~Halloween used to be about pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns. Now it’s on the level of Christmas trimmings – extravagant and sometimes over the top. Not everyone has the inclination or budget to go all out for what used to be just a kid’s holiday, but below are a few basic, inexpensive, family-friendly yet frightening ideas to give your home a haunted look.

It’s all about black – This works best indoors. Black candles, black vases, black flowers.

Bump up the candle display – Votives are fine, but candelabras are better.

Bones – Dollar stores offer a plethora of inexpensive décor and bones are among the many that drive the spook factor home. Prop them on steps, porch swings and throughout the yard.

Dead Flowers – Long-stem varietals or thin branches create more drama. Pull a few stems and paint them black for extra eeriness.

Tombstones – These can be found for cheap or made from cardboard at home.

Spider Webs – You’ll probably need several bags to create the desired effect, but these are a dollar store staple.

Ghosts – These undoubtedly do the trick. Drape and rubber band a white curtain or sheet around a small ball then hang from porches, trees, or in front of windows.