Threshold of Terror

The mood you've built outside can quickly be killed by a neglected, brightly lit interior.  Don't let all your hard work go to waste - hide the Keurig, it's haunting time!

Start by pretending you're a trick-or-treater, standing at your front door.  Literally go stand there, get down on your knees for a proper kids-eye view.  What areas of the interior can you see from your vantage point?

Now you know what areas you need to address.  Close off doors to areas you don't want to deal with if needed.  Keep it simple by just turning all but one light off and replace the bulb with an orange one.  Light some candles and place them in area trick-or-treaters see from their vantage point at the front door.  

P.S. - This means YOU have to get in on the action, too. Dress the part.  Compile a costume out of clothing you own, from second hand & thrift stores or invest in something from a quality shop like Historical Emporium that you'll use, and will last, for years to come,. Just don't answer the door in sweatpants.  I beg of you.

Use Command Toggle Hooks and safety pins to hang a black sheet or a creepy curtain just inside the door to create a false foyer.  

Again using Command Toggle Hooks, hang a tan or cream colored sheet to mimic the walls of a tomb and add a mummy, planter or urn, cat and some incense.   Burlap works great for this, too.

String caution tape across openings or plastic sheeting (Command Toggle Hooks, again) and wear disposable coveralls to hand out treats. Feeling really creepy? Fling corn syrup dyed red with food coloring against the sheeting and illuminate with a back light.

It doesn't take much to keep the fright flowing from the outside in.  I tried to stick with ideas in the same vein as my Home Improvement Haunt or Thrifty Thrills decorating tips to keep costs and clutter to a minimum.  

Check out my post about choosing a haunt theme for more ideas.

Grandin Road Mummies and lighting branches
in a darkened room is more than enough intrigue

The blackbirds never come down. All year. Ever.

This mantle can be seen thru the front window. Flicker bulbs in
the sconces catch the eye and add a haunted house flare

18 days till Halloween...