FLOWER POWER

That Martha Stewart sure is a crafty one. And I have to admit, when it comes to creative Halloween decorations, no one does it better....

Dreadfully sophisticated and shockingly fun, this bouquet infested with insects gets Halloween off to a screaming start!

I'm a firm believer in use-what-you-have decorating, and this is a great example. We all have a bunch of silk flowers lying around somewhere, don't we? (You don't??? Oh, maybe it's just me) Use your trusty hot glue gun to add a few of the kid's rubber snakes and spiders... get an old vase (spray paint it black) and make a spookified flower arrangement!

This would be a great centerpiece on the dining room table, mantel or end table.

Check out more fantastically-frightful decorating ideas from Martha Stewart!

HALLOWEEN HAIRSTYLES

Part of having a great Halloween costume is also having a really fantastic hair-do to go along with it! It can really pull your whole outfit together...... and sometimes the crazier, the better!

Now some of these ideas may require some help from your favorite salon, and could be a bit pricey. So keep in mind that if you have a beauty school in your area, a lot of times, you can have students work on your hair, and it's half the price....so be sure to look into it.

FRIENDS 'TIL THE END!

Well, with the Zombie Apocalypse coming sometime in the near future..... this would make a great gift for your BFF!

Hilarious!

LET 'EM EAT (more) CAKE!

I always think a fantastic cake makes such a great party centerpiece. It can set the tone of the party, is cool to look at....and your guests think you're a totally amazing hostess!

Now, if you're not an expert baker (which...or witch...I am not) you can still pull off the same effect of this 3 layer cake by getting it pre-made from your local bakery (with the orange and black icing already on it) and adding some decorative touches and gingerbread. Now don't panic, it's really pretty simple.

Once you get the cake home, use some pre-made gel or icing to add decorations (you might want to pratice by making a few doodles on some paper before you try it with the icing) like swirls, bats, blood splatter or cobwebs (and don't worry, they don't have to be perfect) on the bottom layer.

Then using back icing or gel, make a "fence" on the second layer the whole way around the cake. (just use the picture as a reference) Ok, now that most of the cake is done, you can work on the haunted house.

Get a package of pre-made gingerbread dough, lay it out flat, and using a template (there are so many you can find on the internet.... print it out, then trace it on cardboard and cut it out. simple) that you've made from cardboard, cut around the edges from the outline of the house in the dough. Also be sure to cut out a few windows and any other elements you like for your house. Bake according to package instructions.

Once it's cooled, decorate by spreading black icing over the entire house. Use a tube of pre-made white icing to outline around the door or windows, if you like. (you don't have to, it's just an idea)

To make the house stand up on the top of the cake: attach 2 wood dowels with icing onto the back of the cookie, using more icing on the bottom of the dowels push gently into the top layer of the cake, until it stands sturdy.

And if you're really ambitious, make and decorate a bunch of tiny tombstone-cookies to line around the bottom layer of the cake, (stick on with a glob or icing on the back of the tombstone-cookie) or use the cupcake idea.

I know, it sounds like a lot of work, but if you take a few shortcuts (like buying the cake and pre-made gingerbread dough) you'll be amazed at how talented you really are.

And the best part....your guests will think not only are you an amazing party hostess... but a top-notch baker to boo-t!

CHOCOLATE ZOMBIE HEADS!

WOW! Now these are my kind of bon bons! Wouldn't this be the perfect box of candy to get on Valentine's day?

Or, just to freak out the kids.... and scare off those unwanted dinner guests! Serve up these little cuties on a silver platter, and the shrieks and screams will soon follow!

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Who doesn't love a good theme party??? Am I right?

There are so many ideas and so many creative people who've come up with great party themes! It's all in the planning! Planning the props, decorations and the menu. Give 'em a theme...and the cool, crazy and creative costumes will follow!

And remember.... theme parties are great for anytime of the year... not just Halloween! Click on the links below to check out some of these amazing ideas from all over the web......

1. Ghoulish Glam Halloween party

2. 80′s style prom

3. Mad Scientist themed Halloween party

4. Hero’s & Villain’s

SIGN, SIGN, EVERYWHERE A SIGN

It seems that for some reason "signs" have become a decorating staple. And you know, come to think of it.... I've crafted quite a few signs in my time. I too, love signs!

And Halloween is noooooo exception! The best part about making signs is that you can make them as elaborate or as rustic as you like.

Here's some inspiration to get you started, but I caution you....once you start collecting (or making) signs, it's kinda hard to stop. You've been warned.....