Ghost Garland: Easy DIY Ideas and Store-Bought Options That Actually Look Good

Ghost Garland: Easy DIY Ideas and Store-Bought Options That Actually Look Good

Ghost garland transforms any space into a spooky haven without the hassle of complicated Halloween decorations.

I’ve tested countless Halloween decorations over the years, and ghost garlands remain my go-to because they’re forgiving, quick to set up, and honestly hard to mess up.

Why Ghost Garlands Beat Other Halloween Decorations

You know that frantic feeling when you realize Halloween is three days away and your house looks like any other Tuesday?

Ghost garlands solve that problem fast.

They work anywhere – draped across mantels, strung along banisters, taped to windows, or hung from doorways.

Unlike those inflatable lawn decorations that deflate by noon or fake cobwebs that somehow end up in your hair for weeks, ghost garlands stay put and look intentional.

The Cheesecloth Ghost Garland I Keep Coming Back To

I’ll be straight with you – this is the one I make every single year.

Last October, I threw together a garland while my coffee was brewing, and it stayed up until Thanksgiving because my neighbor kept complimenting it.

What You Actually Need

• Cheesecloth sheets cut into 7.5×7.5 inch squares
• Wooden craft beads (about 1-inch diameter)
• White craft glue
• Black acrylic paint or permanent marker
• Jute twine
• Pinking shears
• Hot glue gun
• Large-eyed needle

How I Make Them Without Losing My Mind

Step 1: Prep Your Cheesecloth

Cut your cheesecloth into squares. Don’t stress about perfect measurements – ghosts are supposed to look a bit wonky. Layer each square so you get that flowing, ethereal look.

Step 2: Attach the Head

Slather white glue on half of your wooden bead. Press the center of your cheesecloth square onto the glued area. Make sure one side sits flat – this becomes your ghost’s face.

Cover those bead holes with glue too, or your cheesecloth will fray like a bad haircut.

Step 3: Create Your Ghost Army

Let everything dry completely. Paint faces on each ghost – simple dots for eyes and an “O” mouth work perfectly. I learned the hard way that elaborate faces just look muddy from a distance.

Step 4: String Them Up

Use your pinking shears to poke through the bead holes on each side. Thread your twine through with that large-eyed needle. Space ghosts about 6 inches apart. Secure each one with a dab of hot glue so they don’t slide around.

Tie loops at both ends for hanging.

Cost breakdown: Under $15 for a 6-foot garland with about 8-10 ghosts.

The 15-Minute Book Page Version When You’re Actually Short on Time

This one saved me when I volunteered to decorate my kid’s classroom party and forgot until the morning of.

Materials

• Old book pages or scrapbook paper
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Hole punch
• Cotton string
• Mini clothespins

The Process

Draw ghost shapes on your paper – don’t overthink the template. Mine look like lumpy potatoes with tails, and that’s the charm.

Cut them out.

Punch two holes for eyes. Here’s the secret: hole placement creates personality. Close together = surprised ghost. Far apart = dopey ghost. Uneven = slightly drunk ghost.

String them up using the mini clothespins.

This method lets you rearrange ghosts easily and swap out damaged ones without redoing the whole garland.

Total time: 10-15 minutes

Cost: Basically free if you have supplies

Store-Bought Options That Don’t Look Cheap

Sometimes DIY isn’t happening, and that’s completely fine.

I’ve bought plenty of pre-made garlands, and some actually look handmade.

What’s Actually Worth Buying

Budget Range ($10-15):

72-inch iridescent wall garlands catch light beautifully and look way more expensive than they are. Paper banner garlands with 15 ghost shapes give you length without bulk.

Mid-Range ($15-35):

Ceramic ghost strands with hand-painted faces. These feel substantial and survive multiple seasons. Felt Halloween garlands in 60-inch lengths hold up to kids, pets, and general chaos.

Splurge Options ($35+):

Decorative tinsel garlands in black and silver add shimmer. Premium fabric versions with embroidered details.

I bought a $32 felt garland three years ago that still looks perfect despite being stuffed in a bin with other decorations.

The cheap paper ones lasted exactly one season before looking defeated.

My Favorite Quick Paper Chain Method

Remember making paper chains in elementary school?

Same concept, ghost edition.

Grab A4 paper, scissors, and a pencil. Fold your paper accordion-style. Draw half a ghost shape along the fold. Cut around your outline BUT DO NOT CUT THE FOLDS.

That’s the trick – those fold points keep your ghosts connected.

Unfold and boom – instant garland.

This works perfectly for last-minute decorating or keeping kids occupied while you tackle the actual party prep.

Where to Actually Hang These Things

After making approximately 47 ghost garlands over the years, I’ve learned some spots work better than others.

Places That Work

Mantels: Drape them with slight sags between attachment points. Too taut looks uptight. Let those ghosts flow.

Staircases: Wind them around banisters. Attach with clear fishing line instead of tape so you don’t damage wood.

Windows: Tape them across the top and let them hang down. They cast excellent shadows when backlit at night.

Doorways: Create an archway effect. Just make sure they’re high enough that tall guests don’t get a