it further by piping it into phyllo shells and topping it with olives and roasted red peppers to make creepy creatures. —Amy White, Manchester, Connecticut
Scary Hairy Caramel ApplesThis is a cute and tasty version of a caramel apple. It's perfect for a Halloween party. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Hearty Slow-Cooker ChiliWhen it’s time to build my zesty chili, I combine everything the night before. In the morning, I load the slow cooker and let it do the work. —Molly Butt, Granville, Ohio
Halloween PunchMy bright orange sipper fits right in with October fun. To make this Halloween potluck idea even more festive, I often put the punch bowl inside a hollowed-out-pumpkin. —Sue Thomas, Casa Grande, Arizona
Mediterranean Shrimp DipGuests will help themselves to seconds of this savory Mediterranean shrimp dip that features shrimp, feta cheese and Greek seasoning. —Gina Wilson, Austin, Texas
Witches’ BroomsPair these edible mini brooms with Witches’ Brew for a spellbinding combination. The only ingredients you need here are pretzel rods and licorice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Eyeball Taco SaladTopped with creepy peepers, this Halloween potluck idea is packed with beef, cheese, tomato and satisfying southwestern flavor to make everyone in your freaky family happy. —Jolene Young, Union, Illinois
Goblin's Orange PopcornYour little goblins will love to munch this tasty, colorful popcorn that features a crispy crunch and sweet flavor.
Donna Higbee, Sandy, Utah
Trick-or-Treat PizzaDon’t let your leftover Halloween loot go to waste. Pile your favorite candies onto a monster-size cookie. — Kendra Bowen, Louisville, Illinois
Cranberry BBQ Pulled PorkCranberry sauce adds a yummy twist to pulled pork, and my family can't get enough of it! The pork cooks to tender perfection in the slow cooker, which also makes this dish a convenient Halloween potluck idea. —Carrie Wiegand, Mount Pleasant, Iowa
Halloween Peanut Butter Cookie PopsA miniature candy bar is hidden inside these fun pops. Colored frosting and candy faces make these addicting cookie pops the perfect Halloween treat. —Martha Hoover, Coatesville, Pennsylvania
Browned Butter Cereal BarsCrispy rice treats were one of the first recipes I ever made as a kid. For this version, I wanted to make something similar but more special. Friends and family think using Cap'n Crunch and browned butter is genius, but I just call them delicious.—Kelly Krauss, Lebanon, New Jersey
As Editor, Caroline writes and edits all things food-related and helps produce videos for Taste of Home. When she’s not at her desk, you can probably find Caroline cooking up a feast, planning her next trip abroad or daydreaming about her golden retriever, Mac.
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Updated: Mar. 20, 2019
