Pumpkin Carving &Decorating Tips

Pumpkin Carving Tips

• When choosing a pumpkin to buy, avoid ones with bruises or moldy stems; these won't last as long.
  
• When cutting the top of the squash, angle the point of your knife toward the stem. This gives the lid a place to sit and will prevent it from falling down the hole.
  
• If the cut edges of your jack-o'-lantern are curled, rehydrate the squash by soaking it in a tub of water overnight. After removing, let the squash drain for half an hour and pat dry.
  
• Soaking your squash in a solution of one teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water will help inhibit mold growth.
  
• While your Jack-o'-lantern is on display, periodically mist it with water to keep it hydrated.
  
• Covering a lantern with a damp towel will keep it hydrated when not on display.
  
• At night, wrap your plastic lanterns in plastic and refrigerate. This will slow down the aging process.
  
• After carving, coat the cut edges and the inside of the lantern with petroleum jelly. This will help seal in moisture. Vegetable oil can also be used.
  
• There are also commercially available sprays and sauces that will keep your jack-o'-lantern fresh for longer.
  
• Spraying hairspray on the inside of the gourd will help increase its shelf life.
  
• Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on the bottom of the top of the pumpkin for a pleasant scent when the candle inside your lantern is lit.