Easy Dollar Tree Halloween Ghost Centerpiece

If you love ghost Halloween decorations, this easy Dollar Tree Halloween ghost centerpiece is a pretty and inexpensive project to make. It starts with a simple glass cylinder vase and three little wooden ghosts, then adds paint, ribbon, raffia, flowers, and a vintage inspired Ghostly Gatherings label. I also tucked cinnamon scented pinecones inside the arrangement for a cozy fall fragrance.

Make This Halloween Centerpiece on a Budget

The main pieces for this Halloween centerpiece cost me less than $10 at Dollar Tree. You can keep the rest of the project almost free by gathering and upcycling supplies you already have. I wanted to use a glass vase for mine, but an empty tomato can would work just as well. You can purchase inexpensive faux flowers, gather dried grasses from outdoors, or do what I did and use a little of both.

For the cinnamon scented pine cones, you can purchase them pre-scented or make your own using clean, thoroughly dried pine cones and a little cinnamon fragrance oil. Since the pine cones will be hidden inside the arrangement, they are an easy way to add that warm fall scent without changing the look of the centerpiece.

How to Make a Dollar Tree Ghost Halloween Centerpiece

Supplies

Step 1: Paint the Inside of the Vase

After pouring about 2 tablespoons of paint inside the vase, cover the opening with plastic wrap and secure it tightly with elastic bands to help keep your work surface clean.

This takes a little patience. Slowly roll the vase, changing its position as needed so the paint flows over any uncovered areas.

Once the inside of the vase is completely coated, place it upside down and let the excess paint flow downward for about an hour.

Carefully remove the plastic wrap, gathering up the excess paint as you go. Use your finger to smooth any bare spots around the upper rim, then turn the vase right side up and leave it to dry overnight.

Step 2: Paint the Wooden Ghosts

Paint three small wooden ghosts with the same cream colored chalk paint used for the vase. Paint both the front and back, letting each side dry before turning them over. I only needed one coat for good coverage.

At this point, you have three choices for aging the ghosts. The easiest and cheapest option is to simply sand and distress them. If you already have brown furniture wax on hand, you can use a tiny amount to add a soft vintage grunge finish. The third option is a little more involved, but very budget-friendly: use strong coffee to stain and age the cream paint.

Hide the Holes in the Wooden Ghosts

The Dollar Tree ghosts have small holes at the top for hanging. I neglected to fill mine before painting, but they are easy to hide.

For a smooth finish, press a little wood filler into the hole, let it dry, sand it smooth, and touch it up with paint.

For an even easier fix, tie a small piece of ribbon or ripped fabric around the top of the ghost to cover the hole. This works especially well if you want to add another little vintage detail to your centerpiece.

Option 1: Sand and Distress the Ghosts

Using 180 to 220 grit sandpaper, lightly sand around the outside edges and the openings around the eyes and mouth. Concentrate on areas where paint would naturally wear away. Stop when you are happy with the amount of distressing.

Option 2: Add Brown Furniture Wax

After distressing, dip a waxing brush very lightly into brown furniture wax and remove most of the wax before touching the ghost. Brush from the outside edges toward the center, then dab a little wax around the upper part of the face. I dipped my brush only once for all three ghosts. Each ghost became a little less grungy than the one before it, which gave them a naturally mismatched vintage look.

Option 3: Age the Ghosts With Coffee

For a budget-friendly alternative, mix a little instant coffee with just enough hot water to make a strong dark stain. Let it cool, then blot most of the coffee from your brush before lightly brushing it around the edges and facial openings. Let it dry completely, then repeat if you want a darker, aged finish.

For now, set the ghosts aside. We will come back to them when we begin arranging the centerpiece so we can adjust their height and placement.

Step 3: Paint the Haunted House

The haunted house is optional, but I like the extra height and dark contrast it adds behind the cream ghosts. If you prefer a simpler arrangement, you can leave it out.

Remove the Dollar Tree haunted house from its stand, then paint both the front and back with one coat of chocolate brown paint. Let it dry completely before setting it aside.

Step 4: Add the Ghostly Gatherings Label

I made the free printable label 4.5 inches high and left it a little wider so you can trim it to fit your vase the way you like.

First, cut away the extra paper. Then use a tiny craft brush and a little water to wet the edge where you want the paper to tear.

The water softens the paper so it tears where you want it to instead of ripping anywhere it wants.

Tearing the paper around all four sides gives the label a soft, worn edge that looks much more vintage than a straight cut line.

Attach the Label

Place the vase on its side on a folded towel so it does not roll around while you position the label. Add narrow strips of double-sided tape to the back of the label, especially near the outer edges. Double-sided tape works well for this lightweight paper label, and you can usually find it at Dollar Tree.

Press the label onto the vase from the center outward, smoothing it gently around the curve.

Assemble the Ghostly Gathering Centerpiece

Step 1: Gather the Centerpiece Supplies

Before assembling the centerpiece, gather a few stems and supplies from around the house. I used wheat I had picked, assorted flowers, wooden dowels, cinnamon-scented pinecones, ribbon, and the finished Halloween pieces.

Use whatever dried stems, grasses, flowers, or seasonal bits you already have before heading to Dollar Tree for anything extra.

Step 2: Fill the Jar with Pinecones

Fill the jar with cinnamon-scented pinecones instead of floral foam. You may need to shift them around as you build the arrangement.

Step 3: Add the Wheat

Start at the back with the tallest pieces. Place the wheat stalks first to establish the height of the arrangement.

Step 4: Add the Haunted House

Glue two wooden dowels to the back of the haunted house. Insert it near the back of the jar in front of the wheat.

Step 5: Balance the Arrangement with Flowers

Add a small group of flowers to the left side to balance the height and weight of the haunted house.

Step 6: Attach Stems to the Dollar Tree Ghosts

I planned to use dowels for the ghosts, but they looked too large and clunky.

Instead, trim three wheat stalks for each ghost and glue them to the back. Judge the length by eye so the ghosts sit at different heights.

Step 7: Add the Dollar Tree Ghosts

Insert the ghosts into the arrangement and adjust their height and position until each one can be seen clearly.

Step 8: Fill in with Flowers

Add the remaining flowers in small amounts around the ghosts. They help hold the ghosts in place while filling out the arrangement.

Step 9: Add the Halloween Ribbons

Tie a simple bow around a short piece of wooden dowel and secure it with hot glue.

Glue a small purple flower over the top of the dowel to hide it, then tuck the finished bow into the arrangement.

I love how this little Ghostly Gathering turned out. It feels unmistakably Halloween themed, but it is still pretty to look at and enjoyable as part of the decor. The creamy ghosts, dark haunted house, vintage label, wheat, flowers, and ribbon give it plenty of seasonal character without making it feel overly bright or garish. Best of all, most of it can be made with inexpensive Dollar Tree finds and things you already have around the house.

Save this Dollar Tree ghost Halloween centerpiece for later and make your own Ghostly Gathering with wooden ghosts, a haunted house, vintage details, and simple floral stems. It is an easy Halloween craft that feels festive and spooky while still being pretty enough to enjoy as part of your fall decor.

I haven’t made many Halloween centerpieces yet, so if you’re looking for more ways to decorate for Halloween with a centerpiece, take a look at my collection of 31 Creepily Creative Halloween Centerpieces for lots of spooky and creative ideas.