Posted by
Elana Safronsky, Managing Editor
Friday, October 29, 2010 11:36 AM EDT
I know the kiddies are excited -- mine is, for sure -- but many a parent is probably at their job right now, agonizing and fending off anxiety over what the H they're going to do in the 11th hour.
Never fear -- you are not alone.
AllYou.com
I am a terminal procrastinator when it comes to these things, and I think I've mentioned before how it befalls my husband to hatch some kind of idea that just materializes one day, while I'm at work. Last year it was a red light bulb in our porch light and black fabric curtains, like the theater of the macabre (not), enclosing our porch. Oh, and two un-carved pumpkins thrown in as an afterthought.
Well it actually looked quite elegant. Many commented, but I just wiped my brow with a sheepish smile, thankful we didn't embarrass our child in front of all the other neighbours.
Here are some last minute ideas -- feel free to rip off mine -- that I'm sure will look better than you think!
Old clothing
Stuff! Throw some slumped-over bodies in patio chairs, some old Halloween masks over their newspaper heads and bob's your uncle.
Bed sheets and Garbage Bags
Easy ghosts! Black plastic garbage bags are great when you shredded at the bottom, flapping in the wind off a tree, or you can use the sheets to cover a pile of leaves in your front yard to stage a murder scene.
Craft paper cut-out eyes
Works in both buildings and houses, banish your drapes to the side or roll up your shades, paste a piece of craft paper over your entire window and cut out big Looney Tunes eyes. Place a light or candle (be safe!) on the windowsill and voila, your window is a pumpkin! If your windows line up, you can cut one eye into each window to make your whole house into a face. The door can turn into a mouth by hanging a black sheet over it.
Check out this article for elaborations, and more ideas!
Good luck my friends, and keep your kiddies safe!