Give those purple ribbons, black mesh, and white balls from your past Christmas, Halloween, Mardi Gras, Easter, or New Year’s wreaths or ornaments another go. If you decide to buy them, make sure to keep them handy for future trees during the same holidays.
Shopping List
Ribbon for a slim 6–7-foot tree:
- One 10-yard roll of bat ribbon can create a loose diagonal sweep.
- The second roll provides enough for four or five accent bows.
- One 10-yard purple roll should make the purple bow loops and several filler bows.
- If your tree is full rather than slim, purchase one additional roll of the bat ribbon.
Best ways to reduce the cost
- Use plain white balls you already own and add removable black bats.
- Substitute the inexpensive 3D bat package for specialty bat ornaments.
- Cut bat sprays into separate pieces; one spray can yield several tree accents.
- Make the topper from ribbon scraps and bats rather than buying a finished topper.
- Place most decorations on the front and visible sides of the tree.
| Item | Suggested quantity | Budget-friendly option | Notes |
| Black-and-white bat wired ribbon, 2½ inches | 2 rolls | Bats & “Eek!” ribbon—10 yards | Use it for the diagonal sweep and mixed bows. |
| Purple wired ribbon, 2½ inches | 1 roll | Purple wired-ribbon choices | Choose a solid or glittered purple. Craft Outlet had purple choices starting around $7.50 when checked. |
| Purple glitter ribbon for the topper | Optional, 1 roll | Purple glitter wired ribbon—10 yards | Use this only if you want the curly glittered topper exactly like the photograph. Otherwise, curl leftover purple ribbon. |
| Black bat sprays | 3–4 sprays | Black glitter bat spray | Cut each spray apart to distribute individual bats throughout the tree. |
| Extra bat topper spray | 1 | Black-and-white glitter bat spray—$5.95 when checked | Place upright behind the ribbon loops at the top. |
| Assorted lightweight black bats | 1 package | 60-piece reusable 3D bat set | A very economical substitute for individual bat ornaments. Attach with floral wire or ornament hooks instead of adhesive. |
| Large white shatterproof balls | 4–5 | Walmart white shatterproof ornament options | Buy plain reusable balls and decorate them with small bats from the 60-piece package. |
| Black decorative mesh or fabric | 1 roll or 2 yards | Dollar Tree Halloween decorations | Tuck loose pieces into open areas instead of wrapping the entire tree. |
| Black floral wire or chenille stems | 1 package | Walmart black chenille stems | Use to secure bows, ornaments, bats, and the sign. |
| “Gone Batty” sign | 1 | Etsy | I purchased the sign in Etsy. |