DIY Halloween Bat Branch Centerpiece

Halloween is one of the best times of year to get creative with your decor. The best part? It doesn’t have to cost a fortune! In fact, this DIY Bat Branch Centerpiece is almost free! You can make a spooky yet stylish Halloween centerpiece using items you likely already have at home: like a container, branches, and ribbon. All you need to complete the look are some inexpensive PVC bats, and you’re set. If you don’t have access to natural branches, I’ve linked some faux willow branches in the supplies section at the end of this post. Let’s dive into how you can create this simple but eye-catching Halloween decoration that will instantly elevate your spooky setup!

Gather Bat Branch Centerpiece Supplies

Before you begin, gather the following items:

• A large container or vase
• Branches (from your yard)
• Faux Branches (If you don’t have access to real ones)
• PVC bats
• Ribbon (optional for an added decorative touch)

Other Items Used in the Centerpiece

• Wooden Bat Decor
• Plaid Pumpkin
• Pumpkin Bat Stakes
• Crows
• Crow runner

If you have a yard with plenty of trees, you can easily collect some fallen branches for free! If not, consider walking around your neighborhood to scavenge a few good ones. And if you prefer to go faux, I’ve linked some realistic-looking faux willow branches that work perfectly for this project.

The PVC bats I used come in a package of 200, with three different sizes. These bats are ideal for decorating because they add a dynamic, layered look to your centerpiece, and they come with small adhesive strips that make attaching them to the branches (and walls!) a breeze. I had plenty left over, so I used them in other areas of my Halloween decor as well.

Secure the Branches in the Container

To ensure your branches stay in place and your centerpiece looks polished, start by cutting a piece of floral foam to fit snugly in the bottom of your container. The foam will act as a sturdy base for your branches. Once the foam is in place, insert the branches firmly into it, spacing them out to create a balanced arrangement. To give extra support, pack some plastic bags or crumpled paper around the branches inside the container. This will help hold the branches upright and prevent them from shifting. Finally, cover the plastic bags with decorative rocks, moss, or even faux spiderwebs to hide the base and add a finished, spooky touch.

Prepare Your Branches

Once you have your branches, start by giving them a quick wipe-down to remove any dirt or debris. The natural texture of the branches adds a rustic, eerie charm. But if you prefer a cleaner look, the faux willow branches work just as well and require no preparation.

Next, arrange the branches inside your container or vase. You want to aim for height and volume here, so don’t be shy about using plenty of branches to create a full, dramatic look. If your branches are too long for your container, you can always trim them down to size. Position the branches so they fan out in different directions, This gives your bats plenty of space to “fly” once you add them.

Attach the PVC Bats

Now comes the fun part—adding the bats! Start by attaching the larger bats to the lower parts of the branches. This will create a more realistic effect, as it mimics how bats might look in real life, hanging lower and appearing larger as they get closer. The smaller bats can be placed near the top of the branches to give the illusion that they are flying upwards.

The PVC bats come with small adhesive strips, making them super easy to attach. Simply peel off the backing and stick them onto the branches. The adhesive is gentle enough that you can reposition the bats if needed without damaging the branches or the bats themselves. You can add as many or as few bats as you like, depending on how spooky you want your centerpiece to look. For a more minimalistic vibe, stick to a handful of bats, or go all out and cover the branches entirely for a dramatic Halloween statement piece.

Add Ribbon for Extra Flair (Optional)

If you want to take your bat branch centerpiece to the next level, consider adding some decorative ribbon to the base of your arrangement. You can choose ribbon in Halloween colors like black, orange, or even metallics like silver or gold for a little extra shimmer. Tie the ribbon around the vase or container, making sure it complements the rest of your Halloween decor. This simple touch can make the arrangement feel more polished and festive.

Extra Bat Decor Ideas

Once you’re happy with your bat branch centerpiece, you might find that you still have some leftover bats. These versatile PVC bats can be used in a variety of ways to extend your Halloween decor theme throughout your space. I decided to add some to a mirror at the end of the room for a cohesive look. You can also attach bats to your walls, picture frames, or even your ceiling to create the illusion of bats flying through your home.

If you have extra bats to spare, don’t stop there! I added some to our mantel and even our front porch door for a seamless Halloween theme that ties the entire home together. The adhesive strips make it easy to attach the bats to different surfaces, so feel free to get creative with where you place them.

Enjoy Your Spooky Creation!

That’s it! Your DIY Bat Branch Centerpiece is now ready to be the focal point of your Halloween decor. This project is not only inexpensive but also incredibly versatile. Whether you use real branches from your yard or opt for faux ones, the result is a spooky yet chic arrangement that will make your home Halloween-ready in no time.

I hope you have fun creating your own bat branch centerpiece! Check out the links to all the supplies at the end of this post to get started on your own.

More DIY Halloween Ideas

Looking for more ways to decorate for Halloween? Here are some additional DIY projects to try:

Bat Mantel Ideas

Create a spooky yet stylish mantel display with DIY bats. Whether you’re using the same PVC bats or making your own from paper, a bat-themed mantel is a quick and easy way to add Halloween charm to any room.

DIY Pottery Barn-Inspired Bats

With a pack of Dollar Tree bats and a few creative touches, you can make your own Pottery Barn-inspired bats for a fraction of the cost. Learn how to achieve this high-end Halloween look on a budget.

DIY Disco Ball Cauldron

Turn a classic cauldron into a statement piece by adding disco balls for a fun, modern twist. This project is perfect for those who love blending spooky with glam.

18 DIY Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

From painted pumpkins to decoupaged designs, there are endless ways to customize your pumpkins this season. Whether you’re aiming for chic or creepy, these pumpkin decorating ideas will give you plenty of inspiration.

Get ready to spookify your home with these creative and affordable ideas!

xoxo

The post DIY Halloween Bat Branch Centerpiece appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Hosting the Ultimate Autumn Parties

As the crisp breeze rustles through the colorful leaves and the scent of pumpkin spice fills the air, it’s evident that Autumn has arrived. And what better way to celebrate the season of changing colors than by throwing some unforgettable Autumn parties? From spooky Halloween gatherings to football-filled afternoons and heartwarming Thanksgiving feasts, here’s a guide to hosting the ultimate autumn soirees.

1. Haunted Halloween Bash:

Halloween is the perfect excuse to indulge in some spooky fun and creative festivities. Transform your space into a haunted haven with eerie decorations and dim lighting. One DIY project that’s sure to impress is the Halloween Spooky Cloche. I recently crafted one for our own Halloween party, and the result was spine-chillingly fantastic! You can find the step-by-step guide and materials needed here.

For those looking to spookify their menu, check out these Halloween food ideas that will both delight and fright. From mummy-wrapped hot dogs to witch’s brew punch, these recipes are bound to add a ghoulish touch to your gathering. Click here for a culinary adventure that will have your guests screaming for more.

2. Football Fever Fiesta:

Fall also brings the excitement of football season, and what better way to celebrate than with a football-themed party? Whether you’re an avid fan or just enjoy the camaraderie, a football fiesta is a touchdown for everyone. You can find out how to throw an epic football party here!

Set the stage with team colors, jerseys, and football-themed decorations. Consider organizing a friendly game of touch football for your guests or set up a cozy viewing area for those who prefer to cheer from the sidelines. Print off these Game Day Printables!

Don’t forget the game-day snacks! From nachos to sliders, whip up a feast that will have your guests doing a victory dance. Check out some delicious football party recipes here.

3. Thanksgiving Table Elegance:

As November approaches, thoughts turn to gratitude and Thanksgiving. Hosting a Thanksgiving party is an opportunity to bring loved ones together and create lasting memories. Start by setting a stunning Thanksgiving table that captures the warmth and spirit of the season. Here’s a complete guide to Throwing the Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner.

Consider a rustic and elegant table setting with autumn-inspired centerpieces, candlelight, and earthy tones. I’ve put together a Thanksgiving table post that provides inspiration and tips for creating a table that will leave your guests in awe. Make a Pumpkin Filled Flower Centerpiece.

Of course, no Thanksgiving celebration is complete without a feast to remember. From classic roast turkey to inventive side dishes, my Thanksgiving recipes post has everything you need to create a mouthwatering spread. Explore the recipes here and get ready to impress your guests with culinary delights.

In Conclusion:

Fall is a season of abundance, and there’s no shortage of reasons to gather your friends and family for a good time. Whether you’re channeling your inner ghost for Halloween, cheering on your favorite football team, or giving thanks around a beautifully set Thanksgiving table, these fall party ideas are sure to make your gatherings memorable.

And be sure to scroll down to see the ideas my friends are sharing this week!

Welcome Home Saturday

The Tattered Pew / A Simple and Organic Easy to Make Fall Centerpiece

tatertots & jello / Hygge Holiday Cards and Simmer Pot Potpourri Tags

White Arrows Home / Thrifted Finds In Fall Decor

I hope these suggestions and links help you create unforgettable moments this fall. Happy hosting!

Have a Beautiful Day!

xoxo

The post Hosting the Ultimate Autumn Parties appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

DIY Spooky Upscale Cloche Centerpiece: A Terrifyingly Elegant Halloween Project

Halloween is just around the corner, and this year, I wanted to elevate my spooky decor game without breaking the bank. Inspired by the upscale and eerie cloches from the Terrain’s Halloween section. Their Glowing Halloween Cloches were $88 each which was out of my budget, so I decided to make my own for under $20! Not only did I manage to recreate the spooky ambiance, but I did it on a budget with a touch of personal flair. Join me as I share the step-by-step tutorial for creating your own eerie masterpiece.

DIY Spooky Upscale Cloche Centerpiece: A Terrifyingly Elegant Halloween Project

Supplies:

• Two round globe vases of different sizes with the same shape
• Two round wooden discs (a few inches larger than vase openings)
• Black spray paint
• Hot glue gun
• Two floral foam pieces
• Moss
• Twigs from the yard
• Faux butterflies
• Black dried flowers
• Feathers
• Twinkle lights with remotes
• Lids to cover twinkle light batteries

Directions:

1. Prepare the Bases:
   • Spray paint the wooden bases and lids black. This sets the eerie backdrop for your centerpiece.
2. Create a Stable Foundation:
   • Use a hot glue gun to attach floral foam to the center of each wooden disc. This will provide a stable base for your arrangement.
3. Add Moss and Texture:
   • Attach moss to each floral foam piece using hot glue. This creates a realistic, earthy texture.
4. Build the Spooky Atmosphere:
   • Insert dried black flowers into the foam and use hot glue to attach feathers. Add twigs to create height, ensuring they match the expected height of the vase when placed on the disc.
5. Incorporate Ethereal Elements:
   • Integrate faux butterflies within the arrangement. Their delicate presence adds an otherworldly touch.
6. Illuminate the Spookiness:
   • Wrap the twinkle lights around the arrangement, allowing them to hover above the twigs. The twigs act as natural supports, making the lights appear as if they’re floating within the arrangement.
7. Assemble the Cloche:
   • Once satisfied with the arrangement, place the vase on top of the wooden disc. Ensure that all elements are tucked neatly inside.
8. Conceal the Battery:
   • Cover the twinkle light battery with the lid, making sure it’s completely concealed. Gently place the wooden disc on top of the lid, creating an elevated effect for the entire arrangement.

Spooky Centerpiece

The end result is a stunning centerpiece that perfectly blends spooky and elegant elements. I used this masterpiece as the focal point for our Halloween party, gracing the center of our charcuterie table.

Pro Tips:

• Lighting Control:
  • Take advantage of the twinkle lights’ remote control and timer function to customize the ambiance. Set the timer for the desired duration, and let the lights work their magic without worrying about draining the battery.
• Personalize Your Cloche:
  • Feel free to add your own creative touches. Whether it’s specific colors, additional embellishments, or unique textures, let your personality shine through in your spooky masterpiece.

Make a Spooky Cloche Centerpiece

Creating an upscale, spooky cloche doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. By embracing a bit of DIY spirit and utilizing affordable materials, you can craft a centerpiece that will be the talk of the Halloween party. Don’t forget to share your creations on Instagram—tag me at @tatertotsandjello. I can’t wait to see your spooky cloches and share the Halloween joy!

As Halloween approaches, unleash your creativity and transform your space with a touch of spooky elegance. This DIY project is not only budget-friendly but also allows you to infuse your personal style into the Halloween festivities. Happy crafting, and may your Halloween be hauntingly beautiful!

xoxo

The post DIY Spooky Upscale Cloche Centerpiece: A Terrifyingly Elegant Halloween Project appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Welcome Home Saturday – October Favorites!

Happy weekend, friends! How was your week? The weather has started to cool down here and it finally feels like fall! I haven’t updated on our bathroom lately, but we are so close to being done! The glass for our shower surround is ordered and I am waiting on lights for the sconces by our mirror and the overhead light fixture. But my daughter is using it and I’m super happy!

1905 Duplex Project

I shared last Sunday on my Instagram stories about an exciting project that I have been working on for the past couple of months! We are in the middle of the demo but I love how it is coming along. My friend Frank from @franksmithrenovations is working on it with me and he has created some beautiful doors for the bedroom which we will install this coming week. We also have demo’d out the kitchen and now we are rebuilding the main cabinets. You can check out my stories of this project in my “1905 Duplex” highlight in my Instagram profile. I will put all future updates there too so you can see them whenever you want!

New Projects

Tatertots and Jello Halloween Ghost Porch

This week I shared our 1891 Avenues Ghost Halloween Porch! In the post I shared how to make the tomato cage ghosts, ghost luminaries and painted ghost doormat.

Ghost Chocolate Strawberries

I also shared these adorable ghost chocolate strawberries which are so fun to make with your kids! Check out my Instagram post for the how-to video!

Spider Cupcakes

I also shared the yummies spider cupcakes. They are semi-homemade which makes them super easy to make! It’s also a fun one to make with the kids or for any Halloween parties!

More Fall Recipes

Here are a few fall and Halloween recipes you can make this time of year!

11 Fall Cupcake Ideas

11 fall cupcake ideas. Celebrate fall with these adorable fall cupcakes!

20 Pumpkin Projects

20 Pumpkin Projects. Make pumpkin recipes and pumpkin crafts for fall fun!

20 fall apple recipes to make this fall!

Apple recipes are the perfect fall dessert. Here are some amazing apple recipes and apple DIY ideas!

Welcome Rachel from Rachel from The Pond’s Farmhouse

This week I am thrilled to feature Rachel from The Pond’s Farmhouse. Rachel has a gorgeous bright home and she shares amazing ideas and how to use thrifted items in the most beautiful way!

One of my favorite DIY projects that Rachel has shared recently is this gorgeous DIY Copper Pot Rack. I think it’s brilliant and I love seeing all of her copper pots displayed in her kitchen!

One of my favorite series that Rachel shares on her site are her Dirt Road Adventures. I love seeing where she goes and what she does on her adventures! You will love following along with Rachel on Instagram at @thepondsfarmhouse!

Welcome Home Saturday

White Arrows Home / Fall Decor Must Have/ Vintage Camp Blankets

She Gave it a Go / 10 Best Halloween Front Porch Decorating Ideas

tatertots & jello / Easy Halloween Ghost Porch

The Tattered Pew / Mismatched Fall Tablescape Ideas

The Ponds Farmhouse / DIY Ideas for Napkin Rings Pottery Barn Style

What are YOU loving this week?

Share it with us in the comments!

xoxo

The post Welcome Home Saturday – October Favorites! appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Easy Halloween Crow Tablescape

I love decorating for Halloween! One of my favorite areas to decorate is our dining nook. We eat most of our meals here and I thought it would be fun to create a spooky tablescape to celebrate the season. This idea is so easy and fast!

Three Easy Steps to Create a Crow-Themed Tablescape

It only takes a few minutes and three easy steps to create this tablescape!

Halloween Crow Tablescape: Lay Down a Crow Runner

I love runners for my tables. I feel like runners are neater looking than tablecloths plus they don’t get spilled on the way that tablecloths do so you don’t need to change them out as often. This whole tablescape was designed around this inexpensive crow-themed runner! Isn’t it so great??

Halloween Crow Tablescape: Add Pumpkins and Candles

Once the runner is down, now add whatever pumpkins and candles that you want. I elevated a vase filled with dark florals as the center of the tablescape and then layered faux and real pumpkins around the vase and then filled it in with candles!

Halloween Crow Tablescape: Add Crows

I ordered a few different sizes of crows online. I have the links to everything at the bottom of the post under “sources”. The crows have wires at their feet that make it easy to wrap the wire around pumpkin stems or almost anything. I put crows on top of pumpkins and I attached a big one to the side of the vase. You want the crows to be staggered at different heights and facing different directions to make the tablescape more realistic. I also added a couple of these wood crow signs that I found at Dollar Tree too!

Enjoy Your Crow Table

Now I am ready for festive dinners! I also love walking past the table and the rest of the Halloween decor throughout the house! I am going to do a LIVE home tour on my Facebook Creative Group tomorrow if you want to tune in!

Kim from Today’s Creative Blog and I started this “girlfriends” creative group to interact one-on-one with people and share exclusive creative crafts, DIYs and recipes. I’d love to have you check it out. It’s going to be SO fun!! We are also giving away a Cricut and Xyron machine this month. Come over and enter to win!!

More Halloween Ideas

Here are a few other Halloween ideas that I have created!

Easy Stacked Pumpkin Topiary

This is ome of my most popular Halloween DIY ideas. I’ve been using this for 6 years and every year people love it! This year I gave it a new coat of paint so now my pumpkins are white and COPPER – you can check it out on my Great Pumpkin Porch this year!

DIY Halloween Party Bags

Throw an Easy Halloween Monster Party

What Projects are YOU Working on?

Let me know in the comments!

xoxo

The post Easy Halloween Crow Tablescape appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

I love cute party food. And Halloween is the perfect time to whip up something adorable and tasty for a Halloween party or to take to your neighbors!

I was driving by Dunkin’ Donuts the other day and saw their cute spider donuts. It inspired me to make something similar at home.

I made TWO different sized spiders. One with regular-sized donuts and one with mini donuts. The regular donut spiders have ahead made out of a donut hole and dipped in chocolate. The mini donuts have a spider head made out of a Lindt truffle – YUM!

This is a fun food craft to make with your kids! There is no baking since you use already-made donuts. In minutes you can have some adorable party food.

Deliver some to your neighbors.

Add some little Halloween tags and take one to each of your friends and neighbors.

How to make Spider Donut Halloween Party Treats:

Supplies:

Donuts

Donut holes (or truffles if you are using mini donuts)

White frosting + food coloring

Orange mini M&M’s for eyes

Brown frosting

Directions:

Frost donuts

Add food coloring to frosting and frost donuts. Let frosting set.

Dip donut holes in chocolate

Dip donut holes in chocolate and let cool.

Frost spider legs

Take chocolate frosting and add legs on top of the orange frosting.

Attach heads to donuts

Put the donut holes or Lindt chocolate balls on top of the frosted donuts.

Add eyes

Put a dab of brown frosting on the back of each orange mini M&M and put it on the donut holes or Lindt chocolate balls.

Enjoy your Spider Donut Halloween Treats!

Here are some other fun Halloween Party Food to make:

Witches Cauldron Cake Recipe

Butterfinger Skeleton Cookies 

17 Halloween Party Ideas 

Have a SPOOKY Day! 

xoxo

The post How to Make Spider Donut Halloween Party Treats! appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Hello everybody! Marcia here today. I am so excited to be back guest designing for Jen!

DIY Halloween Pumpkin Paper Party Bags

I love throwing Halloween parties. And it’s fun to decorate the house and invite people over whether its a pumpkin carving party or a Halloween costume party. Have fun creating some party favors to help set the mood. Here is what I came up with using the Pebbles This is Family collection that Jen designed …

Use an SVG Cut File to Create the Bags

Although this collection is not Halloween based, the colors of the pattern papers have a Fall air about them! The kids will get a kick out of these pumpkin treat bags. I used a svg cut file from SVGcuts called Barn Party.

Clear Acetate Sheets Show the Treats

Clear Acetate Sheets Show the Treats. Fill the treat bags with candy or even popcorn. A clear acetate sheet let’s you see just what treats are inside.

Easy Halloween Party Ideas

Here are a few other easy ways to throw a Halloween party! Gather your friends or family together and make memories!

Candy Corn Mason Jars

Then I spray painted the outside of some pint sized mason jars to look like candy corn. A trick here to prevent overspray is to wrap some scrap paper around the jar and affix with a rubber binder. I spray painted my jars with the opening face down to prevent getting any paint inside the jar.

Create a Faces for the Mason Jars

After the paint was dry, I cut faces from black vinyl to adhere to the jars.

Box Cards Make Cute Halloween Decor

Box cards make great table decor on your buffet table. This Jack-In-The-Box black cat isn’t too scary. I happen to have a couple of black cats that I took in as strays so it was hard to resist making this box card. The svg cut file is also from SVGcuts and is called Halloween Box Cards. Also, the card folds flat in case you wanted to mail it.

I hope this gives you some ideas if you are planning on throwing a Halloween party.

This Is Family is NOW at JoAnn Fabric Stores!  

Halloween Party Bag SUPPLIES:

• Pattern Papers – Pebbles This Is Family collection
• 734162 This is Family Patterned Paper Fresh Picked
• 734164 This is Family Patterned Paper Bike Ride
• 734167 This is Family Patterned Paper Picnic
• 734168 This is Family Patterned Paper We Are Family
• 734170 This is Family Patterned Paper Fall Time
• 734175 This is Family Patterned Paper Growing Together
• 734181 This is Family Patterned Paper Chit Chat
• 734183 This is Family Patterned Paper Tag You’re It
• 734196 This is Family 6×8 Paper Pad with Copper Foil Accents
• American Crafts Cardstock

Thanks Marcia! Your bags are adorable and I LOVE all of the Halloween party ideas! Be sure to follow along with Marcia!

Scrapping with Marcia on Facebook

Marcia Dehnnix on Instagram

You can get my new This Is Family line at JoAnn Stores now!!

More Awesome Halloween Party Ideas

17 Delightful Halloween Party Ideas

19 Spooky Halloween Party Ideas

Have a Spooky Day!

xoxo

The post DIY Halloween Pumpkin Paper Party Bags appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Halloween Candy Station Game with Free Printable Labels

I am always looking for something new to create for Halloween. We love Halloween parties and games, so when I saw this spinning game board I knew it would be fun for a Halloween party.

This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links allow tatertots and jello to bring you free daily content and ideas.

Neighborhood Trick-or-Treat Candy Station

We recently moved into a new neighborhood and haven’t met much of the neighbors yet. So I thought having an interactive trick-or-treat candy station might be a fun way to interact with the families around us!

Halloween Wheel Game

I spotted this Halloween Wheel Game at Oriental Trading. It was perfect for my interactive candy game idea. I ordered it and it requires no set up. There are just two feet with slots and you set the game into notches in the feet and it stands up by itself.

Order Candy

I love ordering candy that other houses might not hand out. I have discovered that Oriental Trading Company has an amazing assortment of unique candy. They have realistic worms, eyeballs and other candy like that. I decided I wanted to order candy in an orange, white and black color scheme.

Find Containers

You can find clear containers at almost any store. The canisters with lids are ones that come in a set of three and are also from Oriental Trading Company.

Print off Candy Station Labels

I created some simple labels that coordinate with the spinning wheel game. There are 12 slots on the game that trick-or-treaters can land on, so I create 12 labels for the candy jars.

Candy Game Station Labels

Include Non-Candy Prizes

Some kids have allergies and can’t eat some types of candy, or they don’t want sweets. I ordered some mini bubble containers that kids can grab. It’s nice to have something for everyone at the station.

Set Up the Candy Game Station

I laid a plastic table cloth over a bench in our entryway for the game, but you can set it up outside or inside your home. You just need a table or bench to put the game and candy on that’s sturdy. Enjoy the fun!!

More Halloween Ideas

Skeleton Party Game

Kids will love tracing themselves on paper and then adding bones to their outline for Halloween.

Pin the Face on the Pumpkin Party Game

Kids can decorate a pumpkin with features while blindfolded and see how they did!

Pumpkin Carving Party Invitations

Start a new pumpkin carving tradition. Invite friends over for carving and food. Free invitations you can use!

Have a Spooky Day!

xoxo

The post Halloween Trick-Or-Treat Candy Station Game with Free Printable Labels appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Western Boxtume Costume DIY Inspired by a Popular Song . Turn a catchy western song into an easy Halloween costume with Amazon Prime smile boxes and some creativity!

Western Boxtume Costume DIY Inspired by a Popular Song

Who’s excited for Halloween? I love Halloween and I love a fast and easy costume idea. I made a unicorn “boxtume” a couple of years ago out of an Amazon Prime smile box and I thought it would be fun to create another easy boxtume costume idea.

My kids are obsessed with the country song at the top of the charts this year. It’s so catchy and the music video is so fun to watch!! We thought it would be fun to create our boxtume based on this popular song!

Make a Horse Costume Out of Two Boxes

We created the horse for this boxtume costume out of two Amazon Prime smile Boxes. In literally minutes, we had a cute horse!

Get Creative with Fabric Paint

We used fabric paint to create the horses and other items on the jacket for this costume. The western outfit that the star of the music video wears features hand-painted designs. Your kids will love painting on the jacket. You can get as detailed as you want, including personalizing your costume to YOUR name. It’s fun!

Supplies Needed to Make a Western Halloween Boxtume Costume

Make a Horse Costume Out of Two Boxes:

2 Amazon Prime Smile Boxes (one medium, one small – the exact size depends on the size of the child wearing the costume)

Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks

1 short dowel

Raffia

Black Sharpie Marker

3 Yards of Brown Ribbon

How to Make a Western Costume:

1 Black Shirt or Jacket

1 Black Cowboy Hat

White fringe

Fabric Paints (you can buy bright fabric paints in a set)

Black pants and Shoes

Western Boxtume Costume DIY

How to Create a Horse Out of Two Amazon Prime Smile Boxes

• Cut both boxes at one of the seams and flip it inside out, then reglue it together.

• Put the small box together, gluing the flaps closed.

• Cut the bottom flaps off completely.

• Fold the top flaps and cut each flap to 3-inches. Then fold the flaps together and hot glue at the edges, creating a hole in the center of the box.

• Cut an X in the middle of the front flap. This is where the dowel will be inserted that holds the head onto the horses body.

• Insert the dowel 2 inches into the hole and hot glue the dowel in place from both sides. First hot glue the dowel from the top and let cool. Then flip the box over and hot glue the dowel from underneath and let cool.

• Cut FOUR 2-inch by 6-inch pieces of cardboard. Bend each cardboard strip at the top. Then hot glue the pieces of cardboard to the base of the dowel to reinforce it.

• Flip the box over and repeat the step above, creating FOUR cardboard strips. Use these to reinforce the bottom of the dowel. Hold the strips tightly against the dowel until they cool completely.

• Make 2 cuts in the center of the small box, along the seam where the flaps meet. This is where the other end of the dowel will be inserted to attach the head to the body.

• Insert the other end of the dowel into the opening between the flaps in the center of the smaller box. Hot glue the dowel into place and let the glue cool.

• Cut FOUR 2-inch x 6 inch pieces of cardboard.the same as you did for the body. Repeat this step by using the strips to reinforce the dowel that holds the horses head. Press each strip against the dowel firmly until each one is cool.

• Make ears. Cut two triangles out of the left over cardboard flaps. Each ear should have a 90-degree right angle. The ears are approximately 6-inches by 4-inches.

• Glue the ears onto the back of the horses head. Line up the 90-degree angle on the ears with the straight line at the back of the box.

• Spray paint the horse.

• Hot glue the raffia to the head and tail.

• Hot glue the two ribbon straps to the top four corners of the box.

• Draw two eyes, each right in front of the horses ears.

How to Make an Western Cowboy Costume

• Paint the Jacket, using paint pens. Let dry.

I also made a video showing how to make this costume —

How to Paint a Western Jacket Like the One in the Video

The key to this costume is the western outfit. Naturally, we were inspired by the western video this boxtume was inspired by. But you can do whatever you want and have your kids make their own costume. On the jacket from the music video, there are a couple recognizable images — two horses, one on each side of the front of the jacket. Then two horseshoes, one on each sleeve. There is also a big horseshoe that is split in half at the top of the jacket.

Personalize the Costume

Have your child paint their name on the back of the jacket. We painted ours similar to the one worn in the video with one letter bigger than the others.

Let the Paint Dry

The paint I used requires 24 hours to dry. Then once it is dry you set the fabric paint by ironing the paint onto the fabric. You can speed the drying time up by putting the jacket outside if it is hot in the sun. I did this and my jacket dried within 6 hours.

Enjoy Your Western Boxtume Costume!

We are ready for Halloween parties with our costume. Just for good measure, we thought it would be fun to bring along a portable speaker and play the song while we go trick-or-treating!

Another Boxtume Costume Idea

Be sure to check out the Unicorn Boxtume we made too! It’s a great way to use your Amazon Prime smile boxes and get creative!

Unicorn Boxtume Costume DIY

xoxo

This post is sponsored by Amazon Prime. Thanks for inspiring us to turn our Amazon Prime smile Boxes into cute costumes!

The post Western Boxtume Costume DIY Inspired by a Popular Song appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Monster Party Bubbling Witch Candy Cake Party Ideas

I’ve always loved Halloween. My mom loves to remind me that when I was small I dressed up all year long because I wanted it to be Halloween EVERY day. I still get SO excited this time of the year. I love thinking of new ways to decorate and new Halloween foods to make. Halloween parties are my favorite! So when I was asked by A&W and 7UP to make a Halloween party with recipes using their products, I was thrilled! I love A&W and 7UP AND I love a challenge! Monster Party Bubbling Witch Candy Cake

The challenge was to use A&W Root Beer and 7UP to create two Halloween-themed recipes!

A&W and 7UP has the most adorable Mini Monster cans coming out this fall! They are SO festive for Halloween; I thought it would be so awesome to create a Monster Party using these cans as inspiration for the party and incorporate a Witches Cauldron Cake to the Craveyard theme!

 You can pick up YOUR Mini Monster Cans and 2 liters at Walmart stores on 9/15 through 10/31! Mini Monster cans are PERFECT for every Halloween party. Be sure to check them out on Snapchat too – they have a special Snapchat Code that will unlock a special Snapchat filter for 1 hour. There is a ghost icon on the cans and if you hold your phone (with Snapchat open) over the ghost icon and press the ghost icon on your screen (this does not require a video or picture taken) – this process unlocks the Snapchat geo filter!

My kids are SO excited about this!! 

Here is how we made this fun and festive Halloween Monster-themed party! 

We added googly eyes to donuts.

And we made little monster favors by gluing eyes onto little colored cans which we used as party favors.

We filled the Monster Favors with candy for our guests!

We also dipped rice krispy treats in colored chocolate and added googly eyes. EASY and aren’t they cute?

And a Witches Cauldron Cake – with a special candy surprise inside! The secret ingredient in this cake is A&W Root Beer which gives the cake an EXTRA rich flavor.

When you cut into the cake a COLORFUL candy surprise pours out!

Monster Party Bubbling Witch Candy Cake

The best part about these recipes is they are SO easy – and they are memorable!

This Witches Cauldron Cake will be the highlight of your Halloween party. 

Directions:

We also made a refreshing Lime 7UP Punch!

To make the punch, fill a container with ice, add a 2-liter bottle of 7UP and a 2-liter bottle of lemonade, a little blue food coloring and some lime wedges. YUM!

We embellished the cups with googly eyes. And we added different size googly eyes to paper fans for the backdrop. SO easy!

Check out TheCraveyard.com for more Halloween recipe inspiration!! I can’t wait to see all of the recipes and inspiration!

Monster Party Bubbling Witch Candy Cake
I’ve been shopping at Walmart for years – they have amazing prices. They have everything for YOUR Halloween needs. I got all of the ingredients for the recipes used in our Monster Party there.

We had such a fun Monster Halloween Party! 

We hope you enjoyed these easy ways to throw an AWESOME Halloween Party! And be sure to pick the adorable Mini Monster cans in Walmart on September 15th. I’ll see you there! 

xoxo

The post Monster Party and Bubbling Witch Candy Cake! appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.