Essentials for Hosting a Pumpkin-Carving Party
Carve some fun into fall with a day of pumpkin picking, jack-o’-lanterns, and treats to get everyone in high spirits.Legends of the FallGrown on every continent but Antarctica, the pumpkin was once thought to be a cure-all for freckles and snakebites. But what this vine-grown fruit does best is symbolize everything magical and spooky about the season. If you don’t believe that, just ask Ichabod Crane.How to Select a Pumpkin to CarveWhen choosing a pumpkin for carving do, be sure to:Examine the rind. It should be firm, uniform in color, and free of cuts, bruises, and blemishes.Make sure that the stem doesn’t look brown and dry. And don’t use the stem as a handle, since even a healthy one can break off. Pick up a pumpkin by its base instead.Give the pumpkin a knock. A thumping sound means the pumpkin is solid, with no internal defects, rot, or soft spots.How to Carve a Jack-o’-Lantern1. With a serrated knife held at an angle, carefully cut an opening around the stem, making a small notch in the back (to guide you when replacing the lid).2. Use a large spoon to remove the pulp and scrape the sides clean of stringy bits.3. Draw on a face (washable markers allow kids to draw, rinse, and repeat).4. Carve, then add a tealight.*Pumpkin-Carving Tip*Don’t carve your jack-o’-lantern too early or it won’t survive until Halloween night. Once cut, a pumpkin lasts about four to five days, then starts to rot.Toasting Pumpkin SeedsGive kids the job of separating the seeds from the pumpkin innards while adults handle the carving. Put aside the seeds to be toasted later for a crowd-pleasing snack of roasted pumpkin seeds. Click here for the recipe.Music to Carve By“Beetlejuice: Main Titles,” composed by Danny Elfman”Ghostbusters,” Ray Parker Jr.”In the Midnight Hour,” Wilson Pickett”I Put a Spell on You,” Nina Simone”I Want Candy,” Bow Wow Wow”Spooky,” the Classics IV”That Old Black Magic,” Ella Fitzgerald”Thriller,” Michael Jackson”Werewolves of London,” Warren Zevon”Witchcraft,” Frank SinatraHow to Make Your Pumpkin LastPumpkins don’t need to be carved to be decorative, and left intact, they should last until U.S. Thanksgiving (and are perfect for cooking).But they do need warmth on cold nights: When pumpkin rinds freeze, the insides deteriorate and then collapse. Cover them with a blanket or bring them inside. A display on the mantel can be as charming as one on the porch.And last but not least: 4 Recipes perfect for Halloween Parties.