63 Days ’Til Christmas: Pumpkin Carving Ideas for a Fun Fall Weekend

This post is part of the #100DaysTilChristmasChallenge – one small step every day to make the holidays more joyful and less stressful.

It’s Thursday — not exactly the best night to cover your kitchen table in pumpkin guts.
But it is the perfect night to plan your pumpkin carving weekend.

This weekend is your last chance before Halloween, which makes it the ideal time to pick your pumpkins, grab your carving tools, and get ready for one of fall’s best family traditions. A little planning now means less stress and more fun when it’s time to carve.

Today’s to-do: get ready for your pumpkin carving night. 🎃

🧡 Plan Your Pumpkin Carving Night

1. Pick Your Pumpkins

Head to the pumpkin patch or grocery store before the weekend rush so you can find the good ones. Look for pumpkins with:

• A flat surface for carving
• A sturdy stem
• No soft spots or cracks

If you’re carving several, it’s worth getting an extra in case one doesn’t hold up.

2. Gather Your Supplies

Having the right tools ready makes carving night much easier.

You’ll need:

• A sturdy pumpkin carving kit with different blade sizes for detail work
• Flameless LED tea lights to safely light your pumpkins
• Newspaper or a disposable table cover for easy cleanup
• A couple of bowls — one for seeds, one for scraps
• Paper towels or wipes
• Gloves if anyone prefers not to touch the insides

Tip: Most grocery stores, craft stores, or even dollar stores carry inexpensive carving kits this time of year — no need to overthink it. Or you can be like my family and use our sharpest knives and almost cut our leg off. 😋

3. Choose Your Designs

There are so many ways to approach your pumpkin:

• Keep it classic with triangle eyes and a grin.
• Try themed or modern patterns. Etsy has som great and unique pumpkin carving templates you might want to check out.
• For younger kids, use cookie cutters or tracing shapes.
• If you want something longer-lasting, skip the carving and paint or decorate instead.

🍽️ Plan an Easy Dinner for a Smooth Evening

Pumpkin carving can get messy — between the seeds, the pulp, and the newspaper-covered table, the last thing you’ll want to do afterward is scrub dishes so make sure you use throw away plates, bowls, cups, and silverware. Whatever makes your life easier.

Plan a simple dinner that won’t add to the cleanup. A few easy options:

• Take-and-bake pizza or pizza delivery
• Slow cooker chili or soup made earlier in the day
• Sheet pan nachos or tacos (one pan, easy to clean)
• Grilled cheese and tomato soup for a cozy, quick meal

While dinner’s handled, set up your carving area. Cover the table, have towels or wipes ready, and keep a trash bag nearby for scooped-out pumpkin. Once everyone’s finished, pop LED candles into your jack-o’-lanterns, set them outside, and admire your family’s handiwork.

🕯️ Keep Your Jack-o’-Lanterns Fresh Until Halloween

Since you’re carving a little early, these simple steps can help your pumpkins last longer:

1. Clean Thoroughly:
   Rinse the inside with a mixture of water and vinegar to slow down mold growth.
2. Seal the Edges:
   Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or vegetable oil on the carved edges only. Skip this if you’re using real candles, as oils can be flammable. LED lights are the safest choice and help pumpkins stay firm longer.
3. Optional Soak:
   Submerge the pumpkin in a water-and-bleach (or lemon juice) solution for 5–10 minutes to kill bacteria.
4. Keep Them Cool & Dry:
   Avoid direct sunlight. If temperatures drop below freezing, bring pumpkins inside overnight to prevent softening once they thaw.
5. Mist Daily:
   Lightly spray carved pumpkins with a vinegar-water mix to maintain moisture.
6. Revive a Wilting Pumpkin:
   If it starts to look tired, soak it in cold water for an hour or two to refresh it.

♨️ Roast Those Pumpkin Seeds

Don’t toss the seeds — they make a simple, crunchy fall snack and smell great while they’re roasting.

Ingredients:

• Seeds from 1–2 pumpkins
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• Salt (or cinnamon sugar for a sweet version)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the seeds and remove any leftover pulp.
2. Pat them dry with a towel.
3. Toss with oil or butter and seasoning.
4. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden.

Try these flavor ideas:

• Garlic salt and pepper
• Pumpkin pie spice and sugar
• Ranch seasoning mix

Let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

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• You’ve Been Booed Tags — for a fun neighborhood or classroom surprise
• Halloween Checklist — all the little things to prep before the big night
• “Please Take One” and “Please Take Two” Candy Signs — perfect for trick-or-treat night
• Halloween Party Planner — to organize food, décor, and games
• Family Halloween Movie Night Bingo — a fun screen-time activity for all ages

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📋 Today’s To-Dos

• Pick your carving day (this weekend)
• Buy or pick your pumpkins
• Check your carving tools and supplies
• Choose designs or stencils
• Plan an easy dinner to go with your carving night
• Save your seeds for roasting