Halloween Scene Ideas

Graveyard

A graveyard is one of the common neighborhood Halloween scenes. The best way to make yours standout is to pay attention to the details. Make realistic tombstones from wood or Styrofoam. Broken or worn corners, cracks and other flaws add some realism. Align the tombstones at slightly odd angles to convey a sense of disrepair. Position tombstones in realistic positions, allowing enough space between grave sites. Place some dead flowers around on a few of the "graves." Lay a blue tarp over the ground and cover it with dirt to symbolize a new grave.

Start with any type of table for a mad scientist's lab; either a silver metal approach (spray paint) or an old wooden one (shelf liner) can be applied. For a one table scene, choose a human experimentation or equipment table. Attach restraints made from old belts or metal clamps from the hardware store for a specimen table. Old electronic equipment with the cover removed and beakers of colored liquid can decorate an equipment table. Paint and add LED lights to electronics. Try coloring water in one color and oil in another and mixing them in a beaker. Use both types of tables if possible.

Depending on space considerations, an alien space craft can be created. To build a saucer, create a framework from wood or wire, and cover it with silver insulated blankets. Use colored lights to illuminate and, if there's a door opening, bathe it in light. A fog machine can be used to add some atmosphere to the scene. With spacecraft visible or assumed off-scene, bathe the whole area in bright colored lights. Populate with characters in silver space suits; masks can be worn, or you can use makeup. Be sure to arm "aliens" with weapons by gluing some glow sticks to painted toy guns.

To create a vampire's castle scene, a coffin is a necessity. Construct one from some wood using a simple box design. Plain wood works as a surface, but it could also be painted. If desired, line the box with velvet or other rich looking cloth. Dark is key for the castle itself. Since modern walls don't resemble castle walls, paint (or glue artificial bricks) on wood, and use the panels to cover the walls. Candlesticks -- flameless candles are safest -- and antiques can complete the look.

Remember that details sell any type of scene. Get as many details right and in place for whatever scene you are creating. Also, make sure items that are out of place for the scenario are removed or hidden. Control the scene by providing a specific path of travel. Use lights or even fencing to keep visitors where you want them, which can also hide things that will detract from the illusion. Use odd colored light bulbs, ultraviolet lights, glow sticks and LED lights to create a strange atmosphere. Always make sure paths are well lit and clear of obstructions to allow safe travel.