Shannon loves to throw pumpkin carving/painting parties with her friends this time of year and it’s easy to see why. Group activities that get everyone a little outside their comfort zones (we’re looking at you, pumpkin goo) are instant memory-makers. We love embracing the cooler weather and feel ourselves being pulled outdoors to enjoy the new season. If you’re feeling that same pull, or craving a bit of quality time with the people you love, we suggest choosing a date and time and throwing a pumpkin carving party! Here are all the essentials we’ve discovered through the years to guarantee a good time:
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There’s more than one way to decorate a pumpkin
While the purest form of a pumpkin carving party is to carve a pumpkin, we’ve actually found ourselves drawn more and more to pumpkin painting these days. There’s no denying the charm of a candle flickering inside a carved pumpkin, but the longevity that comes with a painted pumpkin has these Florida-based Bees reaching for a palette. Not sure whether to have a carving or painting party? Offer both!
The tools
No matter your decorating approach, it will be important to have the right tools for the job. Carving tools, like this cute set from Target, can help you achieve even the most ambitious design. If you’re looking to paint, you’ll want to make sure you have acrylic paints–the best type for pumpkins because it won’t crack and the colors remain vibrant. Painters will also benefit from soft, foam brushes that can’t puncture the skin of the pumpkin and a painter’s palette adds to the fun. Painter’s tape can help make clean lines and keep your design looking crisp.
Stencils are another “tool” you can provide at your party. A classic stencil book like this one usually has enough variety to satisfy a crowd of varying interests and dedication. However, if you’re looking to take your stencils to the next level we recommend using a Cricut to create your own custom stencils.
Mess management
Pumpkin decorating is a messy activity any way you look at it. These are our favorite ways to control the mess and keep the party–and your belongings–looking neat. Aprons are a must for protecting your fall fashion from spatters. Our favorite apron happens to be this one from APIARY. Compost bins are a great way to collect pumpkin pieces during the party and they can then be easily transported to compost after guests have gone to minimize waste. Lastly, one of our favorite tips is to use kraft paper to cover your tables because it can be quickly thrown away after the party and minimizes necessary cleaning.
Lighting essentials
Incorporating different sources of light at any party can help set the mood. For pumpkin carving parties, we like to have LED lanterns on all of our tables to keep work surfaces nice and bright. Overhead, we like the soft glow of outdoor market lighting to define our space. Inside our carved pumpkins, the safest option is to use flameless battery-powered tea lights.
Items to pull from around your house
Finally, there are few things from around your house that should be pulled out for a pumpkin carving party. Trash cans and extra trash bags outside can help make sure any mess doesn’t make its way into your home. Paper towels and newspapers are great for cleaning. Folding tables and chairs provide a steady place to carve and paint and keep your guests comfortable while they create.
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