Jack-O-Lanterns

Grinning carved pumpkins are the quintessential Halloween decoration. For the best impact, cluster several pumpkins together of varying sizes and expressions.

Since carving that many pumpkins may not be feasible, get the plastic pumpkins from Target and using sponges and darker orange, yellow and brown craft paints, sponge the surface to give a mottled, realistic look to the pumpkins. (Use a real pumpkin as a color guide.) Wrap green floral tape around stems and form elongated, whispy strands. Throw in a few real baby pumpkins for good measure.

Use bales of hay, branches, or even bricks vary the heights, and add a few accessories like a rat, snake, insects, or a crow perched on the pumpkin. To set aglow, find a Christmas light set with 8 spaced out light bulbs, and string all the pumpkins together (make holes to accomate light string if necessary). You can also use glow sticks – but never use candles in artificial pumpkins!