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Fabulously Fright-Tastic Outdoor Halloween Decorations

Decorate your outdoor space for a season of scary and stylish Halloween surprises.

Jessica Mordo

Remember that house? You know, THAT one, the one that when you were growing up had Halloween decorations so on-point that you were—admit it—a little afraid to go there.  We do, and we’ve suggested a few creative pieces you can easily make yourself that will set your yard’s spooky tone, from unsettling black vegetable cats to dark-hued foliage that turns even the daytime spooky.

We’ve also come up with some alternatives to traditional October 31 décor that show you care enough not to pick up your accessories at the Halloween pop-up again this year. Think a classy minimalist fall wreath, or pumpkins painted or turned into planters. Whatever you choose, we’re sure it will help your house be the one the neighborhood kids remember years later.

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1 /6 Thomas J. Story

Black As Night

Some plants have a naturally spooky vibe. We’re particularly feeling this grouping of black, structural branches and creeping leaves: wire netting bushes (Corokia cotoneaster), spiny Dyckia ‘Burgundy Ice’, and Heuchera ‘Obsidian’. Use these plants for a frightful Halloween arrangement that happens to look stunning any time of year.

2 /6 Thomas J. Story

Gourd-geous

Pumpkins aren’t just for carving. Round gourds or varieties with flat bottoms can be used as vessels for plants and look great both outdoors and in. We filled these with succulents, but any small plants would work.

More: 5 Unusual Pumpkins for Halloween Decorating

3 /6 Thomas J. Story

Nine Lives

Want a unique spin on Halloween pumpkins this year? Create this easy cat-o-lantern. Find pumpkins that work together in a feline shape. Add mini pumpkins for paws, cucumbers for tails, and craft ears out of cardstock. Paint everything black and meow!

4 /6 E. Spencer Toy

Blue Period

Carving pumpkins can sometimes feel daunting. There’s no shame in skipping it this year and splashing on a coat of paint instead. A striking indigo base topped with patterns in white paint marker will make your gourds the coolest kids on the block.

5 /6 Courtesy of Terrain

Leaf Peeping

A wreath that resembles autumn leaves tumbling in the wind is oh-so-elegant seasonal door or wall decor. Terrain has several that we like.

Autumn Leaf Wreath, from $128
   
6 /6 E. Spencer Toy

Pet Sematary

Get your pumpkins in on the Halloween action by giving them costumes of their own (side bonus: These easy felt masks and tails mean you don’t have to carve!). An owl, spider, and cat are on point for the season, but woodland creatures also work well for an autumn theme.