Signage & Props

Using What You Have:

To transform our library into a world of fantasy, we made the most of what we already had in storage—Halloween decorations. These worked well with our theme and added a touch of magic to our space. For one of our key encounters, we even utilized a simple (and very affordable) origami dragon. We also put out instructions and origami paper for folks who wanted to create their own.

Creating Ambiance:

Ambiance is key to bringing your fantasy world to life. We dressed up our reception tables with tablecloths, tea lights, and twinkle lights used for other holidays. Who can resist the glow of twinkle lights?

Resourceful Team Effort:

Use the resourcefulness and creativity of your team. One of our team members brought in elegant glass containers to enhance our candy buffet's visual appeal. Another brought in a couple of free Burger King crowns for our skeleton in the study carrels and the Josh Allen (Go Bills!) cut-out we had in the reception area. Josh Allen had a D&D logo on his shirt that a colleague in the Registrar's Office made for us using her Cricut Machine. Another team member shared a box of props for our photo booth. Every small detail contributed to the playful atmosphere. 

Additional Budget-Friendly Options

For those on a tight budget, like us, we recommend checking out a local dollar store for some additional affordable props. DIY projects can be a great way to add a personal touch to your decor. These can be fun projects for student workers to help with. 

Intentional Purchases

In addition to our raffle prizes, we made a couple of other intentional purchases to elevate our event. Here are a few of those select elements: