Hard to believe since it's not even September yet, but Halloween is just around the corner. EEK! I can't help feeling excited as I think of all the decorating possibilities: the cute and creepy spiders, tombstones, and pumpkins.
We love all the fabulous Halloween ornaments we're seeing in catalogs right now. But if you're on a tight budget, you can still get some of the same looks without breaking the bank. You just have to be a little more clever and resourceful.
Here are a few ways to get a beautiful Pottery Barn-style Halloween look at dollar store prices.
More from The Stir: How to Decorate Your House for Halloween on the Cheap
Which would you rather do: buy Halloween decorations or make your own?
Image © iStock/azndc and © iStock.com/leekris
Jack O'Lantern String Light
How adorable are these smiling, lit Jack O'Lanterns? (Jack O'Lantern String Light, $39.50 at Pottery Barn)
DIY Jack O'Lantern Party Lights
Use a Sharpie maker to draw those cute little Jack O'Lantern faces on these orange paper lantern lights. (String lights with 10 orange round lanterns, $12.44 at Lights for All Occasions)
Chalkboard Tombstones
This is such a clever idea — you use chalk to write on these tombstones. (Chalkboard Tombstones, $119 at Pottery Barn)
DIY Chalkboard Tombstones
You can make your own using blank tombstone yard stakes and chalkboard spray paint. (Rust-Oleum Black Chalkboard Spray Paint, $4.08 at Lowe's; DIY Tombstone Yard Stake, $7.00 at Oriental Trading.)
Lit Black Spiders
These lit-up spiders would delight trick-or-treaters and creep out every parent on the block while also remaining classy. (Lit Black Spiders, $79 to $149 at Pottery Barn)
DIY Wire Light-Up Spiders
Home Depot's Lighted Swaying Black Spider is just $33. OR! You could string holiday lights around a wire spider pumpkin stand and hang that against the wall with some extra wire. (Wire Spider Pumpkin Stand $8.95 at Craft Outlet; Mini Orange Halloween Lights $1.00 at Dollar Tree)
Outdoor Boo Banner
This Boo! banner would be a cheery way to greet your guests. (Outdoor Boo Banner, $24.50 at Pottery Barn)
DIY Scary Banner
Use this blank burlap banner to create your own Halloween message. Just write directly on with black and orange Sharpies. (Swallow Tail Burlap Banner, $3.99 for 5-pack at BurlapFabric.com)
Faux Crows
These crows are soooo creepy and will add some depth to your decor. Like Edgar Allan Poe? Nevermore, nevermore! (Faux Crows, $24.50 to $34.50 at Pottery Barn)
Artificial Crow
You can get an artificial crow, the same size as Pottery Barn's, for half the price at some craft stores. Go smaller and they get even cheaper. (Decorative Crow, $15 at Save On Crafts)
Harvest Pumpkin Wreath
We love these beautiful autumn wreaths with rich, full colors, but the price is not-so-nice. (Harvest Pumpkin Wreath, $99 at Pottery Barn)
DIY Halloween Wreath
You can get a fall-themed wreath with mini-pumpkins the same size for half as much at Home Depot. Or you could make your own autumn wreath using a twig wreath and foliage from a craft or dollar store. (Twig Wreath, $9 at Michael's)