16 DIY Ways To Scare Trick-Or-Treaters On October 31st

halloween yard decorations zombie hands

When the kiddos creep up to your front porch as ghouls and goblins, you want to give them a little wow factor. If you’re not dressed up (even though we have 500 reasons why you should be), your porch can be. You can go for creepy or classic, and there are a variety of ways to put your own spin on some iconic Halloween looks. Either way, deck out your porch for some extra fun on All Hallow’s Eve with these Halloween yard decorations.

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THE SCENT CORVUS.® | Fragrance & Wax on Instagram: "This Halloween Home is our dream! 🎃🦇 . . . #halloween #halloweenseason #halloweenhome #spookyseason #witchesofinstagram #witchyaesthetic #witchywoman #nugoth #alternative #goth #gothichome #homegoals #homeinspo"

Spooky Silhouettes

Halloween mannequins make for scary additions to your home on October 31st. Get some extra mad scientist magic when you attach LED lights around your window frames to light up your figures from behind.

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Olivia | NYC🍎 on Instagram: "Spooky season🕸 - E. 69th between Park and Lexington . . . #uppereastside #uesnyc #nychalloween #hallowenhomedecor #hauntedhousedecor #nyctownhouse #fallinnyc #fallinnewyork #halloweeninnyc #spookyhome #uesthings #uesmoms #uppereastsideandbeyond #uppereastsidenyc #uppereastsiders #uppereastsidemoms #ny1pic #streeteasyfinds #theprettycities #ihavethisthingwithdoors #urbanjunglebloggers #femaletravelbloggers #searchwandercollect #prettycitynewyork #nycphotographer #spookyseason👻 #nycprimeshots #halloweenhome #fallinthecity"

Abandonment Issues

Dead leaves, busted pumpkins, and dusty or covered furniture make for that abandoned haunted house feel. It's minimal effort for maximum impact. Add some candles when the sun goes down, and just like that, your house is transformed to “the haunted house down the block.”

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Meredith | unOriginal Mom on Instagram: "Boo! Did I scare you?? Ping pong balls + cheesecloth + mod podge + christmas lights = these fun, spooky ghost lights - perfect front porch decor for Halloween! Search "ghosts" on the blog for the full tutorial. #halloween #ghosts #DIYhalloween #spooky"

Ghost Tree

This DIY string of ghostly lights creeping up a tree branch look like they’re in full flight. If you want to put in a little more elbow grease, you could make a strand long enough for a full blown tree.

Mourning Glory ($79)

This lady lives up to her name. Cloaked in all black and sporting blood red lips, she lurks on your porch trying to scare away trespassers.

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Amy | alittlelovedesigns on Instagram: "31 Nights until Halloween 🎃 • • • #halloweeninspiration #halloweeninspo #halloweenporch #outdoorhalloweendecor #halloween2022 #halloweendecorideas #bhghowiholiday #thecottagejournal #cottagesandbungalows #countryhomemagazine #blackcatsandwitchesandstuff #betterhomesandgardens #thisishalloween"

A Warm Welcome

To get that warm, fall golden glow, try jack-o’-lanterns. These beauties make for a porch that’s just as silly as it is creepy, and the abundance of light also makes the stairs super inviting.

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𝔪𝔦𝔠𝔥𝔞𝔢𝔩 on Instagram: "Got to see a very cool Stranger Things themed yard last night. All the characters were hand-painted and the attention to detail in the decorations was amazing. #wcsthouse 🖤🦇 . . . . . #halloween#halloweenyard#halloweendecor#halloweendecorations#october#october31#strangerthings#maxmayfield#eddiemunson#steveharrington#lucassinclair#dustinhenderson#spookyseason#strangerthingsnetflix"

Stranger Decor

If you’re a Stranger Things fan, go all out with decor inspired by the latest (and extra-spooky) season. If you're an artist, this is a DIY project that will flex your muscles and give you super cool party decorations for the future.

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Valerie Esparza | New Orleans on Instagram: "Ghost Manor looking spooky although it's only haunted at night, on the weekends."

Arachnaporch

Nothing will creep out your guests more than having to make their way through tons of spider webs to get to your front door. Add larger-than-life menacing spiders to up the scare factor.

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Shay on Instagram: "Really enjoying adding Halloween to the porch this year. 🎃🧡👻 #farmhouse #farmhouseporch #farmhouseporchdecor #vintagefarmhouse #myfestivehome #myfestivefrontporch #frontporchdecor #frontporchsittin #halloweendecor #halloweenporch #halloweenporchdecor #betterhomesandgardens"

Pumpkins-a-Plenty

Gourds and pumpkins lining an entryway decked out with cute ghosts and corn stalks is our idea of a good time. You can even attach some bats across the front door for a little bit of character. And why not greet trick or treaters outside at a little table full of treats?

Zombie Hands Metal Yard Stakes ($24+)

Welcome your guests with half a dozen hands sticking up out of the ground. The good thing is they won't grab anyone's ankles...we hope. If you're feeling fancy, give them some red nails.

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Kelly Kopp on Instagram: "NYC loves Halloween ☠️☠️☠️ You can see this at @lilliesvictorian on 49th & 8th in Times Square ————————————————"

Skeleton Crew

Buy some skeletons to accessorize your front doorway, or just get one to sit with you while you pass out candy.

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Charlie Brown Chic:

There's nothing horrifying about this cute and recognizable Halloween decor. These characters also make for great costume inspiration!

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Lexy Ward | PROPER on Instagram: "Nothing else matters when October rolls around. Yes? Or... yes? 🎃💀👻 #ProperAtHome #halloweenporch #october #porchinspo #halloweengram"

Darkened Doorways

Get in the holiday spirit with a wreath, but add a Halloween twist by picking one that's all black. Add bats across the door for some added flair without overwhelming the whole porch.

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Toni Roberts, Design Dazzle on Instagram: "My Halloween porch from last year was my favorite after it got dark! It's amazing what a few lanterns can do to light up a space. Check out all the details of my front porch and where I got all of these fun items here: https://www.designdazzle.com/halloween-front-porch-home-depot-style-challenge/ #homedepot #homedepotstylechallenge #stylechallenge #frontporch #frontporchdecor #halloweendecor #halloweenfrontporch"

Bones, Baby

Your house will look truly neglected if your guests think that you’re the skeleton in the rocking chair. Finish off the look with a crow in a cage.

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Liz | DIY HQ on Instagram: "Spooky time! With the door color update, it seemed like the perfect color for a witchy potion! We used the same method as last year, using foam core poster board and command strips to decorate the door. Last year I’d seen folks hanging witch hats for Halloween and it was so cute I had to do it this year, and it worked out being on theme with our witchy vibes! I’ll be posting more in detail about how we put everything together today in my story!"

Keep Your Eyes Peeled

Add some eyes to your front door to remind your trick or treaters that you're always watching.

Halloween Tombstones ($15)

Line your walkway with headstones for an easy and instantly scary feel. Bonus points if you add some skeleton parts scattered so they look like they’re emerging from their graves.

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Halloween

Nothing says "Welcome home" like Michael Meyers hanging from your front door. Just get a mannequin and a mask and you're set.

Is your porch tricked out for Halloween? Let us know in the comments and tag us with your Halloween yard decorations on Instagram!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Additional reporting by Chloe Williams.

This post has been updated.

There are a number of TV shows in the running for best teen drama. I'm ready to press play on The Summer I Turned Pretty, One Tree Hill, and The Vampire Diaries at any given moment, but there is nothing like watching Friday Night Lights season 1. It might not be as glamorous as Gossip Girl, but that's exactly why it resonates so deeply when you watch it — FNL both highlights and honors viewers' real-world experiences because the characters are SO relatable. Instead of leaving you envious of a fictional life, Friday Night Lights welcomes you into a community you feel like you already know.


Image via NBC

Everyone in the fictional town of Dillon, Texas lives and breathes football, and Friday Night Lights season 1 opens just before the first game of the season. Right off the bat, we're introduced to characters that both evoke emotion and spark our curiosity, and we're told exactly where they are in their lives: new head coach Eric Taylor is struggling to win the town's confidence. Fullback Tim Riggins struggles both with motivation and against confident running back Smash Williams. All-American quarterback Jason Street has dreams of playing in the NFL while timid Matt Saracen takes care of his grandmother during the afternoon and serves as second-string quarterback at night.

Not to mention the fact that when I watched Friday Night Lights for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by how compelling and multi-dimensional the women are. Tami Taylor has the perfect blend of motherly love and the kind of Southern sass that puts you in your place. Minka Kelly's Lyla Garrity is one of my favorite TV characters of all time because she might be wealthy and popular, but she evades "The Curse of the Brunette" that seems to plague early 2000s leading ladies. Instead of turning into a manipulative mean girl like the high school versions of Blair Waldorf and Brooke Davis, Lyla is just kind. Does she still make insanely bad decisions (like kissing her boyfriend's best friend)? Yes, but aren't bad decisions a right of passage when you're 17?

The show's initial plots and character arcs revolve heavily around football, but the sport really just serves as a funnel for all the off-field drama. The tension between the characters makes their gameplay even more passionate — and when Street gets seriously injured during that first game of the season, the town rallies together in a way that highlights how strong a community can bond in the face of tragedy.

Image via NBC

Life in middle-class America can be tough, but it can also be really, really sweet. While I'm neither from Texas nor have attended the kind of football school Dillon High is, the contrast between the characters' responsibilities and the fun that comes with parties and joining your friends at the local burger joint resonates with me every time I rewatch.

Even the fact the show is named Friday Night Lights emphasizes that contrast because it shows just how much of a spotlight is on these kids, and how much weight is on their shoulders when they're truly just trying to survive their teenage years.

Rather than providing an escape from viewers' realities like Outer Banks does, Friday Night Lights season 1 emphasizes the realities of juggling multiple jobs, school, and family responsibility that a lot of viewers experience too. It allows you to understand the characters in a really personal way — and feel like you're a part of the community too. The world can seem so big and scary (now more than ever), which is why the simplicity of Friday Night Lights totally redefines comfort TV.

What's your standout moment from Friday Night Lights season 1? Check out why Gilmore Girls Season 7 Wasn't Supposed To Be The Final Chapter for even more TV show musings!

Lead image via NBC

College and high school graduations are just around the corner, and you may be wondering what to get your favorite Gen Z grads. Luckily for you, we compiled a list of 15 fabulous graduation gifts for every price range that are guaranteed to put a smile on your graduate’s face!

Set of 4 Meal Prep Containers

Who doesn’t love pretty Tupperware? Whether your 2024 grad is a gym rat or a library lover, they will definitely find a good use for these air-tight, leak-proof containers.

Benevolence LA New Beginnings Scented Soy Candle

Send them off with this sweet-scented candle that celebrates their achievements, as well as the next steps ahead of them!

A Hundred Other Girlsby Iman Hariri-Kia

This book is like a modern day Devil Wears Prada, and would make the perfect gift for any grad going into journalism, media, or PR — especially if they’re moving to a big city.

Stanley Quencher H2.0

Hydration is key for anyone, especially a new college student that's running between classes, club meetings, and friend hangs! This tumbler will also keep their liquids cold overnight so they don't have to go down the dorm hall in the middle of the night for a fresh refill.

Dagne Dover Mila Repreve® Recycled Polyester Large Toiletry Organizer Bag

If you're sending off a high school grad to communal dorms, they'll definitely benefit from having a compact toiletry bag like this one. This style is particularly nice since it's made from recycled polyester that resists water and debris.

2024 Daily Planner

Using a planner is such an underrated way to stay organized, whether it's prepping for college coursework or adulting stuff like work events, grocery shopping, and plans with friends. This all-in-one daily planner will help your grad keep their ducks in a row with fields for all of life's details.

Honeywell Mini Cool Mist Humidifier

This humidifier, made especially for small rooms and personal spaces (ahem, dorm rooms!) helps maintain humidity levels between 40-60%, which can help relieve congestion and keep the throat and nasal passages hydrated to prevent sickness. This is crucial for soon-to-be college students who may hang around a lot of different people.​

Fresh Sends Flower Bouquet

Flowers are a staple for any major life event, especially a graduation! Fresh Sends is perfect for sending beautiful bouquets for those who live far away, since they ship directly to the recipient's door.

The Beast Mini Blender

This super-effective, high-power portable blender is the perfect size for a dorm room or small apartment, plus it's very aesthetically-pleasing even if it's just sitting on the shelf. It comes equipped with a screw-on lid and straw, too, so your grad can take it on walks and in the car.

Béis The Sport Backpack

Perfect for grads on the go, this bag can hold their water bottle, phone, wallet and so much more when they're trekking across campus.

Loop Quiet Equinox Earplugs

These design-forward earplugs are multipurpose – they block out extra noise for study sessions and sleep time, or even loud parties and concerts! Your grad will appreciate that they come with an easy-to-carry case for keeping them on-hand in unforeseen, noisy situations.

Crush Your Goals Inner Truth Affirmations Deck

For an extra dose of motivation, this 40-count deck of cards will keep them going when times get tough!

Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

Coffee will ​always ​be a part of any new grad's life. Keep 'em caffeinated with this convenient coffee maker that's compatible with K-Cups for everyday ease.

Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers

Hokas are undoubtedly the cool girl of running shoes, and they will definitely make your grad hit the pavement smiling, no matter if they're stepping foot on their college campus for the first time or making big moves in a new city.

Great Jones The Starting Lineup

This trio of cookware is such a stylish way to give your recipient's post-grad kitchen an upgrade. All three pieces are oven-safe and dishwasher-friendly to make cleanup a breeze.

Find all of the greatest gifts with Brit + Co!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

I have such a love/hate relationship with haircuts. While I love the feeling of a fresh look as much as the next girl, I hate having to spend $100+ for a simple cut and blow dry session. During my recent trim, I talked with my hairdresser, Jack Rehak of Jack’s Hair Design in Hinsdale, Illinois, about ways to keep a haircut looking new and best practices for keeping hair healthy. Here's what he had to say!

Here's How Often You Should Cut Your Hair, According To Professionals

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

I’ll admit it — it had been eight months since my last haircut. My hair had lost its shape, my layers were nowhere to be found, and my ends were begging for mercy. Life got busy over the last few months and I was neglecting my haircare like never before.

My hairdresser could immediately see that I was beyond due for a cut and said I needed to get more taken off than I was hoping. I was definitely disappointed — I'd been working on growing out my hair for a while now, and it just felt like my hard work had completely gone to waste. He explained that getting consistent haircuts is the key to growing out healthy and strong hair, rather than letting it grow and grow until it eventually breaks. So let's dig into the top three things you can do to avoid this scenario!

1. Just Get The Dang Haircut

Photo by RDNE Stock project/PEXELS

Also avoiding a haircut like I was? You might want to schedule one at your nearest salon. Like my stylist said, when you wait too long between trims like I did, you risk your hair becoming heavy, dull, and lifeless. When the hair is dry or even dead, it’s nearly impossible for it to hold a curl or style, essentially collapsing on you and taking on more and more heat damage all the while. I know the pain of spending time on a blowout only for it to fall minutes later — it’s the worst.

According to Jack, getting a haircut every 10-12 weeks is the best time frame or your ends will pay the price. Between blow-drying, curling, straightening, sun, and weather, our ends get dry and start to break without the proper care. Getting consistent haircuts allows hair to bounce back, shine, and perform the way we want in a healthy way.

2. Leave-In Conditioners Are Your Friend

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

His top piece of advice to keep your hair looking and feeling hydrated between trims? Invest in conditioning treatments. Jack swears by the Olaplex conditioning system, specifically the No 3 Hair Perfector. Made with patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™, this conditioning treatment repairs and prevents damage in as little as three minutes. No 3 promises to reduce breakage and visibly strengthen hair, so it’s the perfect assistance to keep ends fresh between cuts. Another conditioning treatments I’ve used and loved for years is the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, which is designed to restore moisture, elasticity, and shine to dry hair.

3. Switch Up Your Shampoos

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

Switching shampoos frequently is a pretty hot tip that I honestly hadn't thought of. Our hair gets used to the same products and grows tired of them, resulting in lackluster locks. Jack’s advice is to switch brands after finishing every bottle of shampoo to bring life back to your hair. Have two brands that you’re loyal to? Even switching back and forth between them after every bottle should make a big difference in your hair. I’m a huge fan of the R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo, which makes my hair look thick and full, as well as the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo, which is so hydrating and gives so much shine.

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

In the end, navigating your back-and-forth relationship with haircuts often feels like a rollercoaster ride between wanting that fresh look and cringing at the receipt. Luckily, by using conditioning treatments and switching up your products,, you can keep your locks healthy, shiny, and full of life between trims. But take a newly learned lesson out of my book: don't let your ends pay the price for procrastination and just book the haircut.

If you need some more hair inspo and advice, be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Nataliya Vaitkevich/PEXELS