From Eveningsnews.com

Halloween
Tips for a Fun-tastic Halloween
By
Sep 8, 2006, 09:37


(NewsUSA) - The ornaments have been hung, the seasonal table has been set, and the holiday village has been displayed. No, it's not Christmas, but the latest holiday trend: decorating for Halloween.

According to Hallmark research, Halloween now ranks No.2 in holiday home decor, just behind Christmas. To inspire Americans to get into the Halloween spirit, the company is introducing a line of fun Halloween home decor known as the "Hauntington, U.S.A." collection and is sponsoring a nationwide Halloween house-decorating contest.

Planning to turn your home into a fun-filled haunted house? Enter Hallmark's Halloween House of the Year Contest at www.hallmark.com. Submit a photo of your home decorated for Halloween - inside or out - and a 25-word summary describing why your home deserves to be named Hallmark's Halloween House of the Year.

Judges for the contest will include a panel of Halloween experts, including Butch Patrick, who played Eddie Munster on the popular television show, "The Munsters."

One grand-prize winner will receive the entire Hauntington, U.S.A. product line - available at Hallmark Gold Crown stores - and a personal visit from Patrick. Visit the Web site for more information and complete contest rules.

While there check in with Hallmark's Halloween experts -nicknamed the "Bat Pack" - for some creative Halloween advice, inspiration and ideas. Here are some of their suggestions.

* Create a Halloween scene that will appeal to both children and adults.

* Make the entrance to your home a focal point. After all, it is where you'll have the most visitors.

* When you give out candy, be the hit of the neighborhood by keeping the goodies in a whimsical snack jar, such as Hallmark's Spell Book Candy Container, and answering the door dressed in costume.

* Hang your favorite Halloween ornaments on a tree in your yard or on a door wreath.

For more advice, inspiration and ideas, visit www.hallmark.com, where you will find decorating tips to help you create the haunted house of your dreams (or nightmares).

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