You certainly can opt for the classic toothy grin and triangle-shaped eyes. But, if that no longer feels quite as thrilling as it did when you were a kid, you're in the right place. After all, if you're going to go to the trouble of whipping out a brand-new pumpkin carving kit, you might as well have an epic pumpkin to show for it at the end. Here, you'll find pumpkin decorating ideas that are far more exciting. From simple drilled hole designs to that are easy enough for anyone to tackle to tall topiaries that show off all your skills, there is something for everyone.
Carving experts and beginners at pumpkin crafts alike will find at least one idea here to tackle this October. So visit your local pumpkin patch and pick out the best one. Then, all you need to do is throw down some newspaper and sharpen your tools! Or be mess free with some faux pumpkin options. Either way, you'll display your newest outdoor Halloween decorations proudly in no time at all!
1
Pumpkin Votive Candles
Alice and Lois
Grab a bunch of mini pumpkins and get carving, because you're about to make the most seasonal votive candles! The great thing about pouring wax directly into the pumpkins instead of inserting pre-made candles is that you don't have to be as precise when carving the hole.
Another lit idea? Make candle holders with added greenery to create a stunning centerpiece. You can carve real or faux mini pumpkins for this project and add dried arrangements to make them last longer.
3
Double Trouble
Itziar Aio//Getty Images
Uh oh, looks like one little gourd is in a bit of a pickle... er, pumpkin. This fun idea really gets into the scary aspect of the holiday, but is still so cute. Using a contrast color for the inside will help pop the scene.
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4
Grinning Jack-o'-Lantern Candy Holder
Dream a Little Bigger
Who needs a separate candy holder for your porch when you can double the fun with a happy jack-o'-lantern? What makes this one better is that you can reuse it every year because it's made with a faux pumpkin!
If you love the idea of a carved candy bowl and want to kick it up a notch, go neon! The carving part itself is so simple, especially if you use faux pumpkins. It only takes a few coats of paint, too!
If you've got some faux pumpkins from previous years, upcycle them into a cute carved and stacked topiary! These started off as orange and were spray painted white for a different look that will surely stand out.
Rather than a spooky message, give a gentle reminder that the world could always use a little kindness. Sweet messages like "be kind" and little flower carvings are an easy way to spread the love.
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Serving Dish
Malcolm P Chapman//Getty Images
Ree Drummond gives you full permission to carve a "fancy-schmancy" bowl when serving her pumpkin soup recipe, though this simple pattern won't take too much time at all. It would also work well for serving dips for parties, too!
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Cookie Cutter Pumpkin Carving
Kid Friendly Things to Do
Here's an easier one to do with the kids! Grab some Halloween cookie cutters and hammer them in for a fun and spooky result. It's best to go with simple shapes like ghosts so you don't have to worry about finer details.
Carving is just the start of this stunner. You'll really impress your guests by adding a paper diorama in the center, lit by flickering LED candles. It might take a little more time, but the end results are worth the effort!
You'll need a faux pumpkin for this project, but that's a good thing. Because you'll definitely want to put it out each year. It is both a welcome sign and a candy bowl for trick-or-treaters.
Well, since a pumpkin is a fruit, why not give it some buddies by carving other kinds? All types of melons would work, as would pineapple. You can also carve veggies like orange peppers!
Yes, we have a few candy bowls on this list! But what we love about this one (besides the hilarious toothy grin and googly eyes!) is the additional sign attached. It would look good on practically every type of carving, cute or creepy.
A warm welcome to all with this pretty pumpkin! Both the carving and etching are done with a battery-powered tool for better precision, but you could also give it a try by hand.
As if mini pumpkins weren't cute enough already! Here, they're transformed into planters for succulents, which are simply tucked into the carved-out top.
This is probably one of the most adorable pumpkin carving ideas we've ever seen! You use the pumpkin face template to create adorable expressions, and plant little succulents for their hair!
Trade out your usual candy jars for one that’s even more festive. This tutorial recommends using a plastic or foam pumpkin, so don’t worry about getting pumpkin juice on your candy!
Your porch will be the talk of the annual Halloween party with this creative pumpkin sitting on it. The lantern has creepy crawlies dipping in and out, and isn't "spooky" what Halloween is all about?
Nailhead pumpkin designs look like something out of Crate & Barrel! Metallic furniture nails look especially cool in black and white pumpkins, but orange ones or gourds will do as well!
Is drilling the same as carving? Eh, what’s it matter! Draw dotted or circular patterns with a pen and use a drill to create evenly sized holes. Using a drill-bit will make your jack-o'-lantern design far more even and clean than any pointed carving knife.
Micaela Bahn is a freelance editorial assistant and recent graduate from Carleton College, where she majored in English literature. She loves running, photography, and cooking the best new recipes.