As the trunk-or-treat season approaches, many families are gearing up to showcase their creativity in community parking lots. This Halloween-inspired activity, where participants decorate their vehicle boots to resemble festive displays, provides an opportunity for fun and community involvement. Two DIY enthusiasts, Ashley Jones and Chiara Ransome, shared their tips for creating memorable setups that will delight children and families alike.
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Ashley Jones, 26, embarked on her trunk-or-treat journey a few years ago when her sister Angelina’s daughter’s school launched a contest offering a cash prize for the best decorated trunk. Ashley and Angelina teamed up, sparing no expense to create a captivating display. Their vibrant orange Jeep soon became a local favourite, generating excitement each year as attendees speculated on what theme the sisters would present next. “After seeing how much joy it brought the kids, we made a pact to participate every year,” Ashley recalled.
Chiara Ransome, 37, similarly began her trunk-or-treat ventures when she got involved at her niece’s school. After having children of her own, she continued this creative tradition and has progressively become more innovative with her themes. “The projects have become more complex, and I often choose unconventional ideas that are not readily available in stores,” she explained.
Among the duo’s standout concepts is the ‘Trunkin’ Donuts’ booth, a delightful homage to the popular sweet treat. For this setup, Ashley crafted a drive-through window from a tri-fold board, complete with a printed menu from Dunkin’ Donuts. They sourced actual donut boxes and cups to bring the theme to life, utilising colourful tissue paper to represent melting ice cream. “We spent about two weeks assembling everything for our first booth,” Ashley said.
The sisters’ creativity didn’t stop there; they also constructed a circus-themed trunk for a subsequent event. This booth included interactive games, such as a beanbag toss, which proved immensely popular with the children. “We noticed that games kept the kids engaged, so we made it a central feature,” Angelina remarked. Their booth featured vibrant decorations and even a large simulated cotton candy display, capturing the essence of a traditional circus.
Chiara has her own set of inventive ideas, including a movie night theme that drew in crowds with a red carpet appearance. Dressed as a popcorn bucket, she creatively transformed plungers into stanchions for her booth. The backdrop she designed doubled as a photo opportunity for kids, where many queued up throughout the evening to take pictures. “It was adorable to see how many children were excited to have their photos taken against our backdrop,” she recalled.
Another one of Chiara’s ingenious ideas was a ‘mad scientist’ display that included a black cauldron filled with dry ice, producing a dramatic smoking effect that fascinated young visitors. She highlighted the importance of effective lighting, ensuring that her booth stood out in the dark. “Good lighting is essential; it helps attract children after the sun sets,” Chiara advised. String lights and fairy lights were her go-to choices, often enhancing the overall atmosphere of her setup.
Ashley and Chiara not only encourage creativity but also provide invaluable guidance on the materials required to execute these ideas. Sourcing from a mix of local shops and online retailers, they compiled lists for enthusiastic DIYers keen to recreate their setups. This includes a variety of items like poster boards, balloons, and themed decorations, which can be easily assembled to create a stunning display.
As trunk-or-treat festivities gain popularity, the shared experiences of Ashley and Chiara serve as inspiring blueprints for families looking to get involved. Their dedication to crafting unique and fun themes reflects the vibrant spirit of community celebrations—certainly a more engaging alternative to traditional trick-or-treating.
The festive atmosphere created by their efforts not only cements bonds within families but also enhances community ties, bringing together children and parents through shared experiences. Whether it’s with cleverly designed booths or innovative decorations, Ashley Jones and Chiara Ransome demonstrate that with a little creativity and elbow grease, anyone can create a memorable trunk-or-treat experience.