Halloween Mantel

I decorate the mantel for Christmas, but hadn't thought of dressing it up for Halloween. It proved much easier than dressing the kids for Halloween!

We hunted for antlers in the spring- free. I had the crystal branches stored out of boredom with them. One stem stuck in a bud vase makes a perfect spooky tree to go with the house. The gargoyle, skeleton and tombstones were a few of the handful of Halloween decorations I let the kids scatter the last couple of years.
The candy corn garland was Pinterest inspired. We painted 4 paper plates and then cut in half and then thirds. Then I rounded the edges with scissors and punched two holes to string the ribbon. The only thing I had to buy for this project was the black ribbon for 99cents.
I came up with the idea to cut out a haunted house silhouette from a black tri-fold foam core presentation board I had stored for some unknown reason. I freehand cut the silhouette with a box cutter. All it took was patience and a lot of pressure on the blade. The shadows it casts is the best thing about it!
Countdown clock purchased after Halloween a couple of years ago for something like $4. It is so much easier to add holiday accessories after the holiday when you can pick up a few things on clearance.