Halloween Pumpkin-Carving Party

By: Maureen Callahan

Kids will revel in the chance to carve pumpkins, but win over adult partygoers with some classic retro party cuisine.

More Pumpkin Pleasers

If you have extra time, add a few more pumpkin items to the supper menu. From toasted pumpkin seeds to soup to fudge, these are clear winners.

More Recipes and Ideas

Carving Out Fun

Let each guest choose a pumpkin from patch and bring it to the table.
Ask adults to cut tops of pumpkins with sharp knives. Make holes big enough for a hand to reach inside. Angle cuts inward so that top of pumpkin won't fall in.
Have younger kids clean out seeds with large spoons, ice cream scoops, or soup ladles.
Use water-based markers to experiment with jack-o'-lantern faces. Outline the design in permanent marker before carving or painting.
Younger kids can paint or mark pumpkins with markers or stickers. Older kids can use plastic carving tools or knives to cut out designs.
Test votive lights. Light candle and put lid on pumpkin. If the light goes out, make some wider cuts in pumpkin to allow better air flow.
Let kids toss store-bought pumpkin seeds with vegetable oil and salt; roast at 350 degrees F until crunchy. (Freshly scraped-out seeds need to be picked through and cleaned, plus air-dried, before roasting.)

The pumpkins are the star of the show, so don't plan an elaborate feast.

The Menu

Whip up easy, crowd-pleasing Sloppy Joes and homemade coleslaw that taste worlds better than store-bought. And for dessert? Something pumpkin, of course.

Gameplan

The night before:

Pick up assorted pumpkins for carving. Avoid broken stems or bruises, as they can cause faster spoilage.
Choose pumpkins that are at least 9-10 inches high so there is adequate room for a votive candle to burn safely.
Shop for carving and painting supplies: permanent markets, water-based markers, tempera paints, small paintbrushes, plastic carving tools, stickers, sponges and glass votives with candles.
Purchase some good-quality hamburger buns and raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds.
Bake dessert, either the pumpkin cake or cheesecake bars. Cover and refrigerate.
Cook sloppy joes in a Dutch oven or saucepan; cover and store pan in refrigerator.
Make a sloppy joe station near the stove. Set out a fall-colored placemat and stack dinner plates, napkins and utensils on top.
Mix up dressing for slaw. Cover and chill.
Print out pumpkin-carving templates from internet Halloween sites or draw your own on white paper so guests have some ideas about what to carve.

Need some ideas? Try our Pumpkin-Carving Templates:

Pumpkin-Carving Templates

30 minutes before the party:

Stack pumpkins under a tree to create a mini patch where guests pick their own.
Set up a carving table outside. Cover it with several layers of newspaper taped into place with masking tape.
Lay out markers, stickers, paints, cutting tools and any large spoons, ladles or ice cream scoops you can find on table.
Fill a few glasses or empty yogurt cups with water and set out for painters. Set out sponges so kids can wipe off mistakes.
Place coleslaw mix in serving bowl and toss with prepared dressing. Cover and chill.
Place pot with premade sloppy joe filling on the stove to reheat. Cover and keep warm--or transfer filling to a crock pot set on the low setting.