Absolute Last-Minute Halloween Decor & Snacks With Discover Goodwill

• This was a segment from a few years ago but it’s still relevant with lots of great last-minute Halloween ideas.

Today is Halloween so chances are, if you were going to decorate or entertain,  you’ve already done that. But if you’re having people over for a last-minute celebration or still trying to decide what to make or take to a party, it’s still possible to create some spooky but quick decorations and appetizers. 

Today I’m joining FOX21 Living Local and Discover Goodwill for some super easy, quick, and affordable ideas. Using everyday items I picked up at Goodwill, along with basic supplies like construction paper and glues, these craft ideas took less than 10 minutes to pull together. Even if you don’t have the same supplies as I use, this should give you some ideas for some chillingly creative creations.

Using candle holders, vases, and various sized frames I found at Discover Goodwill, this was such an easy display to make. I used dead branches from the yard, made the spiders and bats from black poster board and bought the doilies and googly eyes at the Dollar Tree. (You could make those from construction paper too.) A bit of hot glue kept the bats on the branches. I used black netting from Goodwill to cover my table with but I have also used black tablecloths, pillowcases and even sweaters before as a layer. 

Grouping similar items in different shapes can make an impact. Here, along with the spider frames, I added branches, leaves, and Spanish moss to pieces I bought at Goodwill and added a couple of plastic spiders from the Dollar Tree. And I love the frame with a pair of googly eyes taped to it. An entire shelf of various frames with these eyes would look great! You can make “potion” jars with creepy creatures like spiders and eyeballs but if you don’t have any on hand, toss various veggies along with some food coloring into empty jars. Nothing fancy but it gives your house some holiday flavor without spending a ton of money or time. 

If you get started early enough, these mummy jars should dry by tonight. 

First cut strips of gauze or cheese cloth to wrap your glass jar with. Mix up a flour and water mixture, amounts vary depending on the size and amount of jars you’re covering. Simply stir water in bowl of flour till you get a thin gravy-like consistency. Dip your strips in mixture and wrap your jars. It doesn’t have to be even or perfect, these are supposed to look creepy. Once dry, glue on some construction pieces for the face. Pop in a votive candle. Easy!!

And it seriously doesn’t get easier than this. Glass bottles you can find at Goodwill, the Dollar Tree or even around your house with a label printed up and glued/taped on.

And here are two appetizers I serve every single year. The dip can be made and put together in about 15 minutes or less. Make your own favorite guacamole, use this recipe or pick up some already made. Normally I shred my own carrots but if you’re in a time-crunch, small bags of shredded ones don’t cost that much. 

 

WITCHY GUACAMOLE DIP

INGREDIENTS:

2 large avocados

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

juice from 1 lime

(or use your favorite guacamole recipe or store-bought brand)

shredded carrots (for hair)

2 green onion slices (for eyes)

2 black olive slices (for eyebrows)

2 slices mini red bell pepper (for lips)

1 cornichon (or mini gherkin or mini dill pickle) for nose

blue corn chips (for hat)

DIRECTIONS:

Mash avocado. Add garlic, onions, and lime juice. Stir till combined. Season with salt as desired.

Add guacamole to lower half of a serving plate. Create the hat with corn chips and then add carrots for hair. 

Assemble eyes, brows, lips, and nose.

And here’s a personal favorite appetizer recipe that I make all the time for parties. This makes a huge cheese ball but you can easily halve the ingredients for a smaller gathering. Or pick up some cheese balls at the store and simply insert a bell pepper stem for the same effect.

Nacho Cheese Ball….A Perfect Party Appetizer

And for a fun ice bucket (to hold white wine, sodas, bottled water, etc.) I simply cut off the side of a pumpkin, scooped the guts and seeds out, and filled with ice. Super cute!