Friendly Frights

If you want to keep your decor looking more spooky than horrendous, avoid the fake blood and the dripping brains.  Try to keep it tame with black cats ,owls ,skeletons ,Jack-O-Lanterns , and maybe even some flying ghosties . Some black  and red candles ,inflatables  on the front lawn, and window clings  will set a not-too-scary theme. Typically, these friendly frights won't be too intimidating to young trick-or-treaters. 

Skeletons 

Skeletons are kind of a Halloween staple, so no matter what your house looks like, be sure to incorporate at least one of these guys. Rubber Skeletons  are always a hit.

Cobwebs 

Kids will love stretching these cobwebs over the bushes and all around the house.  It's ok to go crazy because they can be easily removed. 

Gigantic Spider 

Add an element of awe to your decorations with something huge and over-the-top, like this 8 foot spider.

Tombstones 

Have some fun with these great yard decorations.  Make your own and write humorous epitaphs like "I.M. Gone" and "U.R. Next." Surround it with a creepy fence .

Purple and Orange Lights 

Festive lights are perfect around the windows, around the door, or anywhere that you see fit! Candelabras  will also help create a creepy atmosphere.

Ghost Path Markers 

Light the way to the door with these fun and festive ghost path markers.  They will help night-time trick-or-treaters! 

Hanging Witch 

Since witches fly, why not hang them as decorations?  Find cute or spooky witches to place throughout the yard or the house. 

Grim Reaper 

Welcome the element of death with the Grim Reaper.  Avoid anything too scary if little kids are involved, but know that this hooded figure has become a Halloween trademark.

Glow-in-the-Dark Skull 

Having a skull present really shows your enthusiasm for the holiday, and a glow-in-the-dark model is even more fun!  For the little ones, try to get your skull to smile.

Bubble Fogger Machine 

Add some fun to your yard or to your parties!  This bubble fogger is much more subtle, and more child-friendly, than its dry ice counterparts. 

Severed Heads 

Mutilated body parts just seem to go hand-in-hand with the classic haunted house.  Decorate with severed heads and perhaps even a model guillotine.

Animated Crawling Man 

When your guests come to the house, they are sure to be creeped out by this animated crawling man.  He scurries across the floor, or the yard, ready for his next victim. Look for other spooky animatronics  as well.

Realistic Ghosts 

Hanging ghosts from the trees is one thing, but making them look real is another.  You can find a variety of decorations with transparent materials to enhance the reality.

Body Parts 

If severed heads are just too much for you, then go a little subtler with some other lifelike body parts.  These rubber limbs can stick out of the ground or even be hidden within your party treats.

Zombies 

Nothing says Halloween quite like zombies!  Find the perfect ones for you, whether they are friendly or slightly possessed, and scatter them throughout the yard.  

Blood Gel 

By using gel instead of blood capsules, you will have much more liquid to spread onto your decorations. 

Coffins 

Coffins can go alongside your zombies or skeletons.  Throw a lump of garden fertilizer around it for a more realistic look. 

Black Light 

Replace your regular light bulbs with black lights for a really spooky atmosphere.  Enhance this feature by writing messages on the walls with glow-in-the-dark paint.

Fog Machine 

A fog machine is an absolute must for any haunted house.  Look for a low-lying one or a high-powered machine, depending on the look you hope for and your budget.

Spooky Sound Effects 

Think about using the soundtracks from scary movies like The Exorcist or Friday the 13th.  You can also find Halloween CDs already set up with shrieks and howls.