Get your friends and neighbors into the Halloween spirit by hosting a pumpkin carving party. As the days cool, pumpkin carving parties are a great way to host one last backyard event as cookouts phase out and the winter season approaches!
What do you need to throw an epic pumpkin carving party? Glad you asked! Let’s dive into the essentials to hosting a super fun seasonal event your guests will secretly (or vocally) hope you make an annual affair!
This post may contain affiliate links. We will receive a commission if you make a purchase through our affiliate link at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
This post is all about hosting a pumpkin carving party.
Pumpkin Carving Party Invite
First things first. Delight your guests by sending a paper invitation to your pumpkin carving party. You could opt to text – but what fun is that? If you can swing a printed invite, do it!
There are tons of digital download options available, especially on Etsy. If you have a color printer, you can easily order, print, and mail for a fairly reasonable price!
If you’d rather have your invitations printed, those are out there too!
Here are a few of my favorites –
Before creating your invite, you’ll want to decide if you’d like your guests to bring their own pumpkins, or if you plan to supply them. Then include those instructions on the invitation so people know what to expect. You could probably argue the etiquette on this, but I think if you’re hosting and providing dinner, in this case it would be okay to ask everyone to BYOP (Bring Your Own Pumpkin).
Pumpkin Carving Party Decorations
Chances are, you already have plenty of Halloween and fall decorations as a starting point for your pumpkin carving party. Pull out your faux pumpkins and spooky decor as a starting point. Then evaluate and see what else you need. Here are a few options to consider –
Pumpkin Carving Party Supplies
Use a blend of “real” and disposable party ware. You’ll save some waste from going in the garbage, but also save some clean up time as well. For this pumpkin carving party, jack-o-lantern napkins are a must. You also will need disposable tablecloths for the carving station, as well as some cute dessert plates for treats!
Pumpkin Carving Party Food
Chili is the best pumpkin carving party food. Seasonal – check! Crowd pleaser – check, check! Easy – check, check, and check!
Since it’s a one-pot meal, there’s little left to do but serve. Offer cheese, sour cream, and other toppings of choice so your guests can customize their witches brew. Cornbread or corn chips are is easy sides served in a black wire bowl, like the one below.
Pumpkin Carving Party Beverages
Boos and brews! There are a ton of fun directions you can take your beverages. A selection of Halloween inspired boutique sodas (think orange, black cherry, and root beer) in a graphite beverage tub for the kids. Wine in a marble cooler. (Bonus points for customizing the bottles with Halloween labels!) Apple cider in matte black mule mugs. OR you can pick out an assortment of spooky label craft beers. The options are endless!
Jack-O-Lantern Carving Table Set Up
Once everyone has enjoyed their chili, it’s time to get down to the business at hand – carving jack-o-lanterns! Before anyone arrives, prep the carving area so you’re ready to jump into the activity.
Use disposable tablecloths or butcher paper to cover the tables. You know, for all the pumpkin innards!
Have enough carving supplies to go around set up at different stations around the table. You can use small trays to corral utensils. Offer permanent markers, stencils, and push pins or tape for more intricate designs. Then let the Halloween fun commence!
How to Run a Pumpkin Carving Contest
Once everyone has completed their pumpkin masterpieces, it’s time to light the night. For safety, I recommend battery powered candles. Display your lit pumpkins so all can easily be seen. Next to each, place a bowl or box for votes.
Pass out the same number of voting papers or tokens to each guest. Then instruct everyone to place their votes in the bowls or boxes next to the carved pumpkins.
Once all votes have been cast, then it’s time to tally the votes and declare the winners! Announce third place, second place, and then first place – with everyone else as runners up. You could also give out certificates for most original, funniest, scariest, etc.
Halloween Party Favors
No hurt feelings at our pumpkin carving party! Everyone gets a prize and feels positive about their efforts! In that spirit, everyone walks away with a Halloween party favor. I’m a fan of favors that are somewhat utilitarian. Less chance of them ending up in “long term storage” (a.k.a. garbage)! How about a mini flashlight (perfect for beggars night) and lip balm tucked into a boo favor bag? You could add a few pieces of candy for an extra treat too!
Halloween Party Treats
End your pumpkin carving party on a sweet note. Create a tray or board filled with Halloween themed cookies and candy. Don’t forget decaf for the adults – pretty much just an excuse to use some adorable Halloween to-go cups!
Pumpkin Carving Party Playlists
Get your guests in the carving spirit with a spooktacular playlist. Amazon Prime Music makes it SO easy if you’re like me and don’t have time to currate songs. Here are a few family-friendly Halloween playlist and station options for you to consider –
Don’t Forget to Pin!
You May Also Like These Posts
31+ BOO-TIFUL PASTEL HALLOWEEN PARTY SUPPLIES FOR YOUR FEARLESS EVENT
12 BOHO THANKSGIVING TABLE IDEAS THAT WILL MAKE YOU LOOK LIKE A PRO
12 BEST MODERN PARTY SUPPLIES BRANDS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
Cheers!
