Creating a Halloween Graveyard
Scene
Display
Halloween Graveyard Display
Essentials Quick Links:
Tombstones
|
Skulls and Skeletons |
Chains, Wire and Fence Props |
Character Props|
Animal Props
A
graveyard scene is the most
commonly used display for creating
Halloween atmosphere. It's easy to
set up and is very effective. The
possibilities are endless from a
simple scene to an elaborate
display.
Using faux
tombstones of different
shapes and sizes not only makes
the scene more interesting but
makes it more realistic as well.
Today's Halloween decoration manufacturers
have made it easy by creating 3
dimensional tombstone props in a
variety of textures, colors and
sizes. Most have already been
"weathered" with cracks and aging
effects making them appear like
the real thing. The most common
are constructed of foam or
plastic. They are lightweight and
will need to be secured with
stakes that are usually included.
You can further age your
tombstones by draping Halloween spider webs, or
Spanish Moss
over
and around them.
 |
Dead
flowers, real or simulated,
are a nice touch and bring a
little "softness" to your
graveyard scene. These can be
laid on top of graves or
placed in vases and urns
around your tombstones.
You can create the illusion of "fresh
graves" by placing soil in
front of your tombstone and
shaping it into a mound.
Take
your Halloween graveyard scene to the
next level by adding zombies,
and
Life-sized characters to
bring the display to life. Use feathered
birds and perch them
atop tombstones. Sit a black
cat with glowing green eyes in
your graveyard. Hang
bats, and ghostly
characters in flowing gowns
from trees, porches and
rooftops. More is better
here! |
Place skeleton hands upright in front of your graves, or use latex
creatures
complete with "dirt"
to create the idea of the
undead returning from their
grave. |
 To
show off your hard work, add
some
black lights
and low
light spot lights on some or
all of your tombstones so they
won't get "lost" in the dark.
Battery operated versions are
the best for this. No messy
extension cords.
To
maximize the impact of your
Halloween graveyard display, use
fog effects.
Nothing is more creepy than
some low lying fog in a
graveyard, just like you see
in the movies. Fog looks great
on the porch to! Blast a few
puffs right before the
trick-or-treaters walk to the
door.
Finally, play a
Halloween music CD or Spooky Sounds
track. Hide your portable CD
player in a bush, behind a
tombstone in the graveyard, or
in an open window where it can
be heard near your display.
This mix of visual and audio
effects will create the spooky
atmosphere you desire.
Although well received by
most, this can be disturbing
for the little ones. Be
prepared to deliver some of
your Halloween treats by the
curb! |
Tips for a
Great Halloween Party |