DIY Halloween Place Card Holders: With Free Printable


Ready to add a dash of spooky charm to your Halloween table? These DIY pumpkin place card holders are the perfect way to bring your tablescape to life—without spending a lot of money! With an easy-to-follow guide and a free printable, you’ll have your guests boo-ing in delight at your crafty genius.

Jump to How to Make DIY Halloween Place Card Holders
A Halloween-themed table decoration showcases a black pumpkin with a skeletal hand clutching a "Happy Halloween Matt" sign, perfect as DIY Halloween place card holders. The pumpkin is surrounded by moss, with a candle flickering in the background.

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Introduction of Project

These DIY Halloween place card holders are more than just a fun project—they’re a fabulous way to add a personalized touch to your Halloween dinner party. Each guest will love having their own spooky place setting, and the best part? They get to take home an adorable keepsake! Even better, with affordable Dollar Tree supplies, you can create these unique and festive place card holders without blowing your budget.

Materials for DIY Halloween Place Card Holders

You can purchase most of these at Dollar Tree or local craft stores.

  • Dollar Store foam pumpkin with a flat bottom 
  • Dollar Store skeleton salad tongs 
  • Rose gold spray paint 
  • Black craft paint or black spray paint
  • Modern Masters metal effects primer, paint and rust activator 
  • Spanish moss 
  •  Archival Ink
  • Card Stock
  • Free printable template
  •  Wood skewers
  •  Large terra cotta pots filled with dirt 

Additional Tools You’ll Need

  • Hot Glue Gun
  • Small hack saw
  • Scissors
Two bottles of Modern Masters Metal Effects Primer are perfect for your Halloween decorations project. The larger 16 fl. oz. and smaller 4 fl. oz. bottles prepare wood, metal, and more surfaces, ensuring your creations stand out before adding metal effects or oxidizing paints and patinas for your DIY Halloween place card holders.
Two bottles of Modern Masters Metal Effects Rust Activator, perfect for crafting eerie Halloween decorations. The larger bottle holds 1 gallon, while the smaller has 16 ounces of blue liquid. Both feature a red-brown label with the brand and product name, ideal for DIY Halloween place card holders.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Name Card Holders

Follow these easy step by step instructions to create the spookiest card holders.

Step 1: Remove pumpkin stem

Remove the pumpkin stem and insert a wood skewer into the hole on top of the pumpkin. 

Tip from wendy’s craft room:

Modern Masters Metal Effects paints come in various colors and metal finishes. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with them to discover unique combinations and effects. Mix and match for truly custom results!

Six small orange pumpkins are arranged on a flat surface outdoors, their slightly bumpy textures and white spots subtly highlighted by soft, natural light. Perfect as DIY Halloween place card holders, they add a touch of festive charm to any Halloween table setting.
A hand holds a small orange pumpkin, perfect for crafting DIY Halloween place card holders, while a paper cup with a paintbrush and brown paint and a bottle of paint rest on the Halloween table.

Step 2: Primer the pumpkins

While holding the skewer, apply an even layer of Modern Masters primer to the pumpkin.

Place the skewer in the pot of dirt so the pumpkin can dry. 

A small brown gourd on a skewer stands upright in a terracotta pot filled with soil, perfect for Halloween decorations. The background features a white wooden fence, green bushes, and a clear blue sky, adding charm to your festive Halloween table.

Step 3: Paint and patina the pumpkins

 Apply a coat of Modern Masters oxidizing bronze paint over the primed surface. While the paint is still wet, generously spray it with the rust activator to kickstart the rusty patina pumpkin effect. Once done, carefully place the skewers into the terra cotta pot of dirt to dry completely. 

Shiny black pumpkins displayed on wooden sticks in a terracotta pot make for perfect Halloween decorations. The dark, glossy surfaces with reddish streaks add an eerie touch, set against a white picket fence and pebbled ground, creating an ideal backdrop for your DIY Halloween table.
A terracotta pot holds several dark-colored, bulbous objects on sticks, resembling flower buds, doubling as spooky Halloween decorations. The background features greenery and blurred elements, suggesting an outdoor setting perfect for a festive Halloween table.
Tip from wendy’s craft room:


Experiment with applying multiple coats of paint and rust activator to achieve different effects and finishes.

A close-up of a large, weathered, metal-look pumpkin with streaks of rust and patina serves as the perfect centerpiece for Halloween decorations. It rests on a surface with another similar pumpkin nearby, while a porch with white railings and trees creates an enchanting backdrop.

Step 4: Preparing the skeleton hands for diy Halloween place card holders

Follow these next steps.

  1. Cut the plastic skeleton arm bone in the center using a small hand saw.
  2. Spray paint the skeleton hands with rose gold spray paint, allowing them to dry completely.
  3. Apply a light coat of black craft paint or spray paint to the skeleton hands. Use a paper towel or a rag to wipe some of the black paint off so you can see the rose gold paint. You can also use a toothbrush and flick it with your finger to get a speckle effect. 
Two skeletal forearms, including hands and wrists, are shown upright and side by side with fingers spread, reminiscent of DIY Halloween place card holders. The image is on a plain white background, perfect for inspiring spooky Halloween decorations.
Two plastic skeleton hand-shaped utensils are laid on a brown surface. Featuring intricate bone detailing, these hands resemble human skeletal hands, making them perfect for setting the stage at your Halloween table or even as quirky DIY Halloween place card holders.
Three metallic skeleton hand forks, perfect as Halloween decorations, are arranged against a textured surface. Their elongated fingers and shiny finish make them ideal for adding a spooky touch to your Halloween table.
A person carefully wipes a small, realistic metal skeleton hand with a cloth. Positioned on a flat surface, it doubles as an eerie DIY Halloween place card holder, casting shadows that enhance the spooky Halloween table setting.
Three bronze-colored skeletal hands with elongated fingers are displayed on a flat surface, perfect for adding a spooky touch to your Halloween table. Their metallic sheen and detailed joint structures offer an eye-catching addition to your Halloween decorations, exuding a slightly weathered appearance.
Tip from wendy’s craft room:

Be sure to wipe off the excess paint quickly as it dries fast.

Step 5: Putting the hand into the pumpkin

  1. Add a little hot glue in the small hole of the pumpkin and insert the skeleton hand. 
  2. Add a small amount of Spanish moss around the small hole of the pumpkin where you inserted the skeleton hand.
Close-up of a dark, textured pumpkin with dry, tangled straw-like material at its base, perfect for DIY Halloween place card holders. A metallic, bronze-colored stem extends upward, adding a festive touch to your Halloween table setting against a neutral background.

Step 6: Prepare your Halloween Place Cards

  • Download the template for the DIY place cards.
  • Type in your guest’s names and print them on card stock paper. 
  • Grab a festive Halloween-themed piece of paper from Michael’s and glue it to the back of your printed name cards. Let it dry completely.
  • Cut out the name cards using small scissors.
  • Use the archival ink around the edges to give them a spooky touch. 
  • Insert the name cards into the skeleton hand. 
  • A close-up view of a black-and-white striped pattern. The stripes alternate between black and white and are of equal width, creating a uniform and symmetrical design. The image has a texture reminiscent of fabric or wallpaper.
  • Six Halloween-themed name tags on a wooden surface, each featuring a spooky tree, bats, and a crow. The names on the tags are Meghan, Monroe, Matt, Sydney, Trent, and Dillon. Perfect as DIY Halloween Place Card Holders with "Happy Halloween" at the top of each tag.
  • Two "Happy Halloween" cards with the names "Dillon" and "Matt," surrounded by blank cards with tree and bat designs. On top are two small Archival Ink containers, one in black (Jet Black) and one in brown (Vintage Photo), both for stamping.
A skeletal hand emerges from a black pumpkin, clutching a sign that reads "Happy Halloween Matt" on a rustic label. Straw surrounds the pumpkin's base, crafting a spooky DIY Halloween place card holder. It's the perfect centerpiece for your Halloween table against the brown backdrop.

Yield: Pumpkin place card holders

How to Make DIY Halloween Place Card Holders

These DIY pumpkin place card holders are the perfect way to bring your tablescape to life—without spending a lot of money! With an easy-to-follow guide and a free printable, you'll have your guests boo-ing in delight at your crafty genius.

Active Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours
Difficulty Easy

Materials

  • Dollar Store foam pumpkin with a flat bottom 
  • Dollar Store skeleton salad tongs 
  • Rose gold spray paint 
  • Black craft paint or black spray paint
  • Modern Masters metal effects primer, paint, and rust activator 
  • Spanish moss 
  •  Archival Ink
  • Card Stock
  • Free printable template
  •  Wood skewers
  •  Large terra cotta pots filled with dirt

Tools

  • Hot glue gun
  • Small hack saw
  • Scissors

Instructions

  1. Remove the pumpkin stem and insert a wood skewer into the hole on top of the pumpkin. 
  2. While holding the skewer, apply an even layer of Modern Masters primer to the pumpkin.
  3. Place the skewer in the pot of dirt so the pumpkin can dry. 
  4. Once the primer is dry, Apply a coat of Modern Masters oxidizing bronze paint over the primed surface. While the paint is still wet, generously spray it with the rust activator to kickstart the patina pumpkin effect. Once done, carefully place the skewers into the terra cotta pot of dirt to dry completely. 
  5. You can repeat step four as many times as you like until you get the perfect patina. 
  6. For the next steps. Cut the plastic skeleton arm bone in the center using a small hand saw.
  7. Spray paint the skeleton hands with rose gold spray paint, allowing them to dry completely.
  8. Apply a light coat of black paint to the skeleton hands using either black craft paint or spray paint. Use a paper towel or a rag and wipe some of the black paint off so you can still see the rose gold paint. You can also use a toothbrush and flick it with your finger to get a speckle effect. 
  9. Add a little hot glue in the small hole of the pumpkin and insert the skeleton hand. 
  10. Add a small amount of Spanish moss around the small hole of the pumpkin where you inserted the skeleton hand
  11. Prepare your Halloween Place Cards
  12. Download the template for the DIY place cards.
  13. Type in your guest's names and print them on card stock paper. 

  14. Grab a festive Halloween-themed piece of paper from Michael's and glue it to the back of your printed name cards. Let it dry completely.

  15. Cut out the name cards using small scissors.
  16. Use the archival ink around the edges to give them a spooky touch. 
  17. Insert the name cards into the skeleton hand. 
© Wendy
Project Type: DIY / Category: Halloween Crafts
A decorative, blue flourish with elegant, swirling lines on a white background resembles Halloween table embellishments. The design features loops and curves, creating a symmetrical and ornamental pattern perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your spooky festivities.

How to Style Your Halloween Tablescape

I love crafting an enchanted Halloween table where eerie meets elegance and ghouls gather for a celebration filled with tricks and treats. 

Here are a few suggestions to help you create a beautiful table this Halloween. 

  • Choose a fun location to host your party. 
  • Choose a theme if you like. I went with an eerie, elegant crow crossing Halloween theme.
  • Choose your table linens, plates and silverware, create a great centerpiece, make some fun decorations like terra cotta pumpkins or these diy apothecary jars.
  • Use your diy pumpkin place card holder to identity your guest seats. 
  • Add lots of candles and ambient lighting.
  • Create a fun Halloween menu with drinks to go with your holiday table and theme.
  • Add spooky elements like plastic rats, spiders, spider webs, and skulls can add a creepy factor.
The Halloween table is adorned with a DIY touch: imaginative place card holders complement the centerpiece of branches and birds. White pumpkins, flickering candles, and elegant settings blend seamlessly into the décor, while warm hanging lamps cast a cozy yet spooky glow over the festive Halloween decorations.
Tip from wendy’s craft room:

Create other fun items to incorporate into your Halloween table. Try making epoxy google eye coasters, or terra cotta pumpkins. These are all easy and fun crafts you can make with your family and add so much to your tablescape.

Expert Crafting Tips and Tricks

 Customize the design to match your style and put your own personal spin on it! Instead of using pumpkins, try swapping them out for mini terra cotta pots or painting them in unexpected colors like metallic gold, deep plum, or terra cotta. The possibilities are endless, and these small changes can make your place card holders truly unique and perfectly tailored to your party’s theme. 

More Halloween Ideas from WM Design House

If you love this spooky and elegant Halloween DIY, you might also enjoy some of my other favorite Halloween ideas.

A skeleton hand tongs brings a touch of Halloween to the table as it stirs roasted Brussels sprouts with chopped bacon and onions sizzling in a black skillet.

Easy Smoked Brussels Sprouts Recipe with Maple Bacon

A beautifully decorated outdoor table with autumn-themed and Halloween decor, featuring pumpkins, candles, and rustic tableware. Four hanging lamps illuminate the setting, surrounded by greenery and a cozy, inviting atmosphere perfect for a festive Halloween gathering.

6 Spook-tacular Recipes for A Halloween Dinner Party

A whimsical arrangement of four stacked pots adorned with Jack-o'-lantern faces, filled with greenery and vibrant blossoms. These charming Halloween decorations create a rustic outdoor setting perfect for your festive season.

DIY Outdoor Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Topiary

A decorative dark blue swirl design with elegant curves and loops on a white background, perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your Halloween table or crafting DIY Halloween place card holders.

In the end, creating your own unique and spooky Halloween place card holders is a fun and simple way to add a personalized touch to your holiday tablescape. Whether you choose to stick with classic pumpkins or put your own twist on the design, your guests will be wowed by the attention to detail and creativity. Plus, with affordable supplies and easy steps, you can enjoy crafting these without the stress. So, get inspired and start crafting to make your Halloween party decor truly unforgettable!

Handwritten text that reads "Wendy xoxo" in blue ink. Above the text, a small heart with three lines radiating from each side serves as a charming touch, perfect for DIY Halloween place card holders on a festive Halloween table.
A blue pushpin is next to handwritten text reading "Pin to Remember It!" on a white background, adding a crafty touch reminiscent of DIY Halloween place card holders for your spooky table setup.
Halloween-themed place card holders create a spooktacular table setting. Top left: skeleton hands. Top right: pumpkin and potion bottle decor. Bottom: printed cards with names. Text: "DIY Halloween Place Card Holders for your perfect halloween table—Free Printable.

Did you make this craft?

We would love to see what you have created, so mention us @wmdesignhouse or tag us using #wmdesignhouse so we can see your creations!

More about me!

A woman with long, light brown hair stands in a doorway, smiling warmly. She wears a blue striped shirt and holds a bouquet of pink flowers. Inside, amidst Halloween decorations, the cozy interior features wooden furniture and plants for a festive touch.

Hello, I’m Wendy – a dedicated homemaker with a deep passion for decorating, gardening, cooking, and crafting. I find joy in harmonizing beautiful elements to fashion a space that is both comfortable and inspiring. I will help you create a beautiful home, one project at a time.

Connect with Wendy

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10 Comments

  1. Such a creative place cardholder for all the spooky soirees! Thanks for sharing, Wendy! Creatively, Beth

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Anita. They were so fun to make and I love how the added the perfect spook touch to my Halloween table.

      Reply

  3. You had me smiling from the first photo. Such a creative project! Looks great on your amazing spooky table!

    Reply
    1. Wendy McMonigal says:

      Thanks so much, Missy. I appreciate it!

      Reply

  4. These are fantastic Wendy! Always love a good Dollar Tree project. Love that they can be taken home by guests. Happy October! XO- MaryJo

    Reply
    1. Wendy McMonigal says:

      Dollar Tree is the best, isn’t it? I love finding different treasures there!

      Reply

    1. Thank you, Rachel. I hope you are enjoying fall as well!

      Reply

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