When you’re short on time, these quick fixes can salvage any last-minute Halloween emergencies, from torn costumes to needing a party snack.
Costume catastrophes
1. Repair ripped costumes with safety pins.
A snag or tear doesn’t have to ruin the night. Fasten the fabric together from the inside, tucking the pins out of sight. For extra durability, you can use fabric glue for a slightly longer-lasting hold.
2. Adjust ill-fitting outfits with a belt or sash.
If a costume is too loose or baggy, cinch the waist with a simple belt or sash. For overly long costumes, create a temporary hem by folding the fabric and securing it with safety pins.
3. Use makeup instead of a mask.
A difficult or uncomfortable mask can be replaced with a last-minute makeup design. Try a simple white or green zombie face, a pumpkin face with orange and black paint, or add a spiderwetb to your eye makeup.
4. Create a clever, simple costume.
Don’t have a costume? Use everyday clothes for a quick and clever solution.
- John Wick: A simple black suit is all you need.
- “Cereal Killer”: Tape cereal boxes to a shirt and carry a plastic knife.
- Rosie the Riveter: Wear a denim or blue collared shirt and tie a red bandana around your head.
Decorating dilemmas
5. Use battery-powered tea lights for safety.
Instead of candles, use battery-operated tea lights inside jack-o’-lanterns and other decorations to avoid fire hazards. This is much safer, especially around kids and pets, and the “flame” will last all night.
6. Hang floating witch hats.
For a high-impact, low-effort decoration, use fishing line to hang black witch hats from the ceiling. A piece of tape or a small tack can be used to secure the line.
7. Stick paper bats or spiders everywhere.
Cut bat or spider shapes from black paper or cardboard and tape them in swarms across walls, windows, and doorways for an eerie effect.
8. Turn glass jars into lanterns.
Grab some empty glass jars and add painted bugs, tissue paper, or simply wrap them in bandages and add googly eyes to create mummified lanterns. Place battery-operated tea lights inside for a spooky glow.
Food and treat fixes
9. Make mummy hot dogs.
For a last-minute party snack, wrap strips of crescent roll dough around hot dogs to look like mummies. Bake until golden brown and use dots of ketchup or mustard for eyes.
10. Assemble a quick candy bowl ghost.
Tape a large bowl to a stool, drape a white bedsheet over it, and use black felt for eyes and a mouth to create a ghost. Wrap a strand of white lights around the stool for extra effect before filling the bowl with candy.
