Halloween Mama Hacks

Everyone's favourite time of year is around the corner, and we know as busy mamas, there are not enough hours in the day to create those lust-worthy Halloween Pinterest scenes, that cost time and money. So, we've rounded up our favourite easy, quick and affordable DIY Halloween creations that will make any table or party set-up look spook-tacular. Involve your toddler in the process and you have an afternoon full of family fun.

Spooky Mason Jars

These spooky halloween mason jars are so fun and easy to create at home, all you need is paint (preferably chalk paint) and mason jars - you could even use old jam jars lying at home. After painting them in your favourite halloween colours - we suggest orange and black for a naughty pumpkin, green and black for Frankenstine and white and black for a spooky ghost - the next step is to add a tea light in the centre, we don't advise using a real one! Keep them around the room, or hang them by tying a thread along the neck of the jar, you can even use them to hold cutlery or straws. 

Halloween Rock Monsters

We love this idea, because all you need to do is head out into the garden or the local park and search for rocks - which is a great activity in itself! Try and find some nice and smooth rocks, and decorate them in all sorts of colours, using markers and sticky eyes. Pro mama tip - always keep sticky eyes in your craft box!

Falling Decorations

This one just requires some paper, scissors, and if you have pom-poms or stick on eyes that a plus (if you don't have stick on eyes, a marker works just fine). Even better, fold your paper so that you can cut multiple shapes nice and quickly.

Chocolate Pretzel Spider Webs

What you need for this DIY treat is pretzel sticks (we got ours from Marks & Spencer), any melting chocolate and wax paper. If you have a piping kit, then pour the chocolate through that, but if not, any spoon works. Form a star out of the pretzel sticks, and pour your melted chocolate over the centre to "glue" it together, then makes your circles forming a web shape. Whilst the chocolate is still wet, throw on some sprinkles or edible eyes, to make them look really appetising! Place in the fridge or freezer for a good amount of time, so that they can properly set, and then peel off VERY carefully. 

Healthy Graveyard Dirt Cups

For this treat you'll need: avocado chocolate mousse (which we'll tell you how to make), Oreo Cookies, candy pumpkins, edible candy eyes, clear 8 oz. cups or small desert jars and an icing pen.

To make the avocado chocolate mousse you will need:

• 2 ripe avocados (240g)
• 1/4 cup regular cocoa powder
• 3-4 tbsp milk of choice (we recommend almond)
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor until completely smooth. Pour into your cup or jar and put in the fridge. Separately, blitz a handful of oreos in a blender, and once ready, sprinkle across the avocado mousse. To decorate, add either candy worms, edible eyes, and take an oreo and using an edible icing marker you can write 'RIP' or 'BOO' for some added effect!

Now with this desert, you have lots of options. You can either pour the cup full of mousse and sprinkle dirt on top, or you can make layers of both mousse and chocolate dirt. Take your pick, and enjoy.

Strawberry Ghosts

For this Halloween treat, you will need strawberries, white chocolate, and either a black icing pen or some regular milk chocolate. 

Melt your white chocolate, and dip your strawberries in. Place each strawberry on wax paper and keep in the fridge to set. Once ready, use an icing pen to make the eyes and nose, or use a toothpick and milk chocolate. 

Cheesy Witches Broomsticks  

A super simple crowd-pleaser that's savoury - these easy witches broomsticks only require 2 ingredients, pretzel sticks and cheese. For the cheese, buy a cheese string, that you can easily cut with a knife to make the strips making up the broom. Carefully pierce the top to insert the pretzel stick.