GRANDVILLE, Mich.,––It's the perfect time to get started on your pumpkin decorating! Halloween is fast approaching and the kids in costumes will soon come knocking at your door. Get your home in the Halloween spirit with a few pumpkins on your porch. Whichever way you decide to carve your pumpkin (spooky, cute, or downright scary), we've got some fun pumpkin carving ideas you can try. Plus, we've included some tips that'll help you properly prep and preserve your pumpkin.
Next, before carving or decorating, clean your pumpkin thoroughly so no dirt or debris remain. You can also help to preserve the outside of your pumpkin by spraying it with a bleach solution (1tbsp bleach : 1qt water) and letting it dry for about 20 minutes.
Lastly, if you're carving your pumpkin with a specially made set or just your kitchen knives, make sure to clean your tools! Even if they've just been sitting in a drawer since last year, give them a good wash in warm water and soap.
Pro-Tips: Dress your little ones in old t-shirts or aprons to contain the mess. Have a few bowls ready for collecting pumpkin guts and pumpkin seeds. And if you're equipped, try a drill and beater setup to easily clean out your pumpkin!
Prepping Your Pumpkin & Tools
First, you'll need to pick and purchase a pumpkin if you don't have one yet. We recommend picking a pumpkin that has a thick, strong stem and no soft spots or punctures.Next, before carving or decorating, clean your pumpkin thoroughly so no dirt or debris remain. You can also help to preserve the outside of your pumpkin by spraying it with a bleach solution (1tbsp bleach : 1qt water) and letting it dry for about 20 minutes.
Lastly, if you're carving your pumpkin with a specially made set or just your kitchen knives, make sure to clean your tools! Even if they've just been sitting in a drawer since last year, give them a good wash in warm water and soap.
Carving Ideas
Remember: Pumpkins don't last forever! Once they've been carved, they're more susceptible to rotting. Carve your pumpkins 7-10 days before Halloween, so your carved design will still look fresh when your trick-or-treaters arrive.Pro-Tips: Dress your little ones in old t-shirts or aprons to contain the mess. Have a few bowls ready for collecting pumpkin guts and pumpkin seeds. And if you're equipped, try a drill and beater setup to easily clean out your pumpkin!
Perfect for a few days after Halloween to celebrate Dia De Los Muertos.
Make your own fun pattern using different size drills.
This involves a little paint and some stacking skills if you're feeling up for a challenge!
Disney inspired with that spook factor you need to creep out your trick-or-treaters.
Make a 'night of the living dead' scene come to life in your yard with these spooky stacks.
Guide your trick-or-treaters up to your door with these cute lanterns!
7. Pup Pumpkins
If they didn't already know, show your neighbors you love dogs with these perfect pup stencils.
Preserving Your Pumpkin
As mentioned above, your carved pumpkins will only last about 7-10 days. You can fight the inevitable rot by using some preservation techniques after carving. Various blogs we looked through recommend another spray of the bleach solution mentioned above or a bleach/water soak for 4-6 hours, coating the cut part of the pumpkin with vaseline, spraying the cut parts with WD-40 or cooking oil. All these methods help to preserve the moisture in the pumpkin, which help it look fresh!
Recommended across the board: don't place your pumpkin directly in the sun and bring them into your garage or place them in a covered spot when it rains.
We hope you enjoy pumpkin carving with our ideas and tips, and hope you have a safe and fun Halloween this year. If you're looking for ways to avoid scary car issues, we've got a few tips on our website! Get to know your vehicle's routine and seasonal maintenance needs by reading the information on our site, then schedule an appointment for service at our dealership in Grandville. We'd be more than happy to answer all your questions, offer competitive pricing, and take good quality care of your vehicle no matter what make and model you drive. We look forward to seeing you this Halloween season!
