Halloween Pirate Decorations

A PLAN? What do you mean?

even the worst pirates had a plan (or at least a compass)

• 1Budget!
  Figure out how much you want to spend on your pirate theme and stick to your budget. Is it going to be a one time thing or a theme your going to build on for a few years to come?
• 2Look for deals all year!
  You can find bargains all throughout the year to make the budget stretch even further! Don't miss garage sales, flea markets, close-out sales, tent sales, and even scour your friend's basements/attics/closets/etc., for items they may not miss, err, need I mean! (e.g. for island themed ships ~ don't miss the end of summer sales or even the huge closeout sales around Christmas to get ahead for the next Halloween)
• 3Don't actually ACT like a pirate!
  When planning any type of "construction," always check with your city for permits or restrictions. Pirates may have been privateers that didn't like to follow rules or pay taxes, but do you want to ruin your fun by shelling out money to pay a fine?
• 4Enlist help!
  Pirates enlisted or hired deckhands to share the workload and so should you! Get all of your friends and family involved in the project; just be sure to remind them who gets all the glory and the riches! Argh!
• 5Add unique touches!
  Creating an entire scene will help make your pirate creation come to life. Where is the ship going? Are they on the open sea? In a port? On an island? What are they doing? A battle at sea against a royal ship (e.g. the neighbor across the street if you can get them to join you)? Drinking rum in a port bar? Basking with native girls under palm trees? The more specific your idea, the more it will come to life in your yard (or wherever you decide to create it).