How to carve a Halloween pumpkin? Guide and inspiration for October 31

October is definitely a month full of pumpkins! Pumpkin is a vegetable with a very wide range of uses in the kitchen - it is perfect for both sweet baked goods and dry dishes. Pumpkin is also an integral part of the autumn decorations of our homes. From the United States, the tradition of creating pumpkin farms has reached us, and such appear every year near major cities. The pumpkin is also one of the most important decorations on the Halloween - pumpkin lanterns with candles inside decorate homes around the world on October 31 each year. If you, too, want to make your own pumpkin lantern, read our short tutorial.

How to cut out a Halloween pumpkin?

1. Choose the right pumpkin - it is not advisable to buy pumpkins earlier than a week before Halloween, as they may not survive until the holiday itself. Try to choose a healthy pumpkin, without damage. Watch out for mold! Watch the pumpkin carefully. You can tap the pumpkin, if you hear a "hollow" sound, the pumpkin is ripe. Choose a pumpkin with a flat base - this will make it easier to place a candle in it later on. If you are carving a pumpkin with your children, think about a medium or smaller one.
2. Choose the right design - it is worth considering in advance what design you want to put on the pumpkin. Below you'll find a handful of inspiration, you'll also find many free printable designs online. Draw your design on a piece of paper or print it out. Cut out the pattern where you will redraw it on the pumpkin. Redraw the pattern.
3. Use a sharp knife to cut out the pumpkin. The easiest method is to cut off the top of the pumpkin along with the tail. It is good not to cut off the top horizontally, but diagonally towards the center. Now it's time to hollow out the pumpkin - an ice cream scoop or large spoon works well for this. Put the pulp and seeds in a large bowl. Note! The deeper you hollow out the pumpkin inside, the more light will penetrate through it. Remember to hollow the base of the pumpkin as flat as possible - this will ensure stability when you put the candle into the pumpkin. Now it's time to cut out the pattern in the pumpkin according to the diagram redrawn earlier. Cut slowly and carefully.
4. Time to light up the pumpkin by means of appropriately selected candles.

What kind of candle to put in a pumpkin lantern?

Traditionally, small solid candles or tealights. This is a very good solution. To further protect the pumpkin and the surrounding area, we recommend placing the candle of your choice in a glass candle holder. You can use the simplest votive candle holders for this purpose. Always trim the wick in a candle to a length of about 5 mm.

If you are lighting a candle in a pumpkin lantern remember to have proper ventilation. Don't forget to leave enough holes at the top - you can either remove the cut-out lid from the pumpkin completely or make a few holes in it. Remember never to leave a lantern with a lit candle unattended. It's a good idea to place the lantern on a saucer or plate, especially if you're going to place the pumpkin surrounded by wood.

Funny pumpkins for Halloween - Creative decoration ideas!

Halloween is a time for creativity, and pumpkins are an integral part of this unique tradition. Although the classic pumpkin lantern is a classic, nothing prevents you from giving this idea a bit of humor. This year, try to do something really original! Instead of the traditional scary design, create fun, funny pumpkins that will amuse any guest.

How to make funny Halloween pumpkins?

1. Pumpkins with funny faces - Instead of scary faces, try creating smiling, wide-eyed or funny grimaces. Add some expressive details, like a mustache or glasses - they will look really comical!
2. Pumpkins with additives - Use small accessories such as toy glasses, witches' hats, clown noses or even colorful yarn hair. This will turn your pumpkins into real characters that will attract attention.
3. Animal-style pumpkins - Instead of the classic human face, try cutting out animal faces, such as cats, bunnies or funny frogs. You can also add fake ears, tails or noses to the pumpkins, which will further emphasize their playful nature.
4. Fun pumpkins for kids - If you have children, involve them in creating fun patterns. Instead of scaring people, choose fairy tale characters, smiling faces or items related to their favorite characters.

Funny pumpkins for Halloween - DIY ideas

All you need to create fun Halloween pumpkins is a little creativity, and a few extra accessories you can find at home. Do it yourself and create a cheerful atmosphere that is sure to amuse everyone.