12 Brilliant Ways to Use Pumpkins at Your Halloween Party
These next-level pumpkin ideas put the "trick" in trick-or-treat.
When it comes to throwing a spooktacular Halloween bash, we take decorating and preparing the perfect menu very seriously. Whether this is your first time playing hostess, or you're looking for new ways to impress your guests this year, these pumpkin hacks will take your party to the next level.
Create a Serving Bowl For Punch
Skip the punch bowl and pour apple cider inside a pumpkin instead. Not only does this idea look adorable, the pumpkin flavor will infuse your drink with tasty fall goodness, too.
Serve Food in Pumpkin Dishes
Stuff your pumpkins—and your guests—with this clever recipe that's as adorable as it is delicious.
Cook a Whole Pumpkin to Make Puree
Instead of buying canned pumpkin at the supermarket, put a whole pumpkin in your slow cooker to create your own puree. Your guests will be impressed at how fresh your sweet and savory pumpkin recipes taste.
Get the recipe at Bless This Mess.
Easily Peel Pumpkins for Cooking
Cooking a pumpkin first will make peeling off the skin easier and faster. This method ensures no pumpkin-y goodness goes to waste, as often happens when you use a knife to cut off the rind.
Get the recipe at From Brazil to You.
Freeze Pumpkin for Later
When you're cooking for a large group, you're bound to have leftover scraps from recipes. Save puree for later by freezing it in bags or containers.
Get the recipe at Clever Pink Pirate.
Turn a Pumpkin into a Keg
Create a festive beverage dispenser by attaching a spigot to a pumpkin. Fill it with pumpkin ale or the fall-themed cocktail of your choice.
Set the Mood With Candles
Create a dreamy atmosphere for your party by turning pumpkins into candles. The room will smell of fall aromas, too.
Get the tutorial at Hello Natural.
Cool Beverages
Fill a scooped out pumpkin with ice for the perfect place to cool beverages at your next party. For the best results, look for a pumpkin that can lay flat on its side.
Get the tutorial at Everyday Dishes.
Turn a Pumpkin into Your Party Menu
Cover a pumpkin in chalkboard paint for the perfect spot to display the evening's menu. Last minute changes? No problem—the words will be easily changeable.
Get the tutorial at Better Recipes.
Make a Serving Bowl for Dip
Keep your party guests full and satisfied by leaving a tasty dip on display in pumpkin bowls.
Courtesy of Handmade in The Heartland.
The Best Way to Carve a Pumpkin
If you're planning on lining your porch with illuminated pumpkins to welcome guests to your party, this trick is for you! Instead of carving off a circular opening at the top of your pumpkin, re-create the angular shape shown here. You'll be able to more easily place a candle inside.
Learn more at Make Magazine.
Use a Power Drill to Carve Pumpkins
Light up a room with these pumpkins that look like disco balls. A power drill is the secret to carving the perfectly sized holes every time.
Get the tutorial at Crafty Nest. (And see more of our favorite ways to decorate pumpkins with power drills!)
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