2. Find a photo of the person you are dedicating your altar too. This can be one person who has passed away or maybe several. Some people even use pictures of their pets.

3. Cover your altar in "Papel Picado" This is bright colored tissue with cut out designs. You may purchase this at any craft store. Three important colors are Purple(Pain), White(hope), and pink(For the celebration).

4. Candles are placed all over the altar. If you don't make your tissue paper in step 3 the colors, try making the candles those colors. 

5. Place three candy skulls on the altar. These represent Holy Trinity. Also make sure to have a large skull This represents the giver of life. 

6. Incense-Have an incense burner at your house to wisk away he bad spirits and clear a path for the good spirits. A small cross of ash made so the ghost can expell guilt when it is stepped on.

7. Bread of the Dead should also be placed onthe altar along with fruit, and candy.  Also the person's favorite food may be placed.

8. A towel, soap and small bowl areput on the altar so that the returning ghost can wash their hands after their long trip. Also a pitcher of fresh water to quench their thurst. A bottle of liquor may also be placed to remember the good times of thier life. 

9. To decorate, leave a fragrance on the altar. The traditional cempasuchil flower is placed around other figures. Dried pot pourrie is great for this.