Have you been thinking about new ways to get your friends and family together for an afternoon or evening of simple fun? Celebrate the fall season and throw a Pumpkin Carving Party. It’s so easy to organize this event. With a little pre-planning, these tips will make the event go off without a hitch.
Inviting Your Friends
Design a party invitation that features pumpkins, Jack-O-Lanterns or other fall designs. Use colorful construction paper in red, orange, gold and brown colors. Trace around a Jack-O-Lantern cookie cutter and you’ll have a simple shape to use on the invitations. Or to keep it even easier, create your invitation online and email it to your guests.
Be sure to include the details of the party: date, time, address and any other pertinent information. You may suggest that each person bring a cleaned-out pumpkin that’s ready to carve, or simply provide pumpkins for your guests.
Distribute invitations about two to three weeks before the party, if possible. Asking your guests to RSVP helps with the planning.
Getting Ready for the Party
On the day of the party, here are a few hints to keep in mind as you get ready:
- Decorate the entrance to your home with pumpkins, straw bales and corn stalks. It’s a low-cost, easy way to set the scene.
- Decide where the pumpkin carving will take place. Consider the garage, the backyard, or a room in your home. To make for quick clean up afterwards, cover the tables and the floor with plastic or vinyl tablecloths.
- Set bowls or containers of safe pumpkin carving tools and spoons at various locations on the table. Each person needs a carving tool at the same time, so make sure there are plenty of tools to share. Remember to place small bowls on the table where the seeds can be tossed. They can be roasted later for a tasty Halloween snack.
- Get creative with carving ideas. Prizes may even be in order for the scariest pumpkin, the happiest pumpkin or the funniest pumpkin. Make sure there is a prize for everyone.
Planning the Eats
No party is complete without great snacks and treats to eat. From caramel apples to caramel corn, there are lots of favorites that make the most of the fall season. Consider these ideas to get you started:
Caramelized Garlic Cheese Spread
Cheese & Fruit Platter
Spicy Pumpkin Bars
Blushing Ghost Punch
You can also try Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, Pull-Apart Pumpkin Cake or Witches Brew Punch.
If you plan to serve a meal at your party, you can serve chili or a hearty soup or stew, such as Baked Bean & Kielbasa Stew with Cheesy Mummy Rolls.
Party Favors
One more “little extra”… decorate small cellophane bags and fill with Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow. Each guest can go home with a sweet & salty treat, as well as their very own carved pumpkin. Everyone will remember this party as a fun fall gathering!