Channel Beetlejuice This Halloween with These Simple Decor Ideas

15.09.2024 - 19:57 / bhg.com / Sharon Greenthal

Jason Donnelly

Fans of Tim Burton’s 1988 comedy-horror classic Beetlejuice are officially materializing in theaters for the sequel—and it's been a long time coming.

The characters in the original made up the soul of the film, particularly Michael Keaton’s portrayal of the unhinged and fantastical Beetlejuice. (Fun fact: Filmmakers originally wanted Sammy Davis Jr. for the part, but it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Keaton in it.) Fittingly titled Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, key cast members Winona Ryder (Lydia Deetz) and Catherine O’Hara (Delia Deetz) are making a reappearance.

As important as the actors are to the film's smashing success, the home and its transformation from quaint farmhouse to haunted mansion are essential in conjuring up the film's eerie atmosphere. The sequel promises to be another freaky-fun adventure—and taking cues from the original Beetlejuice home for your Halloween decor could turn out to be as quirky and thrilling as summoning Beetlejuice himself. You only need to gather a few materials, pay attention to the details, and utter his name three times—if you dare.

Start by welcoming trick-or-treaters to your apparitional abode with a yard filled with headstones. Make them out of styrofoam and use acrylic paints to give them a dark and dirty look. If you want to stay on theme, add names from the film, like Adam Maitland or Barbara Maitland, and of course, «Here Lies Beetlejuice.»

Use battery-powered candles to shine light on your eerie creations. Hang white sheets with cut-out eyes over small beach balls or balloons from trees for ghosts (and do this inside, too). 

Get plenty of skeletons, whether made from paper or a couple bags of fake bones, to place around your entryway, and light it up with a