BOO! It’s that time of year again…time for our Pumpkin Carving Party! This year, we decided to have a pasta dinner by pumpkin light to enjoy our hard work and each other. When I saw these pasta bowls from Coton Colors, I started planning our dinner party. I really love setting the table to get everyone in the spirit and using fun dishes and serving ware makes it easy to do.
For the table, I picked up a few plastic spider web place mats from Party City and layered this adorable orange tassel napkin under these cute polka dot trick or treat pasta bowls. Love using touches of gold in my flatware and glasses. I added a few candles to the table and we were all set.
I had a separate table set up for our carving. Everyone brought their own pumpkins and I put carving tools out for them to use as needed. My favorite tip for our annual pumpkin carve is to use a drywall knife to cut the top of your pumpkin. The serrated knife makes it really easy to carve. Large scooping spoons allow for easy removal of all the guts and I like to have a large plastic cauldron nearby for the discarded guts. For the detail carving, I set out a plate with a small bowl filled with scoops, detail knives, and pokers along with a small bowl of candles for lighting the pumpkins.
This year was the first year we didn’t use patterns to carve our pumpkins. I had a couple of silver sharpies out to draw on the pumpkin and then cut out what was drawn. It is amazing how much quicker this is and they are just as cute! But for those of you who have the patience for a pattern, I do love seeing how they come to life once they are finished and the candle is lit.
After all the pumpkins were carved, we lit them all and set them around the table to enjoy as we sat down for dinner. Keeping dinner simple, I served Pumpkin Pasta in a large bowl and a fresh loaf of french bread. Using the food as a centerpiece allowed me to enjoy my guests while making sure they got a second serving!
And for a little favor, I made spooky popcorn and packaged it in cute witch treat bags. The popcorn was so easy to do! Just take bagged popcorn and spread it onto a parchment lined pan. Melt candy melts in different Halloween colors and drizzle it onto the popcorn. Add candy sprinkles while the melted candy drizzle is still soft. Put the whole pan in the refrigerator for a few minutes to harden the drizzle. Take it out and let it come to room temperature. Then you can break it apart and package into treat bags for your guests.
How do you carve your pumpkins each year? With a group of family or friends or just on your own? I’d love to hear your favorite tips!
So now that you have a plan, hop on over to Coton Colors and grab what you want for your Halloween dinner party this year!
Mickie says
Hi Amy, can you please give me information on the coton color bat and spider dish. It’s really cute and I can’t seem to find one. Are they retired?
Thank you