Pumpkin Carving Party

At my pumpkin carving parties, I like to create an inviting, rustic look in warm autumn colors. I also allow guests to pick their own pumpkins. By your front door, hang a “Pick Your Pumpkin” sign on a wheel barrel, then fill the wheel barrel with pumpkins and scatter the remaining pumpkins around it.

If you have access to hay or corn husks, liberally disperse around your walkway, and light all of the candles you have for mood lighting. Then, set up pumpkin carving stations: Cover the tabletops and counter spaces with several layers of old newspaper, arrange pumpkin carving tools and knives, and place paper garbage bags near each station where guests can dump the pumpkins' insides.

If you own any cheesy Halloween decorations, be sure to place these decoratively around the party space. Pick up or arrange with flair a Fall medley of orange and rust-colored flowers. Fill a big bucket (or cooler) with ice and instruct guests to chill beer there. Serve the food and drinks in black serving ware. Get fun Halloween-themed paper cocktail napkins from your nearby party supply store.

For the final touches, read more

According to the invitation, I've asked guests to bring their own beer to my pumpkin carving party. I'll be supplying the pumpkins and lots of delicious treats, so I don't feel bad about requesting guests to BYOB. Just be sure to clear a spot for beer on the day of the event; make room in the fridge or fill coolers and beer buckets with ice. That way, when guests arrive with a six pack, they can immediately chill it.

Have sparkling and still water and classic sodas like Coca Cola and Sprite as options for those who don't drink beer. I'll also have one specialty cocktail on hand to help get the party started. For the recipe to this festive, easy-to-make cocktail, read more

It’s Halloween, so there should be plenty of treats — both savory and sweet — at your pumpkin carving party. I recommend offering one homemade treat and lots of store-bought goodies. Make pecan bars dipped in melted chocolate, then fill bowls with your favorite Halloween minis: Air-Heads, Reese’s Pieces, Kit-Kats, and candy corn.

Got extra time on your hands? Make spiked (or regular, if you don't drink) Jell-O jigglers in jack-o-lantern shapes. Want these devilish recipes? All you have to do is read more

Guests will certainly work up an appetite while they create clever jack-o-lanterns at your pumpkin carving party, so offer a delicious menu of all-American food that’s sure to please even the toughest crowd. Serve chips shaped like bats, ghosts, and pumpkins with store-bought green salsa and a homemade nacho cheese dip that's hot and bubbling. Set out bowls of spiced mixed nuts and purchased marinated olives. Round out the menu with mini hot dogs wrapped in a puff pastry crust. For these tasty recipes, read more

Just because Halloween falls on a weeknight this year, doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on all the trick or treating. Invite friends over the Friday before for a Pumpkin Carving Party that allows their inner child to come screaming out. A Pumpkin Carving Party is a stress-free Halloween party because no costumes are necessary. So grab your double sided jagged edged knives and roll up your sleeves: It's pumpkin carving time!

As this is a nostalgic party where everyone will get down and dirty with pumpkin slop, the invitations, should be fun and casual with lots of black and orange to spice things up. To see how I made these easy invites, read more