Woman’s ‘Over-the-Top’ Halloween Display ‘Slows Down Traffic’ (Exclusive)

As Halloween approaches, most families find themselves scrambling to pull together last-minute spooky decor — not 56-year-old influencer Jennifer Houghton, though.

Houghton is always ahead of the decorating game. After weeks of hard work, her Dallas home is transformed into a jaw-dropping Halloween spectacle by early September every year. 

“I absolutely adore Halloween, it’s one of the most magical times of the year for me,” Houghton tells PEOPLE exclusively. “I love creating whimsical, over-the-top displays that make people feel like they’ve stepped into a storybook.”

To do so, her front porch and corner lot serve as the grand introduction to the year’s Halloween theme, offering a miniature glimpse of the story that continues inside her home.

This year, Houghton put a fun, family-friendly twist on Halloween by pairing classic characters with their quirky sidekicks – like a Skeleton and his snake – creating a playful, inclusive vibe that welcomes kids, pets and neighbors alike.

“Every season we come up with a brand new theme. That’s part of what keeps it so exciting,” she explains. “Sometimes the ideas come to me when I’m shopping or brainstorming, and other times they literally come to me in a dream.”

Houghton says she often skips the scary in favor of whimsy and charm, making sure each display is a magical adventure meant to delight everyone who experiences it.

Over the years, Houghton’s decorations have become a neighborhood legend. “People drive by just to see it, and sometimes it even slows down traffic,” she says.

However, while passersby enjoy the impressive exterior decorations of her home, it’s the inside that truly wows friends and family.

Unlike most people who focus solely on curb appeal, Houghton devotes much of her time to making the interior feel just as “intentional and magical.”

“The inside definitely takes the most time,” she reveals. “I love transforming our foyer, since it’s the first impression when you walk in, and the family room, because that’s where we spend the most time together as a family.”

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Houghton loves repurposing decorations and finding creative new ways to give old pieces life. By blending reused decor with a few new investments, she keeps the displays fresh, without overspending.

“I am a big believer in shopping after-holiday sales,” she shares. “It’s fun to buy things when they are 80% off, but remember, only buy pieces you love and then you will always find the perfect place for them.”

Her decor often comes from Amazon, Michaels, HomeGoods, Holiday Warehouse and thrift shops. For oversized statement pieces, she collaborates with local artists and builders to bring her vision to life.

“It’s always a mix of reimagining what I already have and adding in those special new touches,” she says. “It’s not just about buying things, it’s about creating something magical and unique each year.”

When it comes time to decorate, Houghton’s eldest son and his wife always pitch in during installation weeks – a tradition that’s become especially meaningful to the family.

Now, her granddaughters are getting involved too, and even their smallest contributions are left untouched, adding a personal and heartfelt addition to the decor.

“Even if something they set up looks completely out of place, I leave it exactly the way they set it up,” she admits.

“To me, that is far more important than having the perfect look! Decorating has always been about more than just making the house beautiful; it’s about creating memories together as a family.”

Although decorating on this scale requires a significant time and financial commitment, Houghton loves every minute of it.

For her, it’s about creating an immersive atmosphere and experience filled with joy, creativity and family togetherness. The process is just as meaningful as the final display.

“Honestly, I go all out for every holiday. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day or even the Fourth of July, I see each holiday as an opportunity to spread joy and bring my family and community together,” Houghton tells PEOPLE. 

“Halloween just happens to be the kickoff to a whole season of celebration, so it sets the tone for the rest of the year’s festivities.”