No-Carve Pumpkins

(October 2011) – One of the greatest traditions of the fall season is selecting the perfect pumpkin to take home and decorate. Usually this is followed by a few hours of spreading out newspaper, wielding a carving instrument, and cleaning up lots of pumpkin seeds and scrapings afterwards. But some of the greatest things about the new trends in pumpkin decorating are that there’s no pumpkin scraps to clean up, no sharp objects to maneuver, and with no cutting they last a lot longer.

Check out these fun suggestions from our pumpkin-loving holiday experts for some no-carving designs that are simply “gourd-geous!”

• All that glitters: Applying something shimmery contrasts nicely with the natural feel of a pumpkin. You can completely cover it in glitter or rub it with metallic paint and a rag for a faux mercury glass effect. Attaching rhinestones, sequins, or other sparkly attachments in a beautiful design will give it just the right amount of bling.

• Written word: Pumpkins placed at the entrance of the home are a traditional welcoming item. Personalize it by using a marker or paint in order to write a message such as “Welcome,” “Trick or Treat,” or the initial of your last name.

• All tied up: Even a simple ribbon bow tied around the stem of a pumpkin gives it a finished look. Also, look at other fun finishing items such as raffia, ric rac or marabou to give it a festive feel.

• Tap into your inner Michelangelo: You don’t actually have to be an accomplished painter in order to make your pumpkin something special. Find a template online to trace and paint or stick to simple patterns like polka dots, stripes, or swirls.

• If all else fails: If you find yourself overwhelmed and out of time, do not despair. A display of lots of different colors and styles of gourds placed on a bed of fall leaves (silk or natural) will always create a pretty scene. Whether they’re arranged them in a basket on a dining room table, in an old wheelbarrow next to the front door, or stacked carefully on top of each other on a buffet, all you need is a few minutes and an eye for presentation.